To print from a tablet, put it on the same network as your printer, open the file, find the share or print option, and select the printer. If the printer does not appear, the cause is almost always the network or a printer that is asleep.
Check These Basics First
- The printer is switched on, has paper, and shows no error.
- The tablet’s Wi-Fi is on and joined to the printer’s network.
- The printer supports wireless printing from tablets; look in the maker’s guide.
- Software on the tablet is up to date.
Printing a Document or Photo
- Open the file in its app.
- Tap the share icon or three-dot menu.
- Select Print.
- Tap the printer name at the top and wait while the list updates.
- Choose number of copies, page range and orientation.
- Tap Print and watch the printer for the first page.
Settings Worth Adjusting
A larger screen makes it tempting to print straight away, but a quick look at the options saves paper and time.
| Setting | When to change it |
|---|---|
| Paper size | When the loaded paper differs from the default |
| Orientation | Landscape for spreadsheets and wide images |
| Color or black and white | Black and white for plain text pages |
| Two-sided | Only if your printer supports it |
| Scale | Fit to page when edges are being cut off |
When the Printer Is Not Listed
Work through these in order. First, wake the printer and turn the tablet’s Wi-Fi off and on. Second, confirm both are on the same network name. Third, install the maker’s app, which can find printers the built-in menu misses. Fourth, power-cycle the printer and the router. Last, check whether a printer-side setting limits access to certain devices.
Tablet or Phone: What Differs?
The process is nearly identical. The tablet’s bigger display makes pages easier to read, which helps with spreadsheets and forms. Some office apps on tablets offer fewer print options than their computer versions, so complex layouts may be easier to finish on a computer.
Keeping Printing Smooth Over Time
Printing from a tablet works best when the setup stays tidy. Give the printer a clear name you can spot in a list, and delete old printers you no longer use. Keep the tablet’s software and the printer’s maker app up to date, because updates often fix connection quirks. If you move between networks, such as home and school, remember that the printer will only appear on the network where it lives. A sticky note on the printer with its network name can save a lot of confusion.
FAQ
Do I need a cable?
No, in most cases. Some tablets and printers also support a cable method, but it depends on the connectors involved.
Why is my print cut off?
The scale or paper size may be wrong. Choose fit to page and check that the paper size matches what is loaded.
The Short Version
Join the tablet and printer to one network, use the share menu to open Print, and check paper size and scale before sending. If the printer is missing, wake it and try the maker’s app.