How to add a printer to a Xiaomi phone: all ways + error solving

Connecting a printer to a Xiaomi smartphone is a challenge that users face when they need to print documents, photos or tickets without a computer. Modern models of Redmi, POCO and Mi support several ways of synchronizing with printers, but not all of them work equally stable. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of connection (including hidden MIUI functions), as well as typical errors and solutions, from the lack of drivers to problems with network protocols.

It’s important to consider that the algorithm of actions depends on the printer model (for example, Canon PIXMA, HP DeskJet, Brother HL), the version of MIUI (12-14), and even regional firmware. If your printer does not appear in the list of available devices, the problem may lie in the settings of the router or manufacturer’s limitations. We tested the instructions on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 – all methods work, but with nuance.

1. Connecting the printer to Xiaomi via Wi-Fi (recommended method)

Most modern printers support Wi-Fi Direct or LAN connectivity, which is universal and doesn't require any adapters, and the main requirement is that the printer and phone should be on the same network.

Instructions:

• 📱 On Xiaomi phone, open Settings → Connections and sharing → Seal.
• 🖨️ On the printer, activate Wi-Fi mode (usually a button). WPS or the Network Settings menu).
• 🔍 From the list of available devices, select your printer. If you don't have one, click Add printer and type in. IP-Address (specified on the sticker or printer menu).
• 📄 Download the driver if the system requests (Epson or Kyocera models may require manual installation via the APK).

If the printer is not detected:

⚠️ Attention: The problem may be the router settings. AP Isolation in the router control panel – this blocks the interaction of devices on the same network.

The printer is on and in Wi-Fi mode|The phone is connected to the same 2.4 GHz network|The router's filter is off. MAC-address|The printer has the latest drivers installed-->

2. Connect via USB-OTG (for printers without Wi-Fi)

If your printer does not support wireless technology (e.g. older models) HP LaserJet 1020 or Samsung ML-2010), can be used USB-cable OTG. This method does not work on all Xiaomi smartphones – it requires support. USB Host Mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Buy it. OTG-Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on the phone model).
2. Connect the printer to the adapter and the adapter to the phone.
3. In the Settings menu → Additional → Print, select Add Printer → Local Printer.
4. If the system requests a driver, download it from the printer manufacturer’s website (e.g. HP Smart or Canon PRINT).

Important nuances:

• 🔌 Not all printers are compatible with Android USB. Check the support on the manufacturer’s website.
• 📱 On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) You may need to include a debugging USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press).
• ⚡ Powered printers only from USB They may not work, they will not have enough power from the smartphone.

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If the printer is not determined through OTG, try using the manufacturer's app (e.g. Epson iPrint or Brother iPrint & Scan).They often have their own drivers and bypass Android's limitations.

3. Printing via Bluetooth (for portable printers)

Portable printers (such as the Xiaomi Mi Portable Photo Printer or Polaroid Hi-Print) are often connected via Bluetooth, a method that is convenient for printing photos or checks, but has speed and quality limitations.

How to connect:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Bluetooth).
• 🖨️ Activate the pairing mode on the printer (usually the power button is held for 3-5 seconds).
• 📱 In the list of available devices, select a printer and confirm pairing.
• 📷 Open the photo in the gallery, click Share → Print and select Bluetooth device.

When printing via Bluetooth, image quality can be degraded by data compression. This is not critical for documents, but for photos, it is better to use Wi-Fi.

laser (HP, Brother, Samsung)|Inkjet (Canon, Epson)|Portable (Xiaomi, Polaroid)|3D-printer|Other-->

4. Cloud Printing (Google Cloud Print and Alternatives)

If the printer supports Google Cloud Print (or similar, for example, HP ePrint), you can print from a Xiaomi phone over the Internet, which is convenient for remote printing, but requires configuration on a PC.

Instructions for Google Cloud Print:

1. On your computer, open Google Cloud Print and add your printer.
2. On Xiaomi, install the Google Cloud Print app (available from the Play Market).
3. Sign in with the same Google account as you do on your PC.
4. Select a document to print and send it to the printer via the cloud.

Alternatives:

5. Use of specialized applications

If standard methods don't work, try printer-manufacturer applications or generic utilities, which often contain built-in drivers and support rare models.

Top.-5 Printing Apps with Xiaomi:

• 📱 HP Smart for printers HP (Supports scanning and copying).
• 🖼️ Canon PRINT — Optimized for Canon inkjet printers.
• 📄 Epson iPrint – Printing with Google Drive and OneDrive.
• 🌐 PrinterShare is a universal solution for 3000+ printer.
• 📲 Mopria Print Service is the official application from the Mopria Alliance (works with most modern printers).

How to choose an application:

⚠️ Note: Universal utilities (such as PrinterShare) may require a paid subscription to print more than 10 pages per day.

6. Solving common errors

Even with the right connection, there can be problems, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

Error 1: The printer is not displayed in the list of devices

• 🔄 Restart the printer and phone.
• 📶 Check that both devices are connected to the same 2.4 GHz network (not 5 GHz).
• 🔧 Update the printer firmware via PC.
• 📱 B Settings → Annexes → Application management clear the print service cache.

Mistake 2: The document is sent to print, but nothing happens.

• 🖨️ Check toner/ink levels.
• 📃 Make sure that the paper in the tray is in the correct format (A4, Letter).
• 🔌 Reconnect the printer to the network or USB.
• 📱 In the printing settings on your phone, select Draft instead of High Quality.

Error 3: The printer prints blank sheets or characters

• 🖼️ Check the file format – some printers don’t support DOCX, only PDF.
• 📱 Update the Printing App in Play Market.
• 🔤 Install the correct language and encoding in the printer settings.

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If the printer prints characters, the problem is the driver or encoding. Try saving the document in PDF/A (standard for archival documents) and printing it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a printer to Xiaomi