Printing from an iPad without AirPrint might sound tricky, but it’s actually pretty simple. You just need a third-party app that connects your iPad to your printer. Download the app, connect your printer, and you’ll be good to go. You can print documents, photos, and web pages directly from your iPad, without needing AirPrint.
How to Print from iPad Without AirPrint
In this section, I’ll guide you through the steps of printing from your iPad without using AirPrint. By the end of these steps, you’ll be able to print anything you need, effortlessly.
Step 1: Download a Third-Party Printing App
The first step is to download a printing app like Printer Pro, PrintCentral, or Print n Share from the App Store.
These apps are designed to make printing easy and can work with many printer models. Once you download the app, you’ll have access to various printing options.
Step 2: Install and Open the App
Step 2 involves installing the app and then opening it on your iPad.
After downloading, find the app on your home screen and tap on it. The app will guide you through the setup process to connect your printer.
Step 3: Connect Your Printer to the App
Next, you need to connect your printer to the app. This step usually involves finding your printer on the same Wi-Fi network.
The app will search for available printers. Select your printer from the list, and follow any additional setup instructions provided by the app.
Step 4: Select the File You Want to Print
Step 4 is about choosing the document, photo, or web page you want to print.
Open the file on your iPad. Use the “Open In” or “Share” feature to send the file to the printing app.
Step 5: Adjust Print Settings and Print
Finally, you need to adjust the print settings to your liking and hit the print button.
Within the app, you can choose the number of copies, color options, and other settings. Once everything looks good, tap “Print,” and your document will start printing.
After completing these steps, your iPad will communicate with the printer through the app, and the document will print out just as if you had used AirPrint.
Tips for Printing from iPad Without AirPrint
- Ensure your printer and iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network to avoid connection issues.
- Check if your printer manufacturer offers its own app, which might have more features.
- Keep your printer’s firmware updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Explore the app settings for additional print options like double-sided printing.
- Test printing a simple document first to ensure everything is working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a USB cable to print from my iPad?
No, iPads don’t support USB printing directly. You need a wireless method or an app that can work with network printers.
Are there free apps available for printing?
Yes, some free apps are available, but they might have limited features compared to paid versions.
Do all printers work with these third-party apps?
Most modern printers are compatible, but it’s a good idea to check the app’s compatibility list.
What if my printer is not found on the Wi-Fi network?
Ensure both devices are on the same network, and try restarting both your iPad and the printer.
Can I print emails and web pages?
Yes, these apps typically support printing emails, web pages, photos, and documents.
Summary
- Download a third-party printing app.
- Install and open the app.
- Connect your printer to the app.
- Select the file you want to print.
- Adjust print settings and print.
Conclusion
Printing from an iPad without AirPrint is not only possible but also straightforward. With the help of third-party apps like Printer Pro, PrintCentral, or Print n Share, you can easily connect your iPad to your printer. These steps ensure that you can print documents, photos, and web pages with ease.
The key is to make sure your printer and iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network and to follow the app’s instructions carefully. These apps provide a range of features that might even surpass the basic AirPrint functionality, giving you more control over your printing tasks.
By following this guide, you’ll master how to print from an iPad without AirPrint, making your printing experience smooth and hassle-free. So go ahead, download an app, and get printing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.