Print from Your Phone: Unlock Hidden Wireless Printer Features

We live on our phones – work files, family snaps, boarding passes, last-minute tickets – it's all there. But when it's time to actually print something from your mobile, many people still get stuck. The good news? Wireless printers have come a long way. You just need to know the right features. 

Whether you're on Android or iPhone, mobile printing is more than simply looking for the "Print" option. From remote access and cloud syncing to smart apps that do the heavy lifting, this guide will show you how to take full control of your wireless printer wherever you are. 

Why Phones Are Now the Centre of Printing? 

In the past, printing was designed for desktops. But our habits have changed. Phones have become work tools, content hubs, and everything in between. Today, it's common to receive a document, edit it, sign it, and need to print it – all from the same device. Manufacturers have started adapting. Most all-in-one printer wireless options now offer native support for smartphone printing, either through built-in systems like Apple's AirPrint or Android's Default Print Service. But that's only the beginning. If you've ever wondered how to fully unlock your printer's mobile potential or why your documents seem stuck in app limbo, you're not alone. Let's break it down properly. 

Can Your Phone Print Wirelessly?

If your printer supports Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you're likely good to go. Most Android 12+ and iOS 15+ devices already come with built-in printing support, so you don't always need extra apps or drivers. This applies whether you're using a wireless label printer at work or a compact model at home. But it's not just about connecting. It's about knowing how to get the most from your setup, and that's where hidden features come in. 

How to Connect Your Android Phone to a Printer? 

If you're using Android 8 or above, your phone can detect printers via Wi-Fi using Android's Default Print Service. You can find it by heading to: 

Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Printing 

Here, you'll see 'Default Print Service'. Turn it on and wait for your printer to appear. As long as your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network, you should see your printer automatically. If nothing shows up, you might need to install a dedicated app. Most big brands like Epson, HP, Canon, and Brother have their own apps that go beyond just printing - you'll often get options like document scanning, ink monitoring, or remote printing. This is especially helpful for models like Epson label printers, Canon ink printers, or Brother label printers, which offer extended features beyond standard printing. 

Some printers also support Bluetooth, which is handy if Wi-Fi isn't an option. Just pair the Bluetooth printers through your Bluetooth settings, and you're good to go. 

How to Print from iPhones?

Apple devices keep things simple. If your printer is AirPrint-enabled, you don't need any apps. Just: 

AirPrint works best when your iPhone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network. It supports most newer printers from HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, and others. Devices like the HP all-in-one printer range often come fully AirPrint-ready out of the box. If your printer isn't AirPrint-compatible, you can still use the brand's own iOS app to enable printing – it just takes an extra step or two. 

Hidden Wireless Printer Features You Might Not Know 

Even basic wireless printers often have powerful capabilities hidden behind the default menus. Here's what to look for: 

Remote Printing

Scan Directly to Your Phone 

If your printer has a built-in scanner, you can usually use your phone to scan documents straight to Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive. Apps like HP Smart and Brother Mobile Connect also allow you to preview, retouch and compress scanned files before sending them. 

Voice Commands 

If your home is equipped with a smart speaker like Alexa, Google Nest or even Siri Shortcuts, you can trigger print commands using voice only. 

Some popular commands include: 

• "Alexa, print my calendar for today." 

• "Hey, Google, print a blank weekly planner." 

• "Siri, print my recent assignment" 

Compatible printers need to be added to your home assistant system via skills or actions. Once linked, you can automate prints as part of your smart routines, such as printing schoolwork every weekday morning or monthly invoices on command. 

Mobile Fax from Your Printer App 

Faxing may sound outdated, but it's still widely used in healthcare, legal and insurance sectors. Some printer apps now include mobile fax capabilities. This means you can scan a document with your phone camera and fax it via the cloud without needing a phone line. 

Key benefits: 

• Works entirely from your phone without landline 

• Provide confirmation receipts 

• Encrypts outgoing files for GDPR compliance 

HP Smart, Canon PRINT Business, and Epson iPrint support cloud faxing with account setup. 

Print from USB or SD via Mobile App 

If your printer includes a USB port or SD card slot, you can often browse external storage directly from your mobile device using the brand's app. 

Features include: 

• File explorer UI within the app 

• Support for DOCX, XLS, JPEG, PNG and PDF files 

• Ability to preview, crop or resize before printing 

This is useful for users who work with digital cameras, USB drives or shared media devices and want to skip the PC entirely. 

Scheduled Printing 

Some advanced printers now allow you to schedule print jobs in advance, which is helpful for routine tasks like daily reports, school materials, or checklists. 

Using mobile apps, you can set: 

• Specific days and times 

• Source files from cloud folders or inboxes 

• Auto-delete after printing to maintain privacy 

This feature is often found in office-grade or best wireless printer models from HP (JetAdvantage), Canon and Lexmark. 

NFC Tap-to-Print 

Certain Android phones and enterprise printers support NFC (Near Field Communication) for printing. This allows users to tap their phone on the printer's NFC tag to initiate an instant connection and job transfer. 

Pros: 

• Fast, secure pairing – no passwords or networks needed 

• Great for offices with shared printers 

• Compatible with corporate print management systems 

This requires both your phone and printer to support NFC and works best in environments where quick turnaround is essential. 

PIN or Password-Protected Print 

If you're working with confidential documents, secure print options are critical. Many wireless printers now allow you to send a print job from your phone and hold it in the queue until a PIN is entered on the printer screen. 

Use cases: 

• Private contracts, invoices or patient files 

• Shared environments like schools or open-plan offices 

• Reducing print waste from forgotten jobs 

Security print settings are usually found in the companion app under "Job Management" or "Secure Print". 

No Wi-Fi? No Problem. USB Printing Still Works 

Not every situation allows for wireless printing. Whether you're using an older printer, troubleshooting network issues, or printing in a location without internet access, USB printing offers a reliable fallback – provided your phone supports OTG (On-The-Go) and your printer has the right connection type. 

What is OTG and Why Does It Matter? 

OTG (On-The-Go) is a USB specification that allows your phone to act as a host device – similar to a computer. With OTG enabled, your phone can communicate directly with peripherals like flash drives, keyboards… and printers. Most Android phones released in the last few years support OTG by default. iPhones, however, require Apple's proprietary Lightning to USB Camera Adapter for a similar function, and support is more limited. 

To check if your Android phone supports OTG: 

• Use an OTG checker app from the PlayStore 

• Or visit your manufacturer's website and check tech specs 

Required Hardware: What You'll Need 

OTG Adapter: It converts your phone's charging port (USB-C or micro-USB) into a full-size USB-A socket. 

Standard USB Cable (Type-B to USB-A): Most printers use a square-shaped USB-B port for wired printing. The cable should have USB-B on one end and USB-A on the other. 

Your printer: It must support USB direct printing. Most inkjet printers and laser printer models with a USB-B port will work. 

Step-by-Step: How to Print from Your Phone via USB 

Why Doesn’t My Phone Connect to My Printer? 

Let's be real: things don't always go smoothly. Here are fixes for the most frequent problems:
Is the printer not showing up? 
Make sure it's powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and not stuck in sleep mode. Try restarting both the printer and your phone.
App won't detect the printer?
Check that you're using the correct app. For example, HP Smart won't work with Canon printers. Also, update your app and phone software – outdated versions often cause detection issues.
Wi-Fi connection is unstable?
Move closer to your router or try switching the Wi-Fi band (some printers prefer 2.4GHz). Avoid using mobile data when printing wirelessly.
Print job is stuck?
Cancel the job from your phone and reset the printer. Clear the app cache if needed. 

Key Takeaways 

Printing from your phone is a practical, everyday solution that's already built into most printers and smartphones. The problem is many of the most useful features are set behind unfamiliar settings or unused apps. 

Once you've taken the time to set things up properly whether that's a Wi-Fi connection, mobile app, or a fallback USB method – you'll find the whole experience becomes second nature. 

From scanning to the cloud and scheduling print jobs remotely, tapping your phone for quick NFC access, or using voice commands to get things done without lifting a finger. And you don't need to be particularly tech-savvy to benefit from it. 

Looking to upgrade? 

At Box.co.uk, you'll find a curated range of wireless printers from leading names like HP, Epson, Canon, and more. Whether it's for home, remote work or everyday family use, we've got models that are built to keep up including the best-selling models like Epson label printers, Brother label printers, and the latest HP all-in-one printer solutions. 

Printing from Phone: FAQs 

How to enable locked print? 

To enable locked print on a compatible printer, you need to access the printer's job settings via your mobile device or computer. Within the print settings menu, look for an option labelled "Job Type" or "Output Method" and select "Locked Print" from the dropdown. You'll be prompted to enter a user ID and a PIN code, which ensures that the document stays in the printer's memory until you manually release it to the device.  

How do I print from my phone to a wireless printer? 

Printing from your phone to a wireless printer is straightforward once both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On Android phones, you can use the system's default print service or download your printer manufacturer's official app, such as HP Smart, Canon PRINT, or Epson iPrint. On iPhones, AirPrint is built in - just tap the Share icon within any compatible app and select Print. Once the printer is detected, simply select it, adjust your preferences, and start printing. 

How do I get my phone to recognise my wireless printer? 

If your phone isn't recognising your wireless printer, ensure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and within signal range. Restart both the printer and the phone to refresh the connection. On Android, go to your phone's printing settings to enable the appropriate print plugin, such as Mopria or your printer's specific service. iPhone users should make sure AirPrint is enabled on the printer. If the device still doesn't show up, resetting the printer's network settings and reinstalling the companion app often resolves the issue. 

Why won't my printer print from my phone? 

There are several reasons your printer might not print from your phone. The most common issue is a Wi-Fi mismatch. Other potential causes include outdated print service plugins; the printer is in sleep or offline mode, or software conflicts in the printing app. Restarting your devices, reconnecting them to Wi-Fi, or reinstalling the printing app usually helps resolve the issue quickly. 

How do I turn on Bluetooth on my printer? 

Turning on Bluetooth varies depending on the printer model but typically involves navigating through the device's control panel. For HP printers, for instance, access the wireless or network settings and toggle Bluetooth to "On." Epson and Canon printers offer similar options within their setup or Bluetooth settings menus. Once Bluetooth is activated, you can pair the printer with your smartphone through the phone's Bluetooth menu.  

How do I connect my HP printer to my phone? 

To connect your HP printer to your phone, begin by downloading the HP Smart app from the App Store or Google Play. Power on your HP printer and enable Wi-Fi setup mode; this usually involves pressing and holding the wireless button until the indicator light begins blinking. Open the HP Smart app and tap "Add Printer." The app will detect nearby devices and walk you through the setup process, including selecting your Wi-Fi network and confirming the connection. Once setup is complete, you can print, scan, and manage printer functions directly from your phone. 

How do you print from a Samsung phone? 

To print from a Samsung phone, open the document or photo you want to print, tap the Share or Menu icon, and then select Print. If a printer isn't automatically detected, go to Settings, then Connections, and find the Printing menu. From there, you can activate a built-in print service or download the necessary plugin for your printer brand. Once your wireless printer is connected, you can print documents, photos, webpages, and more directly from your Samsung device with just a few taps.