Thanks to Google Cloud Print and compatibility with hundreds of models, printing from Android is easier than you can imagine
Given ever-increasing computing (and image processing) power, smartphones are getting closer and closer to the time when they can replace desktop computers and laptops. An example is given by the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 that, thanks to the DeX Station, are able to “transform” into a PC in a matter of seconds.
At the moment, however, smartphones are not entirely able to replace computers. It may happen, in fact, that mobile devices do not have some features considered “fundamental” for any self-respecting computer. Take, for example, the case of printing: at least natively, printing from smartphones is more complex than you might imagine. If to print from iPhone you need a printer compatible with AirPrint, on Android the issue becomes more intricate. In the latter case, in fact, it is necessary both to install an app on your mobile device and to properly configure your PC.
How to print from Android with a non-Wi-Fi printer
As mentioned, printing directly from your Android smartphone is not possible if you have a printer at home without a Wi-Fi module. In this case you need a computer with Chrome installed that will act as a “bridge” between the printer and the smartphone. Chrome alone, however, is not enough: it will also need to be connected and synchronized with the same Google account (a Gmail address, for example) that you use on your Android phone. Only in this way will the printing data be able to pass from the smartphone to the printing device. Let’s proceed in order.
After launching Chrome you need to verify that you are logged in with your Google account: just look in the top right corner (near the three buttons to close or resize the window) and make sure that your name or the “Sign in” button appears. In the latter case, click on the writing and follow the procedure to login. Once you’re done with this first “preliminary” step, you can proceed with the actual configuration.
Go to Chrome’s Settings (by clicking on the Menu button at the top right, the icon with the three vertical buttons), scroll to the end and click on “Advanced” to access the secret menu. Here keep scrolling until you come across the Print section and click on the Google Cloud Print item (alternatively, you can simply type “Google Cloud Print” in the search field at the top of the screen and select the result you get). A new menu consisting of three items will open: click on Manage Cloud Print Devices and wait for the new window to open. Under the Classic Printers section you should see the “Add Printers” button: clicking on it, the Big G browser will start a procedure that will allow you to import the local printers installed on your PC. Among the various items available, we recommend that you leave the “Automatically register new printers I connect” selected: this will allow you to add new printers automatically without having to repeat the procedure all over again. Click again on “Add printers” and, in a few moments, the procedure will be completed.
To print from Android, simply open the file or photo, press the button with three icons and choose “Print”. This will start the procedure that will send data and files to the newly added printer. However, remember that you need to keep your computer on, otherwise your smartphone and printer will not be able to contact each other.
How to print from Android with Wi-Fi printer
If your printer has a Wi-Fi module and can connect to the wireless network of your home (or office), the matter is simpler. Google Cloud Print, in fact, supports hundreds and hundreds of printers, from dozens of manufacturers, which can thus be used without the need for them to be installed locally on the PC (here is the list of supported devices). After accessing the cloud print device management page (from Chrome Settings, open Advanced and click on Google Cloud Print) you have to look in the “New devices” section and check that the Wi-Fi printer you have at home is present: click on Manage and then on Register and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure.
Or you can download the app of the manufacturer of your printer and follow the configuration procedure directly from your smartphone. Major brands (Samsung, Epson, HP, Lexmark and Canon among others) have developed apps that allow you to print from Android without the need to use a PC with Chrome as a bridge. In this case, however, it is necessary that the printer and the phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network: only in this way will the device be recognized and synchronized.