Print from Xiaomi phone to printer via USB: full instruction 2026

Xiaomi’s modern Android smartphones have long replaced computers for many everyday tasks, from editing documents to printing. USB-In contrast to wireless solutions (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), printing through the port is difficult. USB-cable has nuances: from the lack of native support in Android to problems with drivers of specific printer models.

This article will help you understand how to connect Xiaomi Redmi correctly, POCO or Mi to the printer through USB, What apps to use to print.pdf,.docx or photos, and what to do if the system can’t see the device.We’ll look at current methods for Android 12-14, including circumventing restrictions MIUI Working with popular printer brands (Canon, HP, Epson, Brother).

⚠️ Not all printers support direct Android connection USB. If your model requires special software (for example, HP Smart or Epson Print Enabler, wireless methods may be easier. Check compatibility in advance on the printer manufacturer's website.

Why Android doesn’t support printing USB "box"?

Unlike Windows or macOS, the Android operating system is not originally designed to work with peripherals through the use of a computer. USB OTG (On-the-Go. The reason is architecture:

  • πŸ“± Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi’s firmware blocks access to low-level features USB For most applications for security reasons.
  • πŸ–¨οΈ Lack of universal drivers: Printers rarely release Android drivers, relying on wireless protocols (Wi-Fi Direct, Mopria).
  • πŸ”Œ Protocol USB Mass Storage: Android will recognize USB-They're devices that are storage devices, not printers. USB Host Mode that is not always activated.

However, you can get around these limitations with third-party applications, manual adjustments, or adapters, such as PictBridge printers (more commonly found in photo printers) that can print directly from your phone, but these models are rare.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) the chances of successful printing through the phone are high. USB However, this requires technical skills and may deprive the security.

What you need to print with Xiaomi through USB?

Before connecting, prepare the following:

Cable USB OTG (Type-C/Micro-USB β†’ USB-A)|printer USB-port (not Mini-USB!)|File for printing (PDF, DOCX, JPG)|Charged telephone (minimum) 30%)|Annex for printing (see section below)

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⚠️ Critical moment: Use the original cable USB OTG It's from Xiaomi, or a certified analogue. Cheap cables often don't support data transfer, just charging. OTG can be used by USB OTG Checker.

Also note that some printers (especially older Canon models) are available. HP) They may require additional food, and they may need to. USB-feed-in.

ComponentRequirementsNotes
USB OTG cableType-C β†’ USB-A (or micro-USB β†’ USB-A for old Xiaomi)Length not exceeding 1 m for stable data transmission
printerUSB-Type A port with PictBridge support (optional)Laser printers are more likely to work through USB, jet-like
Xiaomi phoneAndroid 8.0+, support USB Host ModeOn the phones with MIUI 12+ You may need to activate the Developer Mode
AnnexPrintHand, PrinterShare or Mopria Print ServiceFree versions have restrictions on the number of pages

Step-by-step: connecting Xiaomi to the printer through USB

Follow this algorithm for successful printing:

  1. Activate the mode. USB OTG: Go to Settings. β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ USB OTG And turn on the slider (POCO X3, Redmi Note 10 may be in Additional settings β†’ OTG.
  2. Connect the cable: Connect the phone to the printer via OTG-The phone screen should have a notification "USB-If it's not there, check the cable or printer port.
  3. Install the application to print: Download from Google Play one of the applications: πŸ“„ PrintHand Mobile Print – supports most printers, there is a trial version. πŸ–ΌοΈ PrinterShare – easy to print photos, but requires premium for full functionality. πŸ”— Mopria Print Service – official solution from the Mopria alliance (works with Xerox, Samsung, Brother).

Set up the seal:

Open the file in the application (for example, PDF In PrintHand, select the printer (should be automatically defined as "USB Printer) and set the parameters:

  • πŸ“ƒ Paper format: A4, Letter.
  • 🎨 Color/black and white mode.
  • πŸ”’ Number of copies.
  • Start the print: Press "Print" and wait until it's done. If the process is stalling, turn off the cable, restart the phone and try again.

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: If the printer is not defined, try connecting it to another USB-Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11) require additional permission to access the port (if there are more than one) or use the hub. USB In Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access β†’ Access to USB.

Canon|HP|Epson|Brother|Samsung|Another brand|I don't know the model.

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Solving common problems

Even with the right connection, print through USB It might not work. Let's look at the common mistakes and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The phone doesn't see the printer.Lack of support USB Host ModeCheck in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. For older models (Redmi) 4X) You may need a supportive firmware OTG.
The seal begins, but it breaks.Lack of printer powerUse it. USB-externally powered hub or connect the printer to the outlet.
The application gives an error "The device is not supported"There is no driver for a particular printer modelInstall the manufacturer's proprietary software (for example, HP Print Service Plugin).
A blank page is printedIncompatible file formatConvert the document into PDF through Google Docs or WPS Office.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with a locked bootloader, some printing apps (like PrinterShare) may not have access to the app. USB-In this case, only unlocking or using alternative methods (Wi-Fi, cloud printing) will help).

If the printer is identified but the print comes with artifacts (strips, distorted symbols), try:

  • πŸ”„ Change the printing resolution (e.g. from 600 dpi to 300 dpi).
  • πŸ“‘ Print one page at a time.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ For photos use format PNG instead JPEG.

Alternative Printing Methods with Xiaomi (if you have a USB doesn't work)

If you connect through USB It was not possible, consider these options:

How to print via Wi-Fi Direct?
1. Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the printer (usually in the Network menu) β†’ Wi-Fi Direct). 2. On Xiaomi phone go to Settings β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Wi-Fi Direct and connect to the printer. 3. Use the Mopria Print Service app or the printer manufacturer's proprietary software. 4. Printing over Wi-Fi Direct is usually more stable than through a printer. USB, But it requires printer support.

  • 🌐 Cloud Printing: Upload the file to Google Drive or Dropbox, then send it to print via the printer’s web interface (if it’s connected to the same network).
  • πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi/Local area network: Connect your phone and printer to the same router and use Google Cloud Print (outdated with the Internet) 2020 Some printers still support Mopria or Mopria.
  • πŸ“Ž Bluetooth: Rarely found in printers, but some models HP OfficeJet supports Bluetooth printing via the app HP Smart.
  • πŸ’» PK-mediator: Connect your phone to your computer via Mi PC Suite, then print the file with standard means Windows/macOS.

Xiaomi printers (e.g. Mi Portable Photo Printer) support printing through the USB It's just a branded Mi Home app, and for other printer models, it's useless.

Compatibility of printers with Xiaomi: support table

Not all printers work equally well with Xiaomi. USB. Below is the data on popular models (information is relevant for the MIUI 14 and Android 13):

Brand and modelSupport USB-printRecommended PANotes
Canon PIXMA MG3640βœ… Yes (with the driver)Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHYYou need to include PictBridge in the printer menu.
HP LaserJet Pro M404nβœ… Yes.HP Print Service PluginIt works without any additional settings.
Epson L3150⚠️ Partially.Epson Print EnablerMaybe you should. USB-powerhouse.
Brother HL-L2350DWβœ… Yes.Brother iPrint&ScanIt works better over Wi-Fi.
Samsung SL-M2020❌ No.Mopria Print ServiceNetwork connection required.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Before buying a printer, check its compatibility with Android on the manufacturer's website.Look for models with Mopria or Google Cloud Print support - they are guaranteed to work with Xiaomi (even if not through the manufacturer's website). USB).

Security and privacy when printing from the phone

Printing documents from the phone through USB or the network is at risk of data breach:

  • πŸ”’ Delete files after printing: Apps like PrinterShare can store copies of documents in cache. Clean it manually in Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Cash app.
  • 🌍 Avoid public networks: When printing over Wi-Fi, do not use public hotspots (such as in cafes or airports.
  • πŸ“± Turn it off. OTG After use: Continuously active mode USB OTG drains the battery and increases the risk of connecting malicious devices.
  • πŸ”‘ Encrypt sensitive documents: Archive password files before printing (e.g., via 7-Zip or RAR).

⚠️ Note: When using cloud printing (e.g., Google Cloud Print), files are temporarily stored on Google servers. If the document contains personal data, prefer local methods (USB or Wi-Fi Direct).

Also, look for permissions for printing applications, such as PrintHand requesting access to:

  • πŸ“‚ Storage (for selecting files).
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi (to search for printers on the network).
  • πŸ”Œ USB (direct-connect).

Denie access to contacts, location, or microphone – these permissions are not required for printing.

FAQ: Frequent Printing Questions with Xiaomi USB

πŸ”Ή Can I print from Xiaomi to the printer through USB no-apps?
No, in standard firmware. MIUI No built-in support USB-Even if the phone recognizes the printer as a device, it requires an intermediary, an application like PrintHand or Mopria, to send the task to print, except for printers that support PictBridge (for example, some Canon Selphy models). They can print photos directly through the phone’s gallery menu, but that doesn’t work on all Xiaomi devices.
πŸ”Ή Why the printer is determined, but the print doesn’t start?
There are several reasons: Lack of printer memory (clear the print queue on the device itself); Incompatible file format (try converting the document into a document). PDF). Lockdown MIUI (Check permissions for the application in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permissions. Driver failure (reinstall the print app). If the problem persists, try connecting the printer to another device (e.g. a laptop) to help determine if the phone is involved.
πŸ”Ή How to print from Xiaomi to an old printer without Wi-Fi?
Printers without network interfaces (e.g, HP LaserJet 1020 or Canon LBP2900) There are two options: USB OTG + Powered hub: Connect the printer to the hub and the hub to the phone. The hub must have external power (from the socket), as old printers consume a lot of power. PC-mediator: Connect the phone to the computer, copy the file and print through the PC. PC Suite or Snapdrop (via browser). ⚠️ Older printers often don’t have Android drivers, so print through USB This may not be possible without additional software (e.g. PrinterShare Premium).
πŸ”Ή What settings? MIUI You need to change the printer through USB?
Check the following parameters: Include USB OTG In Settings β†’ Connect and share. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In About Phone, then turn on Debugging by USB. B Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access β†’ Access to USB Allow access for your print app. Turn off Battery Optimization for the print app (in the app settings). On some models (Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO F3) You may also need to disconnect MIUI Optimization in the developer settings (turn off option) MIUI Optimization).
πŸ”Ή Can I type from the phone to the 3D-printer USB?
Technically, yes, but it requires specialized software and customization. 3D-Printing with Xiaomi will be required: Slicing application (for example, PrusaSlicer for Android or Ultimaker Cura via web interface). USB OTG-cable with data support (not all cables are suitable). 3D-Directly controlled printer (e.g., Marlin with enabled printer) USB_SERIAL). ⚠️ Most of the time. 3D-Printers (e.g. Creality Ender) 3) They don’t have Android drivers, so it’s easier to use a laptop or Raspberry Pi as an intermediary.