How to Install a Printer on Android Phone?

Printing from your Android phone is easier than ever—whether it’s a document, photo, or webpage, you can connect your printer in just a few steps. Android devices support both wireless and USB printer connections using built-in or third-party apps.

Supported Printer Connection Types

You can install and use a printer on Android via:

• Wi-Fi (Wireless)
• Bluetooth
• USB OTG Cable (Wired)
• Cloud printing services or manufacturer apps

Method 1: Install a Wireless Printer on Android via Wi-Fi

Step-by-Step:

1. Connect your printer to Wi-Fi
   Use the printer’s control panel to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Settings on your Android phone
   Go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing.
3. Tap ‘Add service’
   This opens the Google Play Store. Search and install the plugin specific to your printer brand:
   • HP → HP Print Service Plugin
   • Canon → Canon Print Service
   • Epson → Epson Print Enabler
   • Brother → Brother Print Service Plugin
4. Enable the print service plugin
   Once installed, go back to Settings > Printing and toggle the plugin ON.
5. Print your file
   Open the document or photo, tap the Share or Print icon, and choose your printer.

✅ Works best when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Method 2: Connect Printer via Bluetooth

Steps to Follow:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both your Android phone and the printer.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your phone and pair with the printer.
3. Install your printer’s Bluetooth app (e.g., HP Smart, Canon Print, etc.).
4. Open the app, allow permissions, and select the printer.
5. Open your file and print.

🟡 Note: Not all printers support Bluetooth. Check your model’s manual first.

Method 3: Use a USB OTG Cable to Connect Printer

What You Need:

• USB OTG cable
• A printer with USB support
• An Android phone with USB OTG compatibility

Steps:

1. Connect the printer’s USB cable to the OTG adapter, then plug it into your Android phone.
2. Android will detect the printer.
3. You may need to install a printing app (e.g., NokoPrint, PrinterShare).
4. Launch the app, select your document or photo, and tap Print.

Method 4: Print Using Cloud or Manufacturer’s App

Google Cloud Print (Deprecated)

Google Cloud Print was discontinued in 2020. Instead, use official apps:

• HP Smart
• Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY
• Epson iPrint
• Brother iPrint&Scan

Steps:

1. Install the manufacturer’s app from the Google Play Store.
2. Make sure the printer and phone are on the same Wi-Fi.
3. Open the app, detect and add the printer.
4. Upload or select files to print.

Also Read: How to Track an Android Phone Using an iPhone

Bonus Tip: Printing PDFs and Photos from Google Drive

1. Open the file in Google Drive or Google Docs.
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) > Print.
3. Select your printer and configure options (pages, colour, etc.).
4. Tap the print icon.

Troubleshooting Tips

Conclusion

Installing a printer on an Android phone is quick and convenient. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, Android supports multiple connection methods. For best results, always install your printer’s official plugin or companion app from the Play Store.

🔒 Always keep your printer firmware and phone apps updated for seamless printing.