How to print documents from your Android phone

Almost every computer user knows how to print documents using a printer connected through a wire or wirelessly. It is a simple process where you choose the “Print” option from an application and tweak paper settings to obtain a printout. The “Ctrl+P” shortcut is a life saviour. However, things are slightly different if you want a printout from a document on your phone. The options to give a print command on a smartphone are not as straightforward. However, do not worry. Here is a quick guide to help you on how to print documents from an Android phone. Also Read: Android 16’s New Advanced Protection Mode Takes Security to a Whole New Level

Printing documents from an Android phone

There are a few ways to print documents from your Android phone. Here are the best ones that will be convenient for you: Also Read: Google Announces a Dedicated Show For Android Before I/O 2025

Using a Printing App: Almost every printer manufacturer offers an Android app that lets you print documents without a hassle. For instance, you can download and install the “Smart Print for HP Printer App” from the Google Play Store on your Android phone. These apps use Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct to connect to a nearby compatible printer and send the print command. You can open the document and share it with the printer app, which opens the document in the printer app. You can adjust print settings from the app and hit the ‘Print’ button to get a printout. Also Read: This Android setting will get you new features!

Printing from Within Apps: Some apps such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs have built-in printing features. Here is how to print documents from these apps –

• Open the document you want to print in the desired app (Google Docs, for example).
• Now, tap the “More” menu, usually represented by three dots in the top right corner.
• Select the “Share & export” option and then tap “Print.”
• Choose the printer from the list of all available options. You may be required to confirm your printer choice by going through an additional set of instructions in the app.
• Tap “Print” to send the document to your printer for printing.

Things to remember

• Ensure that your phone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network if you are going for a wireless printing setup. You can also connect cables using compatible dongles.
• Refer to the printer’s manual to ensure you are following the right set of instructions to set up mobile printing.