Ever found yourself needing to print out a Google Doc while out and about, armed with only your mobile device? Fortunately, Google has made the process quite seamless, allowing you to print wirelessly from your phone or tablet. Here's how you can print from Google Docs on your mobile device.
Before proceeding, ensure that your printer is connected to your local Wi-Fi network and is compatible with Google Cloud Print, an optional service that allows you to print documents on your computer or mobile device from anywhere.
Setting Up Google Cloud Print
While it's not mandatory to use Google Cloud Print, it can simplify the printing process. Here's how to set it up:
1. On your computer, visit the Google Cloud Print website and sign in to your Google account.
2. Click on 'Add printer', select your printer, and follow the prompts to install it.
Printing from Google Docs on Android
To print a Google Doc from your Android device:
1. Open the Google Docs app, and locate the document you want to print.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
3. Select 'Print'. If you've set up Google Cloud Print, it will be listed as an option. If not, your phone will try to locate a nearby printer using the 'Nearby' option.
4. Once you've chosen a printer, adjust the number of copies and other print settings as needed. Finally, tap 'Print' to initiate the print job.
Printing from Google Docs on iOS
iOS devices use AirPrint technology for wireless printing. Here's how to print a Google Doc from your iPhone or iPad:
1. Open the Google Docs app, and tap on the document you want to print.
2. Tap the 'Share' icon () in the top-right corner.
3. On the share sheet that appears, scroll down and tap 'Print'.
4. Select a nearby AirPrint-enabled printer or one that you've added to Google Cloud Print. Adjust any print settings and tap 'Print' to start printing your document.
Printing Google Docs in Other Ways
Sometimes, you might prefer to print your Google Docs using a different method. Here are a couple of alternatives:
1. **Email the Document to Yourself**: Another quick way to print a Google Doc is to email it to yourself. Open the document on your device, tap the three vertical dots, and select 'Email'. This will send the document as a PDF or DOCX attachment, which you can open and print from your desktop computer.
2. **Use a Third-Party App**: If you're having trouble printing via the methods above, there are numerous third-party apps available on both Android and iOS that can help you print documents. Examples include 'PrintHand' and 'Mario's Doc Printer' for Android, and 'PrintCenter' for iOS.
In most cases, printing from Google Docs on your mobile device is a simple process. By using Google Cloud Print or services like AirPrint, you can wirelessly print documents from your phone or tablet without breaking a sweat. Happy printing!