Learn how to wirelessly print PDFs, documents, images, etc., from your iPhone and iPad using an AirPrint printer.
Apple first introduced its AirPrint feature about a decade ago. It allows you to print items from your iPhone or iPad to a printer on your Wi-Fi network without additional software or setup.
If you’ve recently purchased an AirPrint-enabled printer, learning how to print from your iOS device is essential. While the exact process for accessing the print option can vary slightly for third-party apps, the steps are fairly consistent across Apple apps.
Additionally, the steps here are not specific to any one printer company, so they should work if you have a Brother, HP, Canon, Dell, Epson, Fuji, Samsung, Sharp, Xerox, or some other Apple AirPrint-supported printer.
Make sure your devices are ready
Again, you’ll need to have a compatible printer—you can check Apple’s site for AirPrint-supported printers. Even if your printer model isn’t mentioned on Apple’s website, check the printer manufacturer’s product page or manual to confirm.
Next, make sure that your iPhone or iPad and your printer are on the same Wi-Fi network and that you are within physical range.
To avoid any unforeseen issues, be sure that your iOS device and your printer are updated to the most recent versions of software and firmware.
Print from Apple apps on iPhone and iPad
It’s super easy to print from apps like Mail, Notes, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, or Safari. You’ll simply access your device’s Share Sheet. Using Notes as an example, you would open the note you want to print and do the following.
1) Tap the Share button to access the Share Sheet.
2) Choose Print. Check out our how-to on changing your Share Sheet if you don’t see the Print option.
3) Tap to select your printer.
4) Use the plus and minus buttons to pick the number of copies to print. You can also adjust the other printing options from here. Optionally, if you have a color printer but only want to print in Black & White, turn on that toggle.
6) Finally, hit Print.
Your item should print right out!
Once your printing begins, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to access the App Switcher, which shows the Print Center tile. Tap it to view your ongoing print job or cancel printing.
Print option in other apps
Keep in mind that not all apps support AirPrint. And as mentioned, the print action may or may not be located in your device’s Share Sheet. This is especially true for third-party apps.
Here are just a few other Apple apps you might want to print from and where you can find the Print option.
- Mail: Open the email, tap the Reply arrow at the bottom, and select Print.
- Pages, Numbers, and Keynote: Tap the three dots menu button at the top and select Print.
- Files, Photos, and Safari: Tap the Share icon and choose Print in the Share Sheet.
Apps like Calendar and Messages do not currently offer a print option. But there are workarounds for that:
- How to export, print, save, or share your Calendar as a PDF on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- How to export or print a text conversation from iPhone
- How to print or save an email from the Gmail app or website as a PDF
Use the printer manufacturer’s app
Many popular printer companies have their own apps that make it easy to print from your iOS device and manage printer settings. Here are some of the examples:
Make sure you check out your printer manufacturer’s website or product manual for more details on the printing process through their app.
On a related note: How to add a printer to your Mac