how to print from iphone to hp printer without airprint

Have you ever wished to print directly from your iPhone to an HP printer without relying on AirPrint? While AirPrint is the most convenient method, there are alternative ways to achieve this goal, albeit with some additional steps. Let’s explore these methods and see if they can meet your printing needs.

Method 1: Use a USB Cable

Connecting your iPhone to the HP printer via a USB cable is one of the simplest and most reliable methods for printing. Here’s how:

1. Ensure USB Compatibility: Make sure that your iPhone supports USB tethering or that the USB port on your printer is compatible with iPhones.
2. Connect the Printer: Plug the USB cable into the printer and then into your iPhone’s charging port.
3. Install Printer Driver: On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Bluetooth and connect to the printer. Then, go to Settings > Your Printer > Advanced > Add Printer, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary driver.
4. Print Directly: Once the printer is recognized, you can select it as the default printer in Settings > General > About > Printers & Scanners. From now on, you can print directly from any app on your iPhone.

Method 2: Use a Wireless Network

If you don’t have a physical connection available, you can use a wireless network to print from your iPhone to an HP printer.

1. Set Up the Printer: Ensure that your HP printer is set up to share its Wi-Fi network.
2. Find Printer IP Address: Access the printer’s settings menu and find the IP address assigned to the printer on your network.
3. Use Print Server Software: Download and install a print server software on your computer (e.g., CUPS). This software acts as a bridge between your iPhone and the printer.
4. Configure Print Server: Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the print server. It usually involves adding a new printer and specifying the IP address of your HP printer.
5. Print from iPhone: On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About > Printers & Scanners, and select the printer you configured through the print server.

Method 3: Use a Third-Party App

For those who prefer not to set up a print server, there are third-party apps designed specifically for connecting iPhones to HP printers.

1. Download the App: Find a reputable app such as Printopia or AirPrint Pro on the App Store.
2. Install the App: Follow the installation instructions on your iPhone.
3. Add Printer: Open the app and add your HP printer following the prompts.
4. Print Directly: From now on, you can print directly from any app on your iPhone using the third-party app.

Method 4: Use Email Printing

Another method to bypass AirPrint limitations is to send your documents via email and then print them from your HP printer.

1. Send Documents via Email: Use an email client like Gmail, Outlook, or Apple Mail to send your document to the email address associated with your HP printer.
2. Print from Printer: When the document arrives in your printer’s inbox, simply open it and print.

Method 5: Use an External SD Card Reader

If your HP printer accepts SD cards, you can transfer your documents to an external SD card reader connected to your iPhone, and then print from the card.

1. Transfer Files: Copy your documents to an SD card using a card reader attached to your iPhone.
2. Print from SD Card: Connect the SD card to your HP printer and print directly from the card.

Related Questions

Q: Can I use my iPhone to print from a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox? A: Unfortunately, you cannot directly print from your iPhone to an HP printer using cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. However, you can download files from these services onto your iPhone and then print them using one of the methods mentioned above.

Q: How do I know if my HP printer supports AirPrint? A: Check the printer’s manual or visit the manufacturer’s website. Most modern HP printers support AirPrint, but it’s always best to verify compatibility before attempting to print.

Q: Are there any free options for printing without AirPrint? A: Yes, many of the methods discussed here are free, including using a USB cable, a print server, or even third-party apps. However, some premium apps might require a subscription fee.