Print iPad Documents Without AirPrint: Easy Workarounds

While AirPrint is the most common method for printing documents from an iPad, not all printers support it. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry. There are several alternative methods to print documents from your iPad without AirPrint. Let's delve into these solutions, ensuring your business or personal documents can be printed with ease.

Before we begin, it's crucial to understand that the best method depends on your printer model, operating system, and whether your printer supports specific apps. Let's explore four common methods: using a third-party app, connecting via USB, using an email-to-print service, and employing a cloud print service.

Using a Third-Party App

The most straightforward alternative to AirPrint is using a third-party app. These apps allow you to print documents, photos, and webpages, even if your printer isn't AirPrint-enabled. Apps like PrinterPro by Readdle and Microsoft's Print 2D offer robust features and support for a wide range of printer models.

Here's how to use PrinterPro as an example:

Installing and Setting Up

Download and install PrinterPro from the App Store. Open the app and grant it access to your documents. Add your non-AirPrint printer by selecting it from the list or entering its IP address manually.

Once added, you can print various file types such as PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, images, webpages, and even emails. Simply select the file you want to print, choose your non-AirPrint printer from the list, and tap the print icon to send the job to your printer.

App Features

PrinterPro offers more than just printing capabilities. It allows you to edit documents, merge multiple documents into one, and even combine documents with photos. You can also adjust page orientation, margins, paper size, and scale, ensuring your printed output looks exactly as intended.

Moreover, PrinterPro supports cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive, making it easy to print documents stored in the cloud. It also supports printing from other apps using the 'Open in...' feature.

Connecting via USB

If you'd prefer not to use a third-party app, you can connect your iPad to your non-AirPrint printer via USB using an adapter like the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter. This adapter allows you to connect your iPad directly to your printer, enabling printing without an internet connection.

Here's how to do it:

Connecting the Printer

First, insert one end of the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter into your iPad's Lightning port. Then, connect a USB cable to the other end of the adapter and plug it into your non-AirPrint printer's USB port. Make sure your printer is turned on and unlocked for printing.

Once connected, your printer should be recognized by your iPad. If not, try restarting both devices and checking the USB connection.

Printing Documents

With your printer connected, open the document you want to print in a compatible app like the Apple Mail app, Apple Notes, or a third-party app like Google Docs. Tap the share icon (square with an upwards arrow) and select 'Print'. Your connected printer should appear in the printer list. Tap it, then tap 'Print' in the top-right corner to send the job to your printer.

Remember, not all apps support direct printing via USB. If your preferred app doesn't support this method, consider using a third-party app or a cloud print service.

Using an Email-to-Print Service

Some printers come with an email-to-print feature, allowing you to send documents directly to your printer via email. This method doesn't require a third-party app or any specific printer model, making it a versatile solution for printing from your iPad.

To use this method, you'll need to know your printer's email address. This can usually be found in your printer's user manual, on a sticker beneath the printer, or by logging into your printer's control panel online. If you can't find your printer's email, try searching online for "Your Printer Model name email" followed by "email address".

Sending the Document

Once you have your printer's email address, open a new email in the Mail app on your iPad. Attach the document you want to print, then address the email to your printer's email address. Tap 'Send'. Your printer should receive the document and print it automatically.

Some printers can only print PDF files, while others support a broader range of file types. It's a good idea to check your printer's specifications to ensure it can print the file type you're sending. If your printer doesn't support the file type you need to print, consider converting the file to PDF before sending it.

Custom Email-to-Print Features

Some printers come with additional email-to-print features like the ability to print multiple files in one email or print attachments from subfolder emails. These features can help streamline your printing process, especially if you frequently print multiple documents at once. Always check your printer's user manual for more information about available email-to-print features.

Using a Cloud Print Service

Cloud print services like Google Cloud Print, Apple's Cloud Print with iCloud, and HP's ePrint allow you to print documents from your iPad via the cloud. These services support a wide range of printer models and file types, providing a flexible alternative to AirPrint. Let's explore Google Cloud Print as an example:

Setting Up Google Cloud Print

To use Google Cloud Print, you'll need a Google account and a printer that's compatible with Google Cloud Print. If your printer isn't compatible, you can use it with a computer running Chrome and follow Google's instructions to share it with your Google account.

Once your printer is shared, install the Google Cloud Print app on your iPad. Open the app and sign in with your Google account. Your shared printer should appear in the app, ready for printing.

Printing Documents

To print a document, open it in a compatible app on your iPad. Tap the share icon (square with an upwards arrow) and select 'Print'. Your Google Cloud Print printer should appear in the printer list. Tap it, then adjust any print settings like page size, margins, or scale, before tapping 'Print' in the top-right corner to send the job to your printer.

Google Cloud Print supports a wide range of file types, including PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and image files. However, some apps might not support printing directly to Google Cloud Print. In this case, consider saving your document to Google Drive and printing from the Google Cloud Print app directly.

There you have it – four effective methods to print documents from your iPad without AirPrint. Each method has its advantages, so consider your specific needs when choosing the best one for you. Now, go ahead and print that important document, confidence in knowing that AirPrint isn't your only option.