When using your iPad for printing, you have to connect it to a separate printer. This article details how you can easily add a printer to an iPad.
Most iPads can easily be used as laptop alternatives. This is because they pack enough power to perform any tasks a laptop can. This makes them useful for many professional tasks like printing, drawing, streaming, and many other business functions.
Before you can start, you need to verify your iPad and printer’s connectivity. Here are some important considerations.
How to Prepare to Add a Printer to an iPad
To connect, you need to first ensure that your printer is compatible with AirPrint or a special iPad connection app from the manufacturer.
Connect your printer and iPad on the same Wi-Fi network. Your iPad must be running iOS 4.2 or higher; else it will not work. Finally, ensure your printer is powered on and ready to use.
Setting Up a Printer on an iPad with AirPrint
After confirming all connectivity requirements, you need to set up your printer to work with the iPad. Ensure that you have a wireless printer that supports AirPrint, which allows iPads and iPhones to print conveniently without any additional setup.
Initiate printing from your iPad. Once you have an AirPrint-compatible printer on the same network as your iPad, simply select the content you want to print, such as an email or webpage, and tap the ‘Share’ option. Then, choose ‘Print’ and select your AirPrint printer from the list.
How to add a printer to my iPad without AirPrint?
If you do not have AirPrint compatibility, there are many options you can use to print. Below are 4 options you can try.
- Method 1 – Printer Manufacturer Apps
- Method 3 – Print Using Third-Party Apps
- Method 3 – Google Cloud Print
- Method 4 – USB Printing (For Some Printers)
Method 1 – Printer Manufacturer Apps
Step 1 – Download the Printer App Many printer manufacturers offer dedicated apps that allow you to print directly from your iPad. Visit the App Store and download the app corresponding to your printer’s brand.
Step 2 – Connect iPad to Printer Launch the app, and it will guide you through the setup process to connect your iPad to the printer. Once connected, you can easily print from various apps using the manufacturer’s app.
Method 2: Print Using Third-Party Apps
Step 1 – Find a Suitable Printing App Search the App Store for third-party printing apps that support your printer and iPad. Some popular options include Printer Pro by Readdle and PrintCentral.
Step 2 – Install and Configure the App Install the chosen app and follow the instructions to configure it with your printer. These apps often offer additional features for printing, such as page customization and advanced printing settings.
Method 3 – Google Cloud Print
Step 1 – Set Up Google Cloud Print If your printer is not directly compatible with AirPrint or other methods, you can use Google Cloud Print.
Ensure your printer is connected to a computer with Google Chrome installed and set up Google Cloud Print through Chrome’s settings.
Step 2 – Print from iPad On your iPad, ensure you are signed in with the same Google account used for Google Cloud Print setup.
Open the document or content you want to print, tap ‘Share,’ and select ‘Print.’ Choose the printer set up with Google Cloud Print, and your document will print wirelessly.
Method 4 – USB Printing (For Some Printers)
Step 1 – Check Printer Compatibility Some printers support direct USB connections to iPads. Verify if your printer model offers this functionality.
Step 2 – Obtain the Necessary Accessories If your printer supports USB printing, you will need a Lightning to USB adapter and a USB printer cable. Connect the adapter to your iPad and the printer cable to your printer.
Step 3 – Print from iPad Once connected, your iPad should recognize the printer. Open Your document use the Share option to print via the connected USB printer.
How to Print from Your iPad
- Open the relevant application to print from
- Find the print, share, or actions button.
- Choose Print and choose a connected printer.
- Set the printing specifications like paper size and copies.
- Hit Print on the top right corner of your screen.
How to Troubleshoot for Common Issues
In case you encounter connectivity issues on a compatible iPad and printer, try restarting both devices. If it does not work, confirm whether the two devices are logged on to the same Wi-Fi network. Confirm the paper is available and correctly loaded on your printer.
Conclusion
If you have non-AirPrint-compatible printers, log in to the manufacturer’s website and download the relevant third-party iOS applications for printing.
Alternatively, maybe your printer permits internal email setup. You can connect and print right from the email platform.
To avoid all print issues, you can use cloud-based printing services, like ezeep Blue. It will allow you to directly print from an iPad to any printer through the cloud. If all else fails, you can try contacting Apple Support on their site for more options and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you Add a Printer to an iPad with AirPrint?
Ensure your printer supports AirPrint and is on the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad.
Open the file or app (e.g., Mail or Safari), tap the Share button, choose Print, and select your printer.can you Add a Printer to an iPad without AirPrint?
Yes, You can either download the printer’s app (e.g., HP Smart or Canon PRINT) from the App Store then follow the app’s setup process, and print. Alternatively, you can Install apps like Printer Pro or PrintCentral for advanced settings. If Google Cloud Print supported, set it up via Chrome and print using your Google account. Finally, you can use USB Printing. For compatible printers, use a Lightning-to-USB adapter to connect your iPad directly to the printer.
