How to connect iPad to printer without AirPrint

If you don’t have an AirPrint-compatible printer, connecting your iPad to a printer may seem tricky. However, there are alternative methods that allow you to print directly from your iPad. This article will guide you through the steps to establish a connection and start printing without AirPrint.

Discover the secret to printing from your iPad without the need for AirPrint!

To connect your iPad to a printer without AirPrint, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Check Printer Compatibility: Ensure that your printer is compatible with the iPad. Some printers have their own proprietary apps or support wireless printing through third-party apps.
2. Use a Third-Party App: Download a third-party printing app from the App Store. There are several apps available, such as Printer Pro, PrinterShare, and others. Install the app on your iPad.
3. Connect Printer to Wi-Fi: Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad. This is crucial for wireless printing.
4. Open the Document: Open the document, photo, or webpage you want to print on your iPad.
5. Select Print Option: Tap the “Share” or “Action” icon. It usually looks like a square with an arrow pointing up or a box with an arrow.
6. Locate the Printer App: In the list of actions, find and select the printing app you installed in step 2.
7. Choose Printer: The app will detect available printers on the network. Select your printer from the list.
8. Adjust Print Settings: Customize settings like paper size, orientation, number of copies, etc., as needed.
9. Print: Tap “Print” to send the document to the printer.
10. Retrieve Printout: Go to your printer and collect the printed document.

By following these steps, you can successfully print from your iPad even without an AirPrint-compatible printer. Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the printing app you choose to use.

What are the compatible third-party printing apps for iPad?

There are several third-party printing apps available on the App Store that facilitate seamless printing from an iPad to non-AirPrint printers. One popular option is Printer Pro by Readdle. This app supports a wide range of printer manufacturers and models, making it compatible with both wireless and network printers. With Printer Pro, users can easily set up a non-AirPrint printer by selecting the printer model and connecting it to the same Wi-Fi network as the iPad. Additionally, the app allows users to print various types of documents, including emails, attachments, web pages, and more, directly from their iPad. It provides an intuitive interface with options to adjust print quality, select specific pages, and even preview the document before sending it to the printer.

Another noteworthy app is PrintCentral. It serves as a versatile printing solution for iPad users, allowing them to print directly to both wireless and networked printers. PrintCentral supports a wide array of file formats, including PDFs, images, emails, and documents from various applications. This app also provides additional features like the ability to manage and organize files, allowing users to access their documents and print them efficiently. For users who prefer wired connections, PrintCentral offers support for USB connections, providing a flexible printing solution for a range of different setups.

What are the alternative methods for sharing a document on an iPad for printing?

When dealing with non-AirPrint printers on an iPad, there are alternative methods for sharing and printing documents effectively. One approach is utilizing email. Users can send the document they want to print as an email attachment. By opening the document on the iPad, tapping the share icon, and selecting the email option, they can address it to themselves or any recipient. Once received in the email inbox, it can be opened on a computer connected to the non-AirPrint printer for easy printing. This method bypasses the need for direct compatibility with the printer and provides a workaround using email as an intermediary.

Another option involves using a dedicated printing app that supports a wide range of printer models. Apps like Printer Pro or PrintCentral can seamlessly connect to non-AirPrint printers, regardless of the manufacturer. These apps function as an intermediary bridge, allowing users to select the printer model and establish a connection. From there, users can open the desired document on the iPad, tap the share icon, and choose the respective printing app. This initiates the printing process, enabling users to send the document to the printer for a hard copy. These apps often offer additional features like adjusting print quality and selecting specific pages, enhancing the overall printing experience.

What troubleshooting steps can be taken if the printer is not detected by the app?

If the printer is not detected by the printing app on your iPad, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check Printer Connectivity: Ensure that your non-AirPrint printer is correctly connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPad. Most printing apps require both devices to be on the same network for successful communication.
2. Update Printer Firmware: Check if there are any available firmware updates for your printer from the manufacturer’s website. Updated firmware can improve compatibility with printing apps.
3. Restart Printer: Sometimes, a simple restart of the printer can resolve connectivity issues. Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for a minute, and then plug it back in and turn it on.
4. Check App Permissions: Make sure the printing app has the necessary permissions to access your iPad’s files and connect to the printer. You can check and adjust these settings in the iPad’s Settings app under App Permissions.
5. Verify Printer App Compatibility: Ensure that the printing app you are using is compatible with your specific printer model. Some apps work better with certain brands or printer types, so you may want to explore alternative printing apps.
6. Install Additional Drivers: Some printing apps may require you to install additional drivers on your computer, especially if you are printing via a wired or direct USB connection. Follow the app’s instructions for driver installation.
7. Check Print Queue: If your print job gets stuck or if there are multiple print jobs in the queue, this can cause issues. Open the printing app and check the print queue to cancel any pending jobs or clear the queue.
8. Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network: On your iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and disconnect from the current network. Then, reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network to refresh the connection.
9. Restart iPad: Sometimes, restarting your iPad can help resolve connectivity issues. Simply turn it off and then back on again.
10. Consult Manufacturer Support: If you continue to experience problems, consider reaching out to the printer manufacturer’s customer support for guidance and assistance in resolving the issue.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to address common connectivity issues when trying to print from your iPad to a non-AirPrint printer using a printing app.