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How do you print from an IPAD device?


How do you print from an IPAD device?



iPad Air, iOS 12

Posted on Oct 21, 2022 10:18 AM

Reply
3 replies

Oct 21, 2022 10:22 AM in response to Apache57

This is a pretty complicated question, but has answers.


First, Printers and Printing.

All print functions are done wirelessly from the iPad using either WiFi from any Wifi, wireless network/home wireless,,WiFi network or through a Bluetooth connection.


You need to purchase a printer with Apple AirPrint capabilities and install the printer manufacturers iOS Printer model app, from the iOS App Store, to use with AirPrint compatible printer manufacturer models, to be able to print to an AirPrint compatible printer.


Another option, if you use a Mac or Windows PC already connected an external printer, is to look for a third party iOS printer app ( there are some with some of these being a one-time paid app ) install this third party printer app on your iPad, install a secondary companion app, that the third party iOS printer app maker will recommend, to your Mac or Windows PC and have that Mac or Windows PC running this app.

Make sure your Mac or Windows PC is on the same wireless, WiFi network.

That Mac or Windows PC app acts as a local print server that your iPad can accesss from any iOS device running an appropriate third party printing app.

The print setup and request is setup in the thrid party iOS/iPadOS printer app and that data is sent wirelessly to your Mac or Windows PC ( on the same wireless/WiFi netwotk your iOS devices are on ) that has another third party printer server app running on it that will processs the print data through the Mac or Windows PC and sent to the externally connected printer that is already connected to a Mac or Windows PC.



Good Luck to You!

Oct 21, 2022 12:23 PM in response to Apache57

See:


Apple AirPrint is a driverless connection protocol - that requires a compatible Printer to be wirelessly connected to your WiFi network. A high proportion of modern printers intended for Home, SoHo and Business environments now support AirPrint. Check your printer model against this list:

About AirPrint - Apple Support


If your printer is not compatible with AirPrint, there are alternatives…


Some printer manufacturers have a suitable companion App that provides Print capabilities for mobile devices, often using a web-based print service. Others can print directly if the App supports other network printing protocols. By example, some HP Printers use the HP Smart App - available in the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hp-smart/id469284907


You might also consider connecting a non-AirPrint printer to a PC or Mac computer - and install a “helper application” that allows the computer to emulate AirPrint capabilities; one such option is Readdle Printer Pro, for which suitable software for PC is available. A link to the PC software is included from this page:

https://readdle.com/printerpro


A further alternative is to consider installing a dedicated Print Server Appliance on your network - and connect your printer to this. One example is the Lantronix xPrintServer.


The remaining solution is to simply replace your printer with one that is AirPrint capable.

How do you print from an IPAD device?

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