This article explains how to use a wireless printer that supports AirPrint connection to print documents and content from iPad.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Establishing Connection with AirPrint
Step 1. Make sure your printer supports connection using AirPrint
To be able to print directly from iPad, iPad must be connected to a printing device that supports and is compatible with AirPrint connectivity. To verify that your printer is compatible with AirPrint, visit the web page https://support.apple.com/it-it/HT201311 using your computer's internet browser; also check that the corresponding make and model are present in the list that will appear.
- To speed up the verification process, after opening the indicated web page, press the key combination Ctrl + F (on Windows) or ⌘ Command + F (on Mac), then type in the make and model of your printer.
- If your printer is not listed on the page, look for "AirPrint Compatible" (or similar) directly on the box or in the printer documentation.
- If you have determined that your printer does not support AirPrint connectivity, unfortunately you will not be able to use it to print data and content from your iPad.
Step 2. Turn on the printer
Make sure it is properly connected to the mains, then press the "Power" button marked with the following symbol
Skip this step if the printer is already on
Step 3. Turn off the printer's Bluetooth connectivity and disconnect any data connection cables
In order to use the connection via AirPrint, the printer must not be connected to any computer or network device via Bluetooth or Ethernet cable.
- To disconnect the printer from the network router, unplug the Ethernet cable from the corresponding port located on the back of the printing device.
- The steps to take to disable your printer's Bluetooth connectivity vary from model to model, so consult the instruction manual or support page of the manufacturer's site to find out how to disable your specific printer's Bluetooth connection if you have connected it to your printer. computer like this.
Step 4. Connect the printer to the Wi-Fi network if necessary
If the printer is not yet connected to the wireless network, do so now using the device menu. Make sure the connection is stable and secure.
The procedure to perform this step varies according to the brand and model of the printer, so even in this case, rely on the instruction manual or the support page of the manufacturer's site to find out how you can connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network
Step 5. Launch the iPad Settings app by tapping the icon
It features a gear and should be visible on the Home of the device.
Step 6. Select the Wi-Fi option
It is listed at the top of the left pane of the screen. The iPad Wi-Fi connection settings menu will appear.
Step 7. Make sure the iOS device is connected to the same wireless network that the printer is connected to
To be able to print via AirPrint, the iPad and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If the iPad is not currently connected to the same wireless network as the printer, select the correct Wi-Fi network name, type in the login password and press the button Connect.
Step 8. Approach the AirPrint printer
For the best possible results, you will need to be a few meters away from the printer, although the printing device can normally be placed in another room in the house.
Part 2 of 2: Printing with AirPrint
Step 1. Launch the app you want to use for printing
Tap the application icon that contains the document or data you want to print via AirPrint.
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For example if you want to print an image start the app Photo by touching the icon
- Remember that not all apps support the "Print" feature, but most apps that come pre-installed on iPad do.
Step 2. Access the web page or open the document you want to print
For example, if you want to print from the Photos app, you will need to select the image to print.
If you want to print a web page, you will have to press the button ⋯ to access the main menu before you can continue.
Step 3. Press the "Share" button with the icon
It is normally placed in one of the corners of the screen, but it could be placed near the URL bar or in the menu that appeared after pressing the button ⋯ if you are using the internet browser. You will see a pop-up appear at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4. Select the Print option
It is characterized by a printer icon and is located in the last line of items of the pop-up that appears. The print related menu will be displayed.
To locate the icon Press you may need to scroll the list of options left or right.
Step 5. Select the Printer item
It is the text field located at the top of the appeared menu. A list of all AirPrint compatible printers available in the area will be displayed.
Step 6. Select the name of the printer to use
Tap the name of the printing device you want to use to print the content in question.
If the printer in question is not listed, make sure it is turned on and connected to the Wi-Fi network and that it is not connected to a computer or a network router via a Bluetooth connection or an Ethernet cable. Also check that it is close enough to the iPad
Step 7. Press the Print button
It is located in the upper right corner of the screen. The content will be sent to the printer for printing.
Depending on your printer model, you may be able to choose whether to print in black and white, change the page orientation, change the page size, and so on
Advice
- Some printer companies, such as HP, have created dedicated applications (such as HP Smart) with the purpose of being able to connect a wireless printer to the iPad without using the AirPrint feature.
- You can cancel a print by selecting the "Printer" option from the list of applications running in the background and pressing the button Cancel print displayed at the bottom of the screen.