How to print from your iPhone or iPad directly, with or without AirPrint

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• The easiest way to print from your iPhone or iPad is with AirPrint.
• When you add a printer to your iPhone with AirPrint, you can print with a wireless connection.
• You can also print from your iPhone by manually connecting to your printer with a USB cord.

If you want to print on your iPhone or iPad, it can be easier than you might think. The simplest way to print from an iPhone is by adding a printer with AirPrint, so you can print directly with a wireless connection.

You can also print wirelessly without AirPrint by downloading your printer's app on an iPhone or iPad, or by connecting your devices with a USB cable and adapter.

Here's how to do it all.

How to print from an iPhone or iPad with AirPrint

Most current printers with wireless capabilities have the AirPrint feature, which allows the printer to easily sync up with an iPhone or iPad and print directly.

Quick tip: You can check this list of AirPrint-compatible printers to see if your printer has AirPrint. The list is very long, but if you hit control + F and type in the name of your printer, you can quickly check.

To add a printer to your iPhone or iPad with AirPrint and use it to print:

1. Open the document, image, or webpage you wish to print. This can be located in your email, web browser, Photos app, Files app, or elsewhere.

2. Locate and hit the Share button, which is the square with an arrow aiming upward out of its center. If you don't see this button, depending on the app you're using, you may need to select the icon of three horizontal dots or the icon of an arrow pointing to the left.

3. In the pop-up, scroll down until you see an icon of a printer next to the word Print.

4. Tap Printer, and on the next screen, then select the desired printer from the list.

5. Hit the word Print written in blue in the top-right corner of the screen.

Quick tip: Trying to print from an iPad? You can also add a printer to your iPad and print via AirPrint.

The AirPrint enabled printer will now be added to your list of preferred devices and will come up as an option for printing whenever you are in range. You can add another printer to your iPhone at any time by following the same steps with a new printer.

How to print from an iPhone or iPad without AirPrint

Not all printers have the AirPrint feature, especially if they are a bit older. But if they have wireless capability, you should still be able to print from it wirelessly — you'll just have to download your printer's app in the App Store.

Quick tip: If you have an HP printer, download the HP Smart app on your iPhone or iPad. Or, for Canon printers, download the Canon PRINT InkJet app.

To set up a printer on your iPhone or iPad without AirPrint and use it to print:

1. Open your printer's app on your device.

2. Turn on your printer's Wi-Fi.

3. Go into your phone or tablet's Settings and hit Wi-Fi.

4. Locate your printer under OTHER NETWORKS and tap on it.

5. Pull up the document, image, or webpage you want to print, then hit the Share icon.

6. You should now be able to connect the printer through the app and print.

How to print from an iPhone or iPad with a USB cable

To print from an iPhone or iPad with a printer that can't connect wirelessly, you'll have to use a piece of hardware as the go-between. You'll need a USB cable and a USB OTG (on-the-go) adapter that connects your iPhone to the USB cable.

To print from an iPhone or iPad with a USB cable:

1. Turn on your printer and connect one end of the USB cord to your printer and the other end to the USB OTG cord. Plug the other end of the USB OTG cord into your iPhone or iPad.

2. A pop-up should appear on your iPhone or iPad — tap OK.

3. Then, on your iPhone or iPad, go to the document you wish to print and tap the Share button.

4. In the Share menu, select the Print option.

5. The connected printer should appear next to Printer on the Printer Options page.

6. Tap Print in the upper-right corner.

How to view and cancel a print job

You can view or cancel print jobs via the App Switcher:

1. If you have an iPhone X or later, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to the middle and stay there until you see the App Switcher. (For iPhone 8 or older, double click your home button.)

2. Swipe left or right to find the app, then tap Print Center.

3. If you want to cancel the job, tap Cancel Printing.

Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.

Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino.