Xiaomiβs 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 canβt see the device.Weβll look at current methods for Android 12-14, including circumventing restrictions MIUI Working with popular printer brands (Canon, HP, Epson, Brother).
β οΈ 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 doesnβt 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:
- π± Limitations MIUI: Xiaomiβs firmware blocks access to low-level features USB For most applications for security reasons.
- π¨οΈ Lack of universal drivers: Printers rarely release Android drivers, relying on wireless protocols (Wi-Fi Direct, Mopria).
- π 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.
β οΈ 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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β οΈ 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.
| Component | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USB OTG cable | Type-C β USB-A (or micro-USB β USB-A for old Xiaomi) | Length not exceeding 1 m for stable data transmission |
| printer | USB-Type A port with PictBridge support (optional) | Laser printers are more likely to work through USB, jet-like |
| Xiaomi phone | Android 8.0+, support USB Host Mode | On the phones with MIUI 12+ You may need to activate the Developer Mode |
| Annex | PrintHand, PrinterShare or Mopria Print Service | Free versions have restrictions on the number of pages |
Step-by-step: connecting Xiaomi to the printer through USB
Follow this algorithm for successful printing:
- 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.
- 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.
- Install the application to print: Download from Google Play one of the applications: π PrintHand Mobile Print β supports most printers, there is a trial version. πΌοΈ PrinterShare β easy to print photos, but requires premium for full functionality. π Mopria Print Service β 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:
- π Paper format: A4, Letter.
- π¨ Color/black and white mode.
- π’ 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.
π‘ 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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone doesn't see the printer. | Lack of support USB Host Mode | Check 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 power | Use 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 model | Install the manufacturer's proprietary software (for example, HP Print Service Plugin). |
| A blank page is printed | Incompatible file format | Convert the document into PDF through Google Docs or WPS Office. |
β οΈ 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:
- π Change the printing resolution (e.g. from 600 dpi to 300 dpi).
- π Print one page at a time.
- πΌοΈ 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?
- π Cloud Printing: Upload the file to Google Drive or Dropbox, then send it to print via the printerβs web interface (if itβs connected to the same network).
- πΆ 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.
- π Bluetooth: Rarely found in printers, but some models HP OfficeJet supports Bluetooth printing via the app HP Smart.
- π» 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 model | Support USB-print | Recommended PA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA MG3640 | β Yes (with the driver) | Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY | You need to include PictBridge in the printer menu. |
| HP LaserJet Pro M404n | β Yes. | HP Print Service Plugin | It works without any additional settings. |
| Epson L3150 | β οΈ Partially. | Epson Print Enabler | Maybe you should. USB-powerhouse. |
| Brother HL-L2350DW | β Yes. | Brother iPrint&Scan | It works better over Wi-Fi. |
| Samsung SL-M2020 | β No. | Mopria Print Service | Network connection required. |
π‘ 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:
- π Delete files after printing: Apps like PrinterShare can store copies of documents in cache. Clean it manually in Settings β Warehouse β Cash app.
- π Avoid public networks: When printing over Wi-Fi, do not use public hotspots (such as in cafes or airports.
- π± Turn it off. OTG After use: Continuously active mode USB OTG drains the battery and increases the risk of connecting malicious devices.
- π Encrypt sensitive documents: Archive password files before printing (e.g., via 7-Zip or RAR).
β οΈ 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:
- π Storage (for selecting files).
- π‘ Wi-Fi (to search for printers on the network).
- π USB (direct-connect).
Denie access to contacts, location, or microphone β these permissions are not required for printing.