How to print from a Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions for all models

Printing documents, photos or screenshots directly from a Xiaomi phone is a challenge faced by every second owner of a smartphone of this brand. Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can cause difficulties: the printer is not detected by Wi-Fi, drivers are not installed, MIUI blocks the connection due to security settings. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of printing, from standard Android functions to bypassing restrictions through cloud services and third-party applications.

Xiaomi phones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models) are featured with MIUI’s own shell, which sometimes modifies standard Android features. For example, some firmware versions lack a built-in print module, while others block access to local files due to privacy policies. We took these nuances into account and prepared instructions that work on all current devices (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

Important: If your printer doesn't support wireless technology, don't be too quick to give up the idea of printing from your phone. There's a section on USB-OTG connectivity and even workarounds for older printer models using PCs as a middleman.

1. Print through the built-in Android module (no apps)

The easiest way is to use the standard printing feature integrated into Android, which works on all Xiaomi phones with MIUI version at least 12.5 (based on Android 10+), the main condition is that the printer must support Wi-Fi Direct, Google Cloud Print (obsolete, but still found), or Mopria (modern standard).

To check compatibility, open Settings → Connections and sharing → Print. If a partition is missing, then your firmware is hiding it, go to the method. №2 (Mopria Print Service app). If there is a section, follow the instructions:

• 📱 Connect your phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network (or activate Wi-Fi Direct on your printer).
• 📄 Open the document (PDF, Word, photo in the gallery) and tap on three dots (⋮) → Seal.
• 🖨️ In the printer list, select your model. If you don't have one, click Add Printer and follow the prompts.
• ⚙️ Set the settings: orientation, chromaticity, number of copies. To save ink, choose Draft or Economy mode.

⚠️ Note: On phones with Chinese firmware MIUI (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro for the PRC market) the built-in print module may not be available due to Google restrictions. №3 (Cloud Services) or install Global ROM.

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If the printer doesn't appear on the list, restart it and the router. Sometimes resetting the printer's network settings helps (press the Wi-Fi button for 10 seconds).

2. Printing through Mopria Print Service (for all printers)

Mopria is a universal printing protocol supported by most modern printers (Canon, HP, Epson, Brother, etc.). For Xiaomi phones, this is often the only working way if the built-in Android module is missing or not working properly.

Instructions:

1. Download the official Mopria Print Service app from Google Play.
2. Connect your phone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network (or use Wi-Fi Direct).
3. Open a document (for example, a PDF in WPS Office or a photo in a gallery) and select Print.
4. You'll see your model on the printer list, marked Mopria.
5. Set up the print parameters and confirm the task.

Mopria has the advantage of supporting even older printers by updating their firmware, for example, many of the 2015-2018 HP LaserJet models are supported by Mopria after the update.

Update the printer firmware through the official manufacturer's software|Activate Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct in the printer menu|Make sure your phone and printer are on the same network.|Restart the printer after the update-->

3. Printing through Google Cloud Print (for older printers)

Google Cloud Print is officially shut down from December 31, 2020, but some printers (especially HP and Brother enterprise models) still support it through workarounds.If your printer is older than 2019, this may work, but it will require additional action on the PC.

Algorithm:

• 💻 On a computer (Windows/macOS) Add a printer to Chrome via Settings → Additional → Google Cloud Print (if the partition is still available).
• 📱 On Xiaomi phone, install the Cloud Print app (e.g. PrintHand).
• 🔗 Sign in to the same Google account as you do on PC.
• 🖨️ Select a document to print and send it to the printer via the cloud.

⚠️ Note: This method is unstable and may require configuring ports on the router (overpass). TCP For home use, it is better to choose Mopria or direct Wi-Fi.

4.Print via USB-OTG (for printers without Wi-Fi)

If your printer does not support wireless technology (for example, the old Canon PIXMA MG2440 or Epson L365), you can connect it directly to your phone via USB-OTG.

• 🔌 adapter USB-OTG (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on Xiaomi model).
• 🖨️ Cable USB Printer (usually included in the package).
• 📱 PrinterShare app (paid, but there is a trial version).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the OTG adapter to your phone and the printer to your adapter.
2. Run PrinterShare and select USB-printer.
3. If the printer is undecided, click Update the list or install the driver manually (the Drivers section in the application).
4. Open the document and send it to print via PrinterShare.

Method limitations:

• ❌ Not all printers support direct Android connection (check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website).
• ❌ Printing speed is lower than Wi-Fi.
• ❌ Some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F3) They may not be able to provide enough food to USB-port for printer operation – use externally powered hub.

Canon|HP|Epson|Brother|Samsung|Another |No printer-->

5. Printing through cloud services (Google Drive, Mail.ru Cloud)

If direct printing is not possible (for example, a printer is connected to another device on another network), you can use cloud services as an intermediary, which is universal, but requires access to a PC or laptop connected to the printer.

Example via Google Drive:

1. Download the document to Google Drive from your phone.
2. On PC, open the file in Google Docs/Sheets or download it.
3. Send to print through a local printer.

Alternative services:

• 📧 Mail.ru Cloud: download the file, open on PC and print.
• ☁️ Yandex Drive: Similar, but with Preview Support PDF.
• 📎 Telegram: Send the file to yourself in Save Messages, open it on PC and print it out.

⚠️ Note: When printing sensitive documents (passports, contracts) through the cloud, use secure channels. PDF Password before downloading or use Proton Drive with end-to-end encryption.

6.Printing photos on mini printers (Xiaomi Photo Printer)

To print photos from Xiaomi phones, it is convenient to use portable printers such as Xiaomi Photo Printer 2 or Kodak Step. These devices connect over Bluetooth and print pictures of 2×3 or 4×6 inches without ink (thermoprint).

Instructions for Xiaomi Photo Printer 2:

• 📱 Install the Mi Photo Print app.
• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and printer.
• 🖼️ Select a photo in the gallery, tap Share → Mi Photo Print.
• ✂️ Cut the photo to paper format (the application will offer templates).
• 🖨️ Press Print and wait until the end (about 30 seconds per photo).

Features of portable printers:

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Portable printers are ideal for travel, but they are not suitable for printing documents, only photos. Use standard methods (Wi-Fi or USB) for text.

Solving problems with printing with Xiaomi

If the print doesn’t work, check the following points:

• 🔌 Printer not detected by Wi-Fi: Restart router and printer. Turn off modem modem on phone (Settings) → SIM-Check that the printer and phone are on the same subnet (for example, both in the same network). 192.168.1.x).
• ❌ Error "Can't connect to the printer": Install the printer manufacturer's application (e.g., printer manufacturer's application, HP Smart or Epson Print. Update your printer firmware via PC. On your phone, turn off Charge Savings for the print app.
• 📵 USB-OTG Not working: Check the adapter on another device. Turn on Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap, then return to the additional → For developers, use an externally powered hub for printers that require a lot of power.

To diagnose the network on Xiaomi, use the hidden menu:

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Go to Wi-Fi information and check the connection status.

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If neither method works, try resetting the network settings on your phone: Settings → Memory and Backups → Resetting your settings → Resetting your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.

FAQ: Frequent Printing Questions with Xiaomi