How to connect Xiaomi phone to printer: all ways + frequent errors

Printing documents from a Xiaomi smartphone has become as common as it is from a computer, but if the PC is intuitive, connecting the phone to a printer is often a question, especially when it comes to models without Wi-Fi Direct support or outdated devices. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, from wireless to wired, and also consider the typical errors and their solutions.

It’s important to understand that the connection algorithm depends not only on the Xiaomi model (whether it’s Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11), but also on the type of printer. Modern MFPs (Canon, HP, Epson) usually support wireless protocols, and older models may require adapters or PC intermediaries. We will cover all scenarios, including connection via Google Cloud Print (while it still works in some regions) and alternative applications.

If you've tried to print a file before and you've got a "Device Not Found" or "Unconnected" error, don't rush to blame your phone. 60 percent of the time, the problem lies in the printer or router settings, then step-by-step illustration instructions (where critical) and troubleshooting tips.

1.Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you start connecting, make sure your printer and Xiaomi phone are ready to interact. Skipping this stage is the main cause of the crashes.

On the printer side:

• 🔌 Power and paper: Make sure the printer is on, there is paper in the tray, and the indicators do not signal errors (blinking yellow LED) = problem).
• 📶 Wi-Fi: If the printer is wireless, it has to be connected to the same network as the phone (HP DeskJet, Brother, you need to press the button. WPS on the router, then on the printer.
• 📱 Mobile support: Check in the printer manual to see if it supports Android printing.Outdated models (released before 2015) may require a PC.

On the phone side of Xiaomi:

• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Turn on the appropriate module in the notification curtain. USB-connection may be needed OTG-Cable (check your model’s compatibility with the USB Host).
• 🔄 Updates: Install the latest updates MIUI through settings → The phone. → Update: Older versions of firmware may not have printer drivers.
• 📱 Application Rights: If you use third-party utilities (such as PrinterShare), give them access to files and the network in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

⚠️ Attention: If your printer is connected to your router via cable (Ethernet), and your phone is connected via Wi-Fi, they may not see each other. USB-cable or set up cloud printing.

For convenience, we have prepared a checklist:

2. Method 1: Connect via Wi-Fi (recommended)

The most versatile method, running on 90% of modern printers, is suitable for models that support Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint (yes, this works on Android!), or standard network connectivity.

Step 1. Make sure the printer is connected to your router. On most devices (Canon PIXMA, Epson EcoTank), this is done via the menu on the printer display or the WPS button. An alternative way is to enter the Wi-Fi password manually (the instructions are usually on the sticker at the bottom of the printer).

Step 2. On Xiaomi, open the file you want to print (photo, PDF, Word document via WPS Office). Click Share → Print. The system will automatically find printers on the local network.

If the printer is not displayed:

• 🔍 Check that both devices are on the same network (on the phone: Settings) → Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Reboot the printer and router.
• 📱 Install the official printer manufacturer app (e.g. Canon) PRINT, HP Smart).

Step 3. Select a printer from the list, configure print options (copy count, orientation, chromaticity) and press Print. Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9) may require proof of connection via a pop-up.

⚠️ Note: If you use public Wi-Fi (in a cafe, hotel), the print may be blocked by the network administrator. USB Bluetooth.

For printers with Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection without router):

1. On the printer, activate Wi-Fi Direct mode (usually in the Network or Wireless menu).
2. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to the printer network (the name will be DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet type).
3. Run the print through the manufacturer’s app or the standard Android dialog.

💡

If the printer supports AirPrint (many HP, Brother models) but doesn't appear on the list, try installing the AirPrint Enabler app from Google Play. It emulates support for the protocol on Android.

3. Method 2: Connect via USB (for older printers)

If your printer doesn’t have Wi-Fi or you’re in a place without internet, USB-But there's a nuance here, but it's a nuance:

• 📱 Xiaomi phone should be supported USB OTG (Most of the models after 2018 are yes).
• 🔌 Needed. OTG-cable (USB-C → USB-A For new Xiaomi or Micro-USB → USB-A old).
• 🖨️ The printer must have a port. USB-B (square connector) or USB-A.

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the phone and printer to the other end of the cable.
2. There will be a notification on the phone "USB-Device is connected. Click on it and select Transfer Files or Use as USB-device.
3. Open the file to print, click Share → Print. Your printer should appear on the list.

If the printer is not detected:

• 🔄 Try another one. OTG-cable (cheap cables often do not support data transmission).
• 📱 Install the app USB Google Printer Plugin (Available on Play Market).
• 🖨️ Check if the printer is on and if the green light is on.

⚠️ Note: Some printers (Samsung) SCX-3400, Xerox Phaser) requires drivers to be installed. For Xiaomi, that means manual booting. APK from the printer's website.

For Xiaomi models with MIUI 12+, an alternative method is available:

Method 3: Printing via Bluetooth (for portable printers)

This method is relevant for portable printers (such as HP Sprocket, Canon Selphy) or MFPs with Bluetooth support, and is convenient for printing photos or documents on the go, but has limitations:

• 📱 Maximum distance between devices – 10 meters.
• 🖼️ The quality of the print is lower than that of Wi-Fi/USB.
• 🔋 Fast discharge of the printer battery.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Bluetooth) and on a printer (usually an icon button 🔵).
2. On your phone, click Device Search and select your printer from the list. Confirm pairing (may need to be required). PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).
3. Open the file, select Print. → [The name of your printer].

If the printer is not located:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on both devices.
• 📱 Remove old coupled devices in Settings → Bluetooth.
• 🖨️ Check if your printer supports the protocol. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

For printing photos, we recommend using specialized applications:

• 📸 HP Sprocket for Sprocket printers.
• 🖼️ Canon PRINT — for Selphy models and PIXMA.
• 📄 PrinterShare is a universal solution for all Bluetooth printers.

5. Method 4: Cloud Printing (Google Cloud Print and Alternatives)

Google Cloud Print is officially closed on December 31, 2020, but some printers still support alternative cloud services, and if your printer is compatible with HP ePrint, Epson Connect, or Canon PRINT, you can print online from anywhere in the world.

Instructions for Epson Connect (example):

1. Register your printer on the Epson Connect website (you will need to create an account).
2. Install the Epson Print app on your phone.
3. In the application, log in and select your printer.
4. Download the file to print and send it to the printer.

For HP printers:

• 📱 Install. HP Smart.
• 🖨️ Register the printer in your account HP (via app or website).
• 📄 Select a file and send it to print through the cloud.

The advantages of cloud printing:

• 🌍 Print from anywhere in the world (mainly that the printer is turned on and connected to the Internet).
• 📱 There is no need for a local network.
• 🔒 Security: Files are transmitted over a secure channel.

⚠️ Note: Cloud printing may be a fee for some printer models (e.g. Brother charges a subscription fee for advanced features.

6. Method 5: Printing via PC (for legacy printers)

If your printer was released before 2010 and doesn't support wireless technology, the only reliable way to do this is to use your computer as an intermediary, which is also suitable for printers connected to a PC via a PC. LPT-port (obsolete connector).

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the printer to your PC (via USB or LPT) and make sure it works (print a test page).
2. On a PC, install a program for remote printing, for example: 🖥️ PrinterShare (there are versions for the Windows/macOS). 🌐 FingerPrint (for Mac). 📱 Handy Print (for iOS, but there are analogues for Android).

Xiaomi

PrinterShare Mobile

File transfer

In the mobile application, select a printer connected to the PC and send the file to print.

An alternative is to share printer access in Windows:

1. On PC, open the Control Panel → Devices and printers.
2. Right-click on your printer → Printer Properties → Access.
3. Please check the Public Access box for this printer.
4. On your phone, connect to this PC via the PrinterShare app or manually adding IP-computer address in print settings.

Print from the original file (not compressed for instant messengers!).