With the rise of mobile technology, one of the most significant changes in the ways people work is the ability to work from anywhere. The increasing adoption of tablets like the iPad has revolutionized the way we work in meetings or conferences. Although the iPad offers a lot of advantages over traditional laptops, there are times when you may need to print something. With the help of a network printer, you can easily print from your iPad.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Network Printer with iPad
In today’s fast-paced world, people are always on the move. Gone are those days when you needed to carry a bulky laptop for printing documents. The iPad’s portability has made printing from anywhere convenient. With the iPad’s wireless connection, you can easily connect to a printer on a network and print wirelessly through AirPrint.
Method 1: Via AirPrint
Printing from an iPad using AirPrint is a comparatively easy method if you have an AirPrint printer available. Here’s how you can add network printers to your iPad via AirPrint.
1. Connect the iPad and the AirPrint printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open an app on the iPad with a print function, such as Safari or Pages.
3. Click on the Share icon or print icon; it appears as an up-arrow or a rectangle with an up-arrow below it.
4. Click on the Printer button.
5. Select the printer from the list of available printers.
6. Set any print options you need, such as double-sided prints, page range, or number of copies.
7. Click on "Print" to start the printing process.
Pros:
– This method is relatively simple and easy to use.
– No need for any additional software or applications.
– Direct integration with AirPrint printers.
Cons:
– Only works with AirPrint-enabled printers.
– You cannot print directly from apps that don’t have a print button.
Method 2: Via Printer Pro
If you have a non-AirPrint compatible printer, then Printer Pro is an excellent solution. Printer Pro is an application that allows you to print to almost every printer on the market from your iPad.
1. Download and install Printer Pro on your iPad, available on the App Store.
2. Connect your iPad and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Launch Printer Pro and tap on the "+" button in the top right corner.
4. Click on the "Add printer" button.
5. Under "Automatic Setup," select your printer from the list.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your printer.
7. Once the printer is connected, you can begin printing.
Pros:
– The app can be used with non-AirPrint printers.
– Printer Pro allows you to adjust print settings before printing.
Cons:
– The app needs to be installed on both the iPad and the computer.
– Printer Pro is a paid application.
Method 3: Via Any Printer
PrintCentral Pro is an app that connects to any printer on your Wi-Fi network and transforms your iPad into a handheld printing center in seconds.
1. Download and install PrintCentral Pro on your iPad
2. Connect your iPad and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the app and select "Printers".
4. Click on the "Add Printer" button.
5. Select your printer and follow the prompts to add it to the list of print options.
6. Select the item you want to print and select the printer to use.
7. Adjust the print settings, and click on Print to begin printing.
Pros:
– The app can scan documents and images to save and print them quickly.
– Easy to use and connect to all types of printers.
– You can preview documents before printing.
Cons:
– PrintCentral Pro is a paid application.
– The app takes some getting used to.
What to Do If You Can’t Add Network Printer with iPad
– Make sure both the printer and iPad are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
– Check if the printer is AirPrint compatible or not.
– Use Printer Pro or PrintCentral Pro if the printer is not compatible with AirPrint.
– Check if there is any firewall or security policy that is blocking the network printer.
– If you are still having trouble, contact your network administrator or printer manufacturer for further help.
Bonus Tip
If you want to print a document from your iPad regularly, consider getting an AirPrint-enabled printer for convenience. Most printers that are AirPrint-compatible will display a logo on their box.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I connect any printer to my iPad?
A: You can connect any printer that is compatible with AirPrint or install apps like Printer Pro or PrintCentral Pro to connect with non-AirPrint printers.
Q2: Does adding a printer require a cable connection?
A: No, printers can be connected through Wi-Fi networks without any cables.
Q3: Is it possible to print images and documents from the iPad camera roll?
A: Yes, you can print images and documents from the iPad camera roll using any of the methods mentioned in this article.
Q4: How do I know if my printer is compatible with AirPrint?
A: The printer’s packaging will display an AirPrint logo if it is compatible with AirPrint.
Q5: Can I add more than one printer to my iPad?
A: Yes, you can add more than one printer to your iPad.
Final Thoughts
Printing from an iPad is straightforward, and it can be done in various ways. This article has provided you with some of the best methods to add a network printer to your iPad. With the help of these methods, you can easily print from your iPad without any hassle. You can choose the method that suits you best and make your printing experience convenient and hassle-free.