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How to print from an iPhone without AirPrint
AirPrint only works with printers that support it. If yours doesn't, you don't have to replace it: if a computer can print to it, your iPhone can too.
AirPrint is built into iPhone, but it needs a printer that speaks the AirPrint protocol and sits on the same Wi-Fi network. Many printers made before 2012, most label printers and a lot of office devices don't, and the iPhone's Print menu simply shows nothing.
Printo takes a different route. Instead of talking to the printer, your iPhone sends the document to a computer that already prints to it. The free Printo app on that Mac or Windows PC hands the file to the printer using the driver you already installed, so anything your computer can print on, your phone can print on.
How to set it up
- Install Printo on the computerDownload the free Printo computer app on the Mac or Windows PC the printer is connected to, by USB or over the network.
- Pair your iPhoneOpen Printo on the computer and scan its QR code with the Printo app on your iPhone. You only do this once.
- Pick the printer and printChoose a photo, PDF or text, pick the printer your computer lists, and tap Print. The page comes out of the printer.
Good to know
Printer drivers stay on the computer
If the printer works from your computer today, it will work from Printo. Nothing to install on the phone.
The computer must be on
Printing needs the computer to be switched on with Printo running. It doesn't need to be on the same Wi-Fi as your phone.
Free to start
The computer app is free. The iPhone app includes 10 prints a month; Printo Pro removes the limit.
Questions
Can I print from my iPhone if my printer doesn't support AirPrint?
Yes. Printo prints through a Mac or Windows PC connected to the printer, so the printer doesn't need AirPrint, Wi-Fi or any phone support.
Do I need to buy a new printer?
Usually not. If your computer can print to the printer, Printo can use it. A new printer is only needed if the old one no longer works with your computer.
Does the iPhone have to be on the same network?
No. The document travels over the internet to your computer, so you can print from another room, another city or mobile data.
Print from your iPhone to the printer you already have.
Install the free computer app on the Mac or Windows PC next to your printer, then pair your iPhone.