Simplified Printing: How to Print Directly from Your Android Phone or Tablet
Gone are the days when you needed a computer to print documents. Thanks to advancements in Android technology, you can now manage all your printing needs directly from your Android phone or tablet. This process has become much simpler over the years, eliminating the need for cumbersome setups.
In the past, printing from an Android device required using Google’s Cloud Print app to connect your printer to a wireless network or via USB. However, with the discontinuation of Google Cloud Print in 2020, printing from Android has become more straightforward. Now, all you need is a printer connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android device.
Printing a File from Your Android Phone or Tablet
Follow these steps to print a file stored locally or on cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox from your Android device:
- Open the File: Start by opening the file you want to print. This can be a locally stored file or one saved on cloud services.
- Access Print Options: Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner of your screen.
- Select Print: From the dropdown menu, select the “Print” option.
- Choose Printer: Tap the dropdown arrow near the top of your screen to select the printer you’d like to use.
- Print: Finally, tap the print button that resembles a printer icon.
These steps work for local files and compatible cloud storage apps. However, you can also print directly from the internet. Here’s how:
Printing a File from the Internet with Your Android Device
To print a webpage or an online file using your Android phone or tablet, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome: Launch the Google Chrome browser on your Android device.
- Navigate to the File: Go to the webpage or file you want to print.
- Access the Menu: Tap the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
- Select Share: From the dropdown menu, select the “Share” option.
- Find Print Option: Browse through the sharing options at the bottom until you find the “Print” option and select it.
- Choose Printer: Tap the dropdown arrow at the top of your screen to choose your printer.
- Print: Tap the print icon to send your document to the printer.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Most modern printers are equipped with Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to print from your Android device. Popular document viewers like Google Docs and Dropbox include built-in print functions, enhancing convenience.
Many printers also come with companion apps for Android devices, which can streamline the printing process. For instance, Brother printers have a user-friendly mobile app that simplifies printing tasks and ensures compatibility with both computers and mobile devices.
