How to print from Xiaomi phone to printer: all ways and solutions to problems

Printing documents and photos directly from Xiaomi’s phone is a challenge that every second user faces, but not everyone knows that modern smartphones of this brand support several ways to connect to printers: from the classic smartphone to the traditional one. USB-OTG It's not like the cloud services, like Google Cloud Print or the Mi Print solution, but the problem is that the interface and settings may vary depending on the printer model, the version. MIUI and even the firmware region.

Many users mistakenly believe that printing from a smartphone requires a printer that supports Wi-Fi Direct or AirPrint. In fact, even older devices with a connector. USB Type-B can be connected to Redmi or POCO And if the printer doesn't have any wireless modules, it's cloud services or manual local network configuration, and in this article, we'll look at all the current ways, from the simplest to the most advanced, with the nuances of Xiaomi firmware.

Now, if your printer is released before 2015 and doesn't support modern protocols, you'll probably need some additional software on your PC or router. But in 90 percent of cases, standard tools are enough. MIUI Mi Print, which automatically detects most printer models from the HP, Canon, Epson and Brother without manual setup.

1. Xiaomi phone prep for printing: what to check before connecting

Before you try to pair your smartphone with a printer, make sure your Xiaomi device is ready for this operation.

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Printing through standard means is available starting with MIUI 10.Older versions will require third-party applications to be installed.
• 🔄 System Updates: Check for Updates in Settings → The phone. → Update: Up-to-date firmware ensures compatibility with new printer models.
• 📶 Wi-Fi or mobile Internet: Cloud printing requires stable network access. If you're using a local network, the printer and phone must be connected to the same router.
• 🔌 USB-OTG: If you plan to connect via cable, make sure your Xiaomi supports it. OTG (Most models after 2018 are yes. You can check through the app USB OTG Checker.

Pay special attention to application permissions. If you use Mi Print or Google Cloud Print, these programs must have access to:

• 📂 Storage (for selecting files)
• 🌐 Internet (for cloud printing)
• 📡 Local Network (to search for printers)

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware (especially global ones), the print function may be disabled by default. → Additionally. → Print and turn on the slider Printing Service.

2. Method 1: Print over Wi-Fi (the most versatile method)

Wireless connectivity is the best option for most users, and it works with printers that support:

• 📡 Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without router)
• 🌐 AirPrint (Apple standard, but many printers are compatible with Android)
• 🖨️ Epson Connect, HP ePrint and other proprietary protocols

Instructions for setting:

1. Make sure the printer is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Xiaomi.
2. Open the file you want to print (photo, PDF, document).
3. Click the Share button (or some apps) and select Print.
4. In the printer list, select your device. If you don't have one, click Add the printer and follow the system's prompts.

If the printer doesn’t automatically show up, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the printer and phone.
• 📡 Manually enter IP-Printer address (you can find it through the printer or router menu).
• 📱 Install a proprietary application of the printer manufacturer (for example, HP Smart or Canon PRINT).

3. Method 2: Connecting through USB-OTG (Wi-Fi-free printers)

If your printer does not support wireless technology, you can connect it directly through the USB-OTG This method works with most inkjet and laser printers, but it requires:

• 🔌 adapter USB-OTG (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on Xiaomi model).
• 🖨️ plug-in printer USB Type-B (standard square port).
• 📱 Support OTG on the phone (checked through Settings) → The phone. → Specifications).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect one end. OTG-cable to the phone and the other to the printer.
2. There will be a notification on the phone. USB-It's connected. Press it.
3. Select Printing Mode or MTP (If the first option is not available).
4. Open the file to print, click Share → Print and select your printer.

⚠️ Note: Some printers require drivers to be installed even when USB-If you don't start printing, download PrinterShare or Mi Print, which contains a driver database for popular models.

The speed of printing through OTG It can be lower than Wi-Fi, especially if the file is large (e.g., multi-page). PDF). In this case, it is recommended to use cloud printing (see the next section).

Method 3: Cloud Printing (Google Cloud Print and Alternatives)

If your printer supports cloud services, you can print from Xiaomi from anywhere in the world.

• ☁️ Google Cloud Print (officially closed but running through workarounds).
• 🌍 HP ePrint (for printers) HP).
• 🖨️ Epson Connect and Canon PRINT (brand-name).
• 📱 Mi Print (branded application from Xiaomi).

Customization via Mi Print (recommended option for Xiaomi users):

1. Download the Mi Print app from Google Play or App Gallery.
2. Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Add Printer and select your model from the list (or enter) IP-manual).
4. Confirm the connection on the printer (entry may be required) PIN-code).
5. Select the file to print and adjust the parameters (paper size, quality, color).

The advantages of cloud printing:

• ✅ It works even if the printer and phone are on different networks.
• ✅ Supports printing queue and remote control.
• ✅ Compatible with most modern printers.

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If your printer does not support cloud printing but is connected to a PC, you can use PrinterShare to print remotely over your home network.

5. Method 4: Print over a local area network (for power users)

If the printer is connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi, but does not appear in the list of devices, it can be added manually through the router. IP-This method requires basic knowledge of networks, but it works even with outdated models.

Instructions:

1. Find out. IP-printer address (you can see in the router settings or print a test page with network data).
2. On Xiaomi phone go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Seal.
3. Click Add Printer and select Add Manually.
4. Enter. IP-printer address and select the protocol (usually LPD or IPP).
5. Specify the printer model (if known) or select the Common Driver.

If the printer requires authentication, you may need to:

• 🔑 Login and password (usually) admin/admin or listed on the printer sticker).
• 📜 Working Group Name (for printers in the office network).

⚠️ Note: When manually adding a printer IP Make sure that the router settings are turned off AP Isolation: Otherwise, the phone and printer won't see each other despite being connected to the same network.

To simplify the process, you can use applications like PrinterShare or PrintHand, which automatically scan the local network and offer a list of available printers.

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Manual addition of the printer by IP — The only way to connect outdated models (before 2010 release) to modern Xiaomi smartphones.

6. Problem Solutions: The printer is not printing or detected

Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of these methods work:

• 🔄 Update the printer firmware (the instructions are usually on the manufacturer's website).
• 📱 Reset the network settings on your phone (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings).
• 🖨️ Check the printer on another device (PC or other phone) to rule out hardware malfunction.

To diagnose network problems, you can use the Fing application (scans the network and shows all connected devices) or PingTools Network Utilities (checks the availability of the printer by using the Internet). IP).

7.Printing photos and documents: optimal settings

Print quality depends not only on the printer, but also on the settings on the Xiaomi phone.

• 📸 Photos:
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel):

For printing from the phone Xiaomi is convenient to use:

• 📱 Google Drive (for documents and PDF).
• 🖼️ Xiaomi Gallery (for photos).
• 📑 WPS Office (for editing and printing) Word/Excel).

If you need to print a web page:

1. Open it in Google Chrome.
2. Press. ⋮ → Share. → Seal.
3. Select a printer and adjust the settings (remove background images to save ink).

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To print multiple photos on a single sheet, use the Photo Print app – it supports collage templates and field customization.

8. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If your printer is too old or incompatible with smartphones, there are workarounds:

• 🖥️ Printing via PC:
• 🌐 Cloud services:
• 📡 router USB-port:

For root-righted Xiaomi owners, there is another option: installing a custom kernel with support for additional printer drivers, but this method requires technical knowledge and can lead to a loss of warranty.

⚠️ Note: When using cloud services to print sensitive documents, make sure that the file is not saved to third-party servers. VPN.

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If the printer doesn’t support modern protocols, the most reliable way is to connect it to a PC and use remote access from your phone.

FAQ: Frequent Printing Questions with Xiaomi