How to print from iPad by connecting the Printer with a USB cable

how to print from ipad by connecting the printer with a usb cable




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iPad mini (6th generation)

Posted on Apr 27, 2024 12:18 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 27, 2024 3:19 AM

iOS/iPadOS doesn’t natively support direct connection to a USB Printer. Instead, these devices use a network connection to supported printers typically over WiFi - or if explicitly supported by the printer, a wired ethernet connection.


See:


Apple AirPrint is a driverless connection protocol. A high proportion of modern printers intended for Home, SoHo and Business environments now support AirPrint:

About AirPrint - Apple Support


If your Printer does not support AirPrint, WiFi Direct is simple wireless alternative - but will require use of an appropriate App supplied by the Printer Manufacturer (e.g., many HP Printers use the HP Smart App).


A further alternative is to add AirPrint support to your existing USB Printer using a Print Server (e.g., Lantronix xPrintServer - or a Raspberry Pi running CUPS). Both are viable, however, you may find that purchase of a cheap AirPrint-capable printer may be more cost effective.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 27, 2024 3:19 AM in response to margheio

iOS/iPadOS doesn’t natively support direct connection to a USB Printer. Instead, these devices use a network connection to supported printers typically over WiFi - or if explicitly supported by the printer, a wired ethernet connection.


See:


Apple AirPrint is a driverless connection protocol. A high proportion of modern printers intended for Home, SoHo and Business environments now support AirPrint:

About AirPrint - Apple Support


If your Printer does not support AirPrint, WiFi Direct is simple wireless alternative - but will require use of an appropriate App supplied by the Printer Manufacturer (e.g., many HP Printers use the HP Smart App).


A further alternative is to add AirPrint support to your existing USB Printer using a Print Server (e.g., Lantronix xPrintServer - or a Raspberry Pi running CUPS). Both are viable, however, you may find that purchase of a cheap AirPrint-capable printer may be more cost effective.

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How to print from iPad by connecting the Printer with a USB cable

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