How do you print easily from an iPhone?
Anybody know how to print from an iPhone with AirPrint? I'd like to print some photos but I'm also curious if you can print text messages?
View hidden comment
Expert Comments
Printing from a phone is as easy as hitting the print button in the application you’re in! Usually, the print feature is found in the “share” location. If you can share the item you’re looking at, you usually can print it. The other side is having a compatible printer. Most printers from the last 10 years are wifi enabled or network-enabled printers. If your printer is on the wifi, you should be able to print directly to it.
Printing text messages is a different thing. Apple's official process is to screenshot your text message screen and then print each individual photo from your photos app. This is clunky and can take a long time if you have a long string. Ideally, you’d want to use third-party software like iMazing or FonePaw. These sometimes-paid-sometimes-free 3rd party pieces of software will extract entire text message strings (sometimes 10 or 100 pages) and save them in one PDF file you can then export, email, save, and print.
View hidden comment
Printing text messages is a different thing. Apple's official process is to screenshot your text message screen and then print each individual photo from your photos app. This is clunky and can take a long time if you have a long string. Ideally, you’d want to use third-party software like iMazing or FonePaw. These sometimes-paid-sometimes-free 3rd party pieces of software will extract entire text message strings (sometimes 10 or 100 pages) and save them in one PDF file you can then export, email, save, and print.
Reader Comments
If your printer supports AirPrint, then you can wirelessly print from iPhone. Connect your printer and phone to the same wifi network first. Then, open the document you want to print on your phone, and click the Share option. Tap the Print button, choose your printer, and choose how many copies you want to print.
View hidden comment
I’ve never used them, but there are all kinds of third-party apps out there that are designed to solve this problem. It looks like Smart Printer App & Scanner is the most popular, but PrintDirect also seems to have great reviews. Poke around in the app store, I bet there’s already an app for your specific use case.
View hidden comment
Some printer brands have a dedicated app that you can download and use. Typically, you just have to connect to your printer through the app, select the document you want to print, and then confirm the print settings.
View hidden comment
If worst comes to worst, you can always save the document on your computer or laptop and plug that directly into the printer.
View hidden comment
I had to print text messages for a court case a while ago. The best solution I found was to take screenshots of the messages and then print them out individually from the photos app. It’s not particularly fast or straightforward, but it’s the best option I’ve found if you want high-quality images.
View hidden comment
A lot of convenience stores like Walgreens or CVS have photo stations where you can plug your phone in and order prints. They even have apps so you can put in orders without having to visit the store.
View hidden comment
Staples lets you email the things you want to print, which I find even easier than having to plug in my phone or download an app.
View hidden comment
What’s on your mind? Ask anything.
Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.
Ask a Question
More Forum Discussions
What do other wikiHow readers have to say?
Other wikiHow readers have submitted their own tips on topics similar to this one.
Reader Tips from How to Print Text Messages from an iPhone
You can AirPrint by connecting your printer to the wi-fi and then printing from your phone directly. I've done this a lot with my Brother printer but my friend uses a Canon and she loves it, so I'd recommend either one of these printers.
Just know that if you're trying to use texts as evidence in a court case, it's not admissible evidence.
Reader Tips from How to Print from an iPhone to an HP Printer
If you have a VPN set up, your printer may not work properly. Turn off your VPN and try restarting your router to see if that solves the issue.
If you don't see the print option appear, check if your printer needs a software update before it starts working properly again.
Reader Tips from 2 Simple Ways to Print Photos and Documents from an iPhone
If you're printing pictures, take your phone to a store with a photo department. They tend to have cords and kiosks that allow you to select, edit, and print photos on demand.
Try disconnecting and reconnecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, typing in the password again can help troubleshoot some issues.
Ask a Question
Trending Discussions
How do I stop annoying spam calls on an iPhone?
I can't go a day without getting at least a couple spam phonecalls. It's driving me up the wall. does anyone know how to stop this?? I'm seriously ready to throw my phone into the sea. I have an iPhone, if that matters.
Read More
How to clean airpods safely?
I basically use my AirPods every day, and boy, you can sure tell by how dirty they look. I don't want to get them wet and ruin them for good, but I don't want to keep putting that gunk back into my ears. It looks like some of the ear wax has gotten into the case as well. Any advice on how to get these clean again?
Read More
Best way to clean a computer screen?
What are your tried-and-true methods for cleaning a screen? Are there specific products that you use, or do you have a cleaning hack with common household items? Share the best strategies below.
Read More
