How Do I Print From My Phone? (Instructions)

Mobile printing has become more accessible than ever, with most organizations now integrating mobile printing workflows into their modern workplace initiatives.

If you’ve ever needed to quickly print an email, photo, or document from your phone, you already know how valuable this capability can be.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we get asked this question all the time: “How do I print from my phone?” The good news is that mobile printing is usually simple once your devices are set up correctly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to print from your iPhone or Android device, what apps you may need, and what to do if your phone can’t find your printer.

Table of Contents

• How do I print from my phone? (Quick answer)
• Quick steps: Print from iPhone or Android
• How to print from an iPhone using AirPrint
• How to print from Android using Mopria
• How to print using @PrintByXerox
• How do I connect my phone to my printer?
• Why can’t my phone find my printer?
• Should you use mobile printing apps?
• FAQ: Printing from your phone
• Find the right printer for mobile printing

How do I print from my phone?

You can print from your phone by connecting your smartphone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network and using a mobile printing feature such as Apple AirPrint (iPhone), Mopria Print Service (Android), or your printer manufacturer’s mobile app. Most modern wireless printers support mobile printing without additional hardware.

Quick Steps: Print from iPhone or Android

iPhone (AirPrint)

1. Connect iPhone to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer
2. Open the photo or document
3. Tap the Share icon
4. Select Print
5. Choose your printer and tap Print

Android (Mopria)

1. Install Mopria Print Service (if needed)
2. Connect phone to Wi-Fi
3. Open the file
4. Tap the three-dot menu → Print
5. Select your printer and print

Why Would I Want to Print From My Phone?

Mobile printing is helpful in more situations than most people expect.

Common reasons businesses and users print from their phones:

• Printing while traveling or working remotely
• Quickly printing emails or attachments
• Sharing photos or documents on demand
• Reducing the need to transfer files to a computer

Mobile printing gives you flexibility, especially in fast-paced office environments where convenience matters.

How to Print From an iPhone Using AirPrint

Apple AirPrint is built into iOS and allows iPhones and iPads to print directly to compatible wireless printers.

Important: Your iPhone and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Steps to print from iPhone

1. Open the photo, email, or document
2. Tap the Share icon
3. Scroll down and tap Print
4. Tap Select Printer
5. Choose your printer
6. Tap Print

AirPrint works with many major printer brands, including Xerox, HP, Canon, and Brother.

How to Enable AirPrint on a Xerox Device

AirPrint is usually enabled by default, but if it was turned off:

1. Enter the printer’s IP address in a web browser
2. Log in as administrator
3. Select Properties
4. Go to Connectivity → Setup
5. Under Mobile Workflows, enable AirPrint

(Exact menus may vary by model.)

How to Print From Android Using Mopria

Mopria Print Service is the standard mobile printing solution for Android devices.

Unlike AirPrint, Mopria may require installation from the Google Play Store.

Steps to print from Android

1. Open the document or image
2. Tap the three-dot menu
3. Select Print
4. Tap Select Printer
5. Choose your device
6. Tap the print icon

Most modern Xerox and major-brand printers support Mopria.

How to Print Using @PrintByXerox

If you use Xerox devices, @PrintByXerox offers another mobile printing method.

Here’s how it works:

1. Email your document to Print@PrintByXerox.com
2. Receive a secure release code
3. Enter the code at any enabled Xerox device
4. Print your document

This option is especially useful for guest printing or printing from outside the network. For more details on how to use the app, read our @PrintByXerox app guide.

How Do I Connect My Phone to My Printer?

To connect your phone to your printer, both devices must be on the same wireless network and mobile printing must be enabled on the printer.

Basic connection checklist

• Phone connected to Wi-Fi
• Printer connected to the same Wi-Fi
• AirPrint or Mopria enabled
• Printer firmware up to date
• Correct printer selected

If these conditions are met, your phone should automatically discover the printer.

Why Can’t My Phone Find My Printer?

If your phone cannot detect your printer, one of these issues is usually the cause.

Common fixes

• Devices are on different Wi-Fi networks
• AirPrint or Mopria is disabled
• Printer firmware is outdated
• Network guest isolation is enabled
• Printer is in sleep mode

Quick troubleshooting tip: Restart both the printer and the phone. This resolves many discovery issues.

Should You Invest in Mobile Printing Apps?

Most businesses benefit from enabling mobile printing, but advanced apps are not always necessary.

When mobile printing apps make sense

• You print frequently from mobile devices
• Your team works remotely or travels
• You use cloud storage workflows
• You need secure pull printing

Many Xerox App Gallery solutions also add features like:

• Real-time document translation
• Handwriting conversion
• Cloud integration
• Workflow automation

If you’re evaluating apps, you may also want to read our guide on the pros and cons of printer apps.

Mobile Printing Tips (Quick Checklist)

• Connect phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi
• Enable AirPrint or Mopria
• Keep printer firmware updated
• Install manufacturer apps if needed
• Test with a simple document first

FAQ: Printing From Your Phone

How do I get my phone to find my printer?

Make sure your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network and that AirPrint or Mopria is enabled. Restart both devices if the printer does not appear.

Where is the printer setting on my phone?

On iPhone and Android devices, printer selection appears inside the Print menu when you attempt to print from an app. There is no separate universal printer settings screen.

Can I print from my phone without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but only if your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth printing, or email-to-print services like @PrintByXerox. Most standard mobile printing requires Wi-Fi.

Why isn’t my iPhone connecting to my printer?

The most common causes are different Wi-Fi networks, disabled AirPrint, outdated firmware, or network isolation settings. Confirm both devices are on the same network first.

Find the Right Printer for Mobile Printing

Mobile printing works best when your printer is properly configured and when you’re using hardware designed for modern workflows.

If you're looking for a new device, our Product Configurator can help you quickly identify printers that support mobile printing, AirPrint, Mopria, and advanced workflow apps.