Remotely controlling your home printer from a smartphone can be incredibly convenient, allowing you to print documents, photos, and more without needing to be physically present near the printer. Here’s how you can set up and manage remote printing using your mobile device:
🔧 Step-by-Step Guide to Remote Printing
1. Ensure Your Printer Supports Mobile Printing
First, check if your printer supports mobile or wireless printing technologies such as:
- Google Cloud Print (though note that Google Cloud Print service has been discontinued as of January 2021),
- Apple AirPrint for iOS devices,
- Mopria Print Service for Android devices,
- Manufacturer-specific apps like HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, etc.
2. Connect Your Printer to Wi-Fi
Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone. This step varies by printer model, so refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions.
3. Install Necessary Apps on Your Smartphone
Depending on your printer brand and model, download the appropriate app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). These apps often provide features beyond basic printing, including scanning and printer management.
4. Set Up Printer on Your Smartphone
Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your printer. You may need to enter the printer’s IP address manually if automatic discovery fails.
5. Enable Remote Access Features
Some printers allow for remote access through cloud services provided by the manufacturer. Sign up for these services within the printer’s app or settings to enable remote control capabilities.
6. Use Cloud-Based Services for Universal Compatibility
Services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive can act as intermediaries between your phone and printer:
- Upload the document or photo you wish to print to one of these cloud storage services.
- From another device connected to the same printer (or with remote access configured), open the file in the cloud storage app and select the option to print.
7. Configure Router for Remote Access (Advanced)
For more advanced setups, you can configure port forwarding on your router to allow external access to your printer. However, this requires knowledge of networking and increases security risks. Always ensure proper security measures are in place if you choose this route.
8. Test Your Setup
Before relying on remote printing, test the setup by sending a print job remotely to ensure everything works as expected.
âś… Final Tips
- Regularly update both your printer firmware and the mobile app to benefit from the latest features and security improvements.
- Consider setting up a guest network for smart home devices including printers to enhance your main network’s security.
- Be mindful of privacy settings and permissions when using third-party cloud services for printing.
By following these steps, you should be able to enjoy the convenience of remotely controlling your home printer directly from your smartphone, no matter where you are.