Print from Xiaomi phone to printer via USB-cable: full instruction

Why printing from a phone via USB is not always an obvious task

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (whether Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship 13T series) have long replaced computers for many everyday tasks, from photo processing to document processing. However, when it comes to printing, users often face unexpected difficulties. Unlike laptops, where connecting a printer via USB usually happens automatically, on Android devices this process requires additional adjustments.

The main problem lies in the architecture of the operating system: Android does not initially support direct printing via USB-OTG without special software. Printers, even modern models with support for Mopria or AirPrint, are often designed for wireless protocols. And if your printer is older than 5 years (for example, Canon LBP2900 or HP LaserJet 1020), the chances of successfully connecting via cable without “dancing with diamond” rapidly fall. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from choosing the right cable to manually installing drivers.

What equipment will you need to print via USB

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need. The minimum set includes:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone based on Android 8.0 and newer (on older versions support) OTG may be absent)
• 🖨️ printer USB-Type B port (square connector) or Micro-USB (compact models)
• 🔌 Cable OTG (On-the-Go) with a connector USB-C (For new Xiaomi or Micro-USB (for older models)
• 💾 Power adapter (if the printer requires an external power source)

Important: Not all cables OTG Cheap Chinese adapters often don't support data transfer, they only support charging. OTG-And you can check if it works by plugging in a flash drive, and if it recognizes the drive, the cable fits.

Step 1: Checking the compatibility of the printer and smartphone

Not all printers support USB-based printing from mobile devices. To avoid disappointment, do a pre-check:

1. Find your printer model on the manufacturer’s official website (such as Canon or HP).
2. In the "Specifications" or "Specifics" section, look for references to support Mobile Printing, Mopria or USB Direct Print.
3. If there is no information, check the printer for compatibility with the PrinterShare application (we will discuss it below).

Critical information: PCL5/PCL6-only printers (for example, many Xerox or Kyocera models) may not work via USB-OTG even with additional software. In this case, you can either use Wi-Fi/Bluetooth or connect through an intermediary (laptop with a shared printer).

Step 2: Set up Xiaomi smartphone to work with OTG

Even if your printer is compatible, your smartphone can block the connection.

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → OTG.
2. Activate the switch "Enable OTG".
3. Under Settings → Applications → Special Access Rights → Access to USB Allow access for a print application (e.g. PrinterShare).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version), the OTG clause may be hidden.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.

Enable OTG in settings|

Allow access to USB for the print application |

Activate debugging over USB (if required)|

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

Step 3: Installation and configuration of software

Without a dedicated application, USB printing is not possible. Let's look at three proven options:

PrinterShare (Universal Solution)

The most reliable printer app with Android, with more than 5,000 printer models, download it from Google Play:

1. Run PrinterShare and select Print via USB/OTG.
2. Connect the printer to the phone via OTG-cable.
3. The application will automatically determine the model and offer drivers.

The free version only prints test pages (≈300₽).

Official Manufacturer Annexes

If your printer is from Canon, HP or Epson, use proprietary software:

• 🖼️ Canon PRINT — for Canon printers PIXMA and SELPHY.
• 🖨️ HP Smart for devices HP OfficeJet and Envy.
• 📄 Epson iPrint for Epson EcoTank and WorkForce.

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If the official app doesn't see the printer via USB, try Wi-Fi Direct (even if the printer isn't connected to the router), and many models support creating your own print network.

Mopria Print Service (for modern printers)

If your printer supports the Mopria standard (such as Brother HL-L2350DW or Samsung Xpress M2070), install the official Mopria Print Service app, which integrates into the system and allows you to print directly from any application (such as Google Docs or Adobe Acrobat).

Step 4: Solving Common Problems

Even if you set up the right way, USB printing might not work, and here are the typical errors and solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If the printer is connected, but the phone gives an error "Device not recognized", the problem may be a lack of power. USB-feed-in.

If the printer is determined but the print does not start, try:

1. Change USB connection mode in the notification curtain (select File Transfer or MIDI).
2. Turn off battery saving for the printing application.
3. Update the printer firmware through the manufacturer's software on the PC.

Step 5: Alternative Printing Methods with Xiaomi

If USB connection fails, consider alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: Many printers create their own network, connect to it in your phone's Wi-Fi settings and use the manufacturer's official software.
• 🌐 Cloud Printing: Services like Google Cloud Print (outdated, but there are analogues) or Dropbox + Print allows you to send documents for printing via the Internet.
• 🖥️ Intermediary (PC/laptop): Connect the printer to your computer, share it over the network and add it to your phone via Settings → Connections → printer.

For owners of Xiaomi with MIUI 13/14, a built-in printing function is available:

1. Open a document (for example, in WPS Office or Google Docs).
2. Press. ⋮ → Seal.
3. Select Save as PDF, then send the file to mail or to the cloud, from where print out on PC.

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If your printer is older than 2015, your probability of successful USB printing from your phone is less than 30%, in which case Wi-Fi or a PC-based intermediary will be more reliable.

FAQ: Frequent Printing Questions with Xiaomi on Printer