How to Print from an iPad Without Airprint

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Are you trying to print something from your iPad on a printer that doesn't support AirPrint? While AirPrint is definitely the easiest way to print from your iPad, it's not the only way! If you're not ready to buy a new printer, you can use your printer's official app—most printer manufacturers offer them for free. Another option is to install a program on your PC or Mac that essentially "converts" your printer to AirPrint. This wikihow article will teach you how to print to any non-AirPrint printer from your iPad.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Printing App

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    AirPrint has been around long enough now that most modern Wi-Fi printers support the technology. [1] Check Apple's official list of AirPrint printers at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201311 to find your model. If your model has AirPrint, it'll be much easier to use AirPrint instead .
    • If you've already tried using your AirPrint-enabled printer but get the message "No AirPrint Printers Found," it usually means the printer you're trying to use is offline, or that you are not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as that printer. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Nearly all printer manufacturers now provide iPad/iPhone apps for their wireless printers, and they are easy to find in the App Store. Just open the app store and search for your printer manufacturer (e.g., "Epson") to find the app. Here are some quick App Store links to some of the most common printer apps:
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you're using your printer's iPad app, you'll need to make sure it's turned on and connected to Wi-Fi so your iPad can find it.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the app for your printer manufacturer (e.g., HP Smart) and follow the on-screen instructions to detect and add your printer.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, if you want to print a photo, open the Photos app and tap the photo.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It'll usually be in the top or bottom corner of the iPad app you're using. [4]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You should see the printing app you installed in the list of apps you can share to. [5]
    • Don't choose the option that's just called "Print," as that will only recognize AirPrint printers.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This sends your file to the printer.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Your Computer as an AirPrint Server

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are apps available for both Windows and macOS that can trick your iPad into thinking your printer has AirPrint by emulating an AirPrint server. This will work even if your printer doesn't have Wi-Fi! The catch is that you'll need to have your computer turned on and connected to Wi-Fi every time you want to print. Here are some options to check out:
    • Mac:
      • Printopia is popular and updated frequently. It come with a free trial so you don't have to pay right away.
      • handyPrint is the most affordable option, and also comes with a free trial.
    • Windows:
      • Oprint is a PC-only AirPrint activator that has a 30-day free trial version. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The steps vary by app, but as long as you've already connected your printer to your computer, all of these apps should recognize and activate the printer.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you've set up Printopia, handyPrint, or O'print and your printer is online, connecting your iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer is all you'll need to do to use your printer.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, if you want to print a photo, open the Photos app and tap the photo.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It'll usually be in the top or bottom corner of the iPad app you're using.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The option is toward the bottom of the Sharing menu.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Just tap the menu next to "Printer" and tap the name of the printer that's connected to your PC or Mac. As long as your PC or Mac is on and the application you installed for your printer is active, you'll see your printer as an option.
    • If you don't see your printer, double-check to make sure you're on the same Wi-Fi network as the computer.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Print-from-an-iPad-Without-Airprint-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the top-right corner. This sends your print job to your non-AirPrint printer.
    9. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Since your iPad doesn't support USB OTG technology, it's not possible to use an USB OTG cable to print from your iPad.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If your printer doesn't have Wi-Fi, your best option is to install an app like Printopia, handyPrint, or Oprint on your computer and use it as an AirPrint server.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Reset an iPad Without the Password
      2 Ways to Screen Mirror Your iPhone to iPad
      How to
      Tell if Your iPad Is Too Old to Update
      iPad Battery Draining Fast? 8 Quick Solutions
      How to
      See if Someone Read Your Text on iPhone & iPad
      A Quick Guide to Transfer Photos from an iPad to Your Computer
      How to
      Fix an iPad Stuck in Headphone Mode: 7 Easy Ways
      A Complete Guide to Jailbreak an iPad, iPad Pro, or Mini
      How to
      Use Smart View on iPhone or iPad
      7 Ways to Transfer Files to iPad from PC or Mac
      How to
      Turn Off AirPlay: The Complete Guide
      How to
      Make a Heart Symbol on iPhone or iPad
      2 Simple Ways to Reboot an iPad + Common Fixes
      Use Your iPad to Stream Video or Mirror Your Screen to a TV
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/09/how-to-print-from-iphone-ipad/
      2. ↑ https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/09/how-to-print-from-iphone-ipad/
      3. ↑ https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/09/how-to-print-from-iphone-ipad/
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201387
      5. ↑ https://9to5mac.com/2022/05/09/how-to-print-from-iphone-ipad/
      6. ↑ http://oprintware.com/support/learn-more.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. If your printer has Wi-Fi, it likely has a free app available in the App Store. Install your printer's official app, add your printer, and use the Share feature to share to that app when you're ready to print.
      2. If your printer doesn't have an app or isn't wireless, you can print from your iPad through your PC or Mac by installing an app on your computer. Apps like Printopia, handyPrint, and Oprint all emulate AirPrint, which makes it possible for your iPad to recognize any printer that's attached to your computer as an AirPrint printer.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 50,099 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement