Print documents directly from Xiaomi smartphone to printer USB-cable seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face a lot of nuances, from the lack of drivers to connection errors), USB-The connection requires the right setup on both the phone and the printer side. This article will help you understand how to arrange printing without a computer using only a smartphone and cable.
The problem is that most printers don’t support the printer. OTG-On-The-Go on Android devices, PC-centric manufacturers, cloud-based mobile gadgets, but with the right software and settings, even the older Canon models are on the right side, HP Or maybe Epson can be made to work through USB. Next, step-by-step instructions for different scenarios, including avoiding typical errors.
Preparation: What you need to print via USB
Before you connect the printer to Xiaomi, make sure you have everything you need. Without the right accessories and software, the process will fail.
- 📱 Xiaomi Smartphone with Support USB OTG (Almost all models after 2018. Compatibility can be checked through the application USB OTG Checker.
- 🖨️ Prither with USB-port (not all models support direct printing from mobile devices – see the table below).
- 🔌 Cable OTG (adapter USB-C → USB-A, If the printer has a standard connector. 11/12/13 The series may require a cable support USB 3.0.
- 📱 Printing application: Mopria Print Service, PrinterShare or proprietary software of the printer manufacturer.
Pay special attention to the Android version. On Android devices. 10+ You may need to manually switch on the mode USB-The host is in the developer settings. if your Xiaomi works on MIUI 12/13/14, Check for updates – new firmware versions have improved support for external devices.
Checking the compatibility of the printer with Xiaomi
Not all printers support printing through USB Android devices, even if the model is equipped with USB-It can only be used to connect to a PC, and below is the compatibility table of popular brands:
| Brand | Supported models USB-print-out | Whether the firmware is required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon | PIXMA G-series, MG-series, TR-series | Yeah (Canon PRINT) | Works with Mopria on Android 8+ |
| HP | OfficeJet, DeskJet (models after 2019) | Yes (HP Smart) | Requires the inclusion of USB debugging |
| Epson | EcoTank, WorkForce Pro | No (supports Mopria) | You may need to update the printer firmware |
| Brother | DCP, MFC (Series with USB Direct) | Yes (Brother iPrint & Scan) | It doesn’t work with MIUI 14 without manual tuning. |
If your model isn't on the list, check the specifications on the manufacturer's website. Look for mentions of PictBridge, USB Direct Print or Mopria Alliance. Printers without these technologies will likely not be able to print directly from a smartphone.
⚠️ Note: Samsung and Xerox printers often require additional drivers that are not available on Google Play. APK-files from official websites.
Set up a Xiaomi smartphone for USB-print-out
Before connecting the printer, you need to configure the smartphone itself.
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on this item. After the notification "You became a developer" appears, go back to the main settings menu.
- Activate. OTG and USB-Host: Go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB (USB debugging) 🔌 Turn on USB-host (USB host mode) 📱 Allow mock locations (optional, for some printers)
Install the required software:
Download one of the apps from Google Play:
- 📄 Mopria Print Service (Universal Solution)
- 🖨️ PrinterShare (paid but supports more models)
- 🏢 Printer manufacturer's proprietary software (e.g. Canon) PRINT)
- Set up print options: Specify paper format (A4, Letter), quality (Draft/High) and orientation. Epson color printers may require a color profile selection (sRGB or Adobe RGB).
Critical detail: if the printer is not identified, try connecting it to the charger for 1-2 minutes before connecting to the smartphone. USB-printer-port.
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If the printer makes strange noises when connected, check the OTG cable for damage, sometimes helping to flip the USB-A connector (not all cables are symmetrical!).
Typical problems with the solution USB-print-out
Even if you set it up properly, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
- 🚫 "Device not supported": Error appears if the printer is not compatible with Mopria. Solution: Install the manufacturer's proprietary software. Try connecting via PrinterShare (paid but supports more models). Update the printer's firmware via PC.
"Inadequate nutrition":
Some printers require external power. Connect the printer to the outlet before connecting to your smartphone. If the problem persists, use an externally powered USB-hub.
"Document in line, but not printed":
Reset the print queue:
Settings → Applications → Mopria Print Service → Storage → Clean up the cacheThen restart both the printer and the smartphone.
⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3 Sometimes the protection against overheating is effective. USB-If the print breaks, let the device cool down. 5–10 minutes or use an extension cord OTG cooler.
What to do if the printer prints blank sheets?
Alternative Printing Methods with Xiaomi Without PC
If USB-The connection doesn't work, consider alternative methods. They're less versatile, but they often save you in critical situations.
- 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: Many printers (Canon Selphy, Epson EcoTank) support direct printing over Wi-Fi. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your printer, connect to its network from your smartphone and use Mopria or proprietary software.
- ☁️ Cloud Printing: Services like Google Cloud Print (closed in 2020, but there are analogues) or Dropbox + Print allows you to send documents to print over the Internet.
- 📎 Printing through NFC: Some Brother and Samsung models support printing by NFC. Just attach the smartphone to the tag on the printer – the document will be sent automatically.