How to Print from a Tablet

• How to print from an Android tablet
• Printing via USB
• Printing via a cloud service
• How to print from an iOS tablet
• Mobile printing

Handheld smart devices such as smartphones and tablets allow you to take photos, check emails and surf the web just as you would on a computer. Modern tablets come in sleek layouts and have powerful processors that can handle almost any computing task you throw at them. Most, however, lack features, such as wired printer connectivity. Although the world is increasingly going paperless, circumstances may arise where you need to print from your mobile device. If you require a quick printout while on the go, you're probably asking yourself, "Can you print from a tablet?" Based on your device's operating system, there are multiple options you can use to print photos, documents or web pages. This article guides you on the steps for swift and efficient tablet printing.

The Android mobile operating system (OS) is the most popular device OS. Android tablets often support mobile printing with no need for third-party apps. Android can detect Wi-Fi-enabled printers, so you can send documents to any printer that is on the same Wi-Fi network as your device. Here are the steps to take when using this method:

• Step 1: Connect your Android tablet and Wi-Fi printer to the same local network.
• Step 2: On your Android device, pull down the shade and tap the gear icon. You can also navigate to the "Settings" app on your tablet.
• Step 3: Tap "Connection and Sharing."
• Step 4: Tap "Printing."
• Step 5: Navigate to the "Default Print Services."
• Step 6: Tap the toggle to switch on the service. Your Wi-Fi-enabled printer should appear under "Available Devices."
• Step 7: Close the settings screen and open the file you need to print.
• Step 8: Tap the default three-dot "Menu" icon at the top right corner and select "Print."
• Step 9: Tap "Select a Printer" and choose the printer detected by the Default Printing Service you enabled in Step 6.
• Step 10: Tap the blue Printer icon to finish the setup. If a confirmation pops up, tap "OK."

Another way to print from Android is through Wi-Fi Direct. The steps below explain how to print using this method:

• Step 1: On your Android tablet or smartphone, open the settings panel.
• Step 2: Locate the "Network & Internet" settings, then tap "Wi-Fi."
• Step 3: Tap "Wi-Fi Preferences" and navigate to "Advanced Settings."
• Step 4: Locate the "Wi-Fi Direct" settings and then select the detected printer.
• Step 5: Accept the connection prompts on your printer.
• Step 6: Open the file you need to print and tap the three-dot menu icon on the top right corner.
• Step 7: Tap "Print" on the roll-up menu and follow prompts to select the printer in your network.
• Step 8: Finish the setup by tapping the blue Printer button.

Although many manufacturers may not include this feature, some printers support printing via a physical wired connection. If your printer supports this functionality, use USB Type-A to USB Type-B cable to connect the tablet and printer with the help of converters. Though the steps may vary widely between different printer brands, here is a general tutorial for accomplishing this.

• Step 1: Connect a USB converter to your tablet or smart device.
• Step 2: Connect the USB Type-B cable to the printer.
• Step 3: Accept or download plug-ins.
• Step 4: Open the file you want to print and select Print from the menu.

Some printers have a "cloud print" option. This allows you to print files from any location by directly emailing the printer or using a manufacturer's application.

• Printing through email applications: Email platforms allow you to print an array of files when your printer is online. They support files like Word, PDF, Excel and JPEG. To use this option, attach the image or document to your email and send it to your printer's email address.
• Use the manufacturer's app: Most printers from popular brands offer downloadable smartphone or tablet applications to allow mobile printing from their machines only. If your printer supports such applications, visit the app store, download and set up printing. All are easy to set up and use, which saves you time. Some apps allow you to issue commands from remote locations or even schedule print tasks for increased convenience.

Are you constantly on the move or need printouts in a hurry? Consider investing in a portable printer. Most have wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and near-field communications (NFC) to facilitate a smooth printing process. Their wireless connectivity to your tablet eliminates the need for unsightly cables. Instant photo printers allow for quick printing of photos and documents straight from smart devices. They come in compact layouts and use unique paper with ink crystals that the printer activates. Adding a portable printer to your computing arsenal offers added flexibility.

With varying printing options, the route you choose largely depends on your printer and device. Enjoy the convenience of mobile printing and benefits such as reduced printer traffic and bolstered productivity.

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