To connect a mobile phone to a printer via Wi-Fi, both the phone and printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On Android, you can enable the Default Print Service by going to Settings > Printing (under Connection preferences), turning on Default Print Service, then selecting your printer from the list of detected devices on the network[1]. Alternatively, if your printer doesn’t appear, you can add a brand-specific print service by downloading the relevant app or service for your printer’s manufacturer through the Add Service option in the printing settings[1][3].
If you want to print without a shared Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi Direct. This involves enabling Wi-Fi Direct on the printer (via its control panel) and then connecting your phone’s Wi-Fi directly to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network. After connecting, you open the file/photo on your phone, select the print option, choose the printer, and print[2]. Some printers also support NFC for tap-to-print functionality if your phone has NFC enabled[1].
For iPhones, Apple’s AirPrint technology allows wireless printing on the same Wi-Fi network without additional software[1]. Android printing typically requires enabling the Default Print Service or using the manufacturer’s print app or print service plugin, such as the Brother Print Service Plugin for Brother printers[4].
In summary, the general steps are:
1. Connect both mobile device and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. On Android, enable Default Print Service under Settings > Printing and select your printer.
3. If the printer does not appear, add the manufacturer’s print service plugin.
4. Alternatively, use Wi-Fi Direct by connecting your phone directly to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network.
5. On iOS, use AirPrint if supported.
These methods allow you to wirelessly print documents, photos, or other files directly from your mobile device[1][2][3][4].