This article breaks down the steps for how to print web pages and files from an Android tablet, how to set up a wireless or wired computer for printing, and what to do when Android tablet printing just isn’t working correctly.
What to Know
- Open the file and tap the ellipsis or Share icon > Print > select your connected printer > Print.Both files and web pages can be printed from Android tablets, though not all apps support this function.
How to Print a File on Android Tablets
The process for printing from a tablet to a printer on Android may seem confusing at first, but it does become easier the more you do it.
The following instructions apply to all Android tablet models, though some menu items may be phrased slightly differently depending on the app and version of Android being used.
This is how you print files from Android tablets.
Not all Android apps offer print options. If you can’t find the option to print a file by following the instructions below, try switching to another Android app such as Photos, Chrome, or OneDrive.
- Open the file that you want to print on your Android tablet.
- Tap the ellipsis icon in the top-right corner.
- It’s the one that looks like three dots.
- Tap Print.
- Depending on the app you’re using, the Print option may be located within the Share menu.
- If needed, tap the Down arrow to customize the number of copies you want to print, the image’s orientation, the paper size, and other options.
- When ready, tap anywhere on the screen to close this menu.
- Tap Select a printer and choose your preferred printer or printing service.
- Tap Print.
- Depending on your specific settings and the Android printing app or service you use, the final step will vary in appearance from user to user, but the Print option should be visible.
How to Print a Web Page on an Android Tablet
In addition to printing saved files from your Android tablet, you can also print out any web pages that you come across and want to read while offline or when your tablet is being used by someone else.
Open the file that you want to print on your Android tablet.
Tap the ellipsis icon in the top-right corner.
It’s the one that looks like three dots.
Tap Print.
Depending on the app you’re using, the Print option may be located within the Share menu.
If needed, tap the Down arrow to customize the number of copies you want to print, the image’s orientation, the paper size, and other options.
When ready, tap anywhere on the screen to close this menu.
Tap Select a printer and choose your preferred printer or printing service.
Depending on your specific settings and the Android printing app or service you use, the final step will vary in appearance from user to user, but the Print option should be visible.
- Open the web page in your preferred browser app.
- Tap the ellipsis icon in the top-right corner of the browser.
- You may need to drag the web page up and down quickly to make the top menu appear.
- Tap Share.
- Tap Print.
- Uncheck any individual pages on this screen that you don’t want to print.
- Some web pages can look short when viewed in a browser but can contain many actual pages when printed.
- Select your printer from the Select a Printer menu and tap Print.
How Do You Connect a Tablet to a Printer?
The process for how to connect a printer to tablets running Android is fairly straightforward and should only need to be done once unless you’re changing printers or adding a new one.
Open the web page in your preferred browser app.
Tap the ellipsis icon in the top-right corner of the browser.
You may need to drag the web page up and down quickly to make the top menu appear.
Tap Share.
Uncheck any individual pages on this screen that you don’t want to print.
Some web pages can look short when viewed in a browser but can contain many actual pages when printed.
Select your printer from the Select a Printer menu and tap Print.
Here’s what you need to do to connect your Android tablet to a printer.
You will need to connect your printer to your local Wi-Fi network or a nearby computer that’s online.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connected devices.
- This option may be called Connections, depending on the tablet model and Android version you’re using.
- Tap Printing.
- Tap the app associated with your printer’s brand and follow the setup instructions or tap Add service to download the appropriate printer app.
Send Your Files to Another Device for Printing
If you have trouble printing files from your tablet, you can always send your files from your Android tablet to another device, such as a Windows or Mac computer, and print from there.
Open Settings.
Tap Connected devices.
This option may be called Connections, depending on the tablet model and Android version you’re using.
Tap Printing.
Tap the app associated with your printer’s brand and follow the setup instructions or tap Add service to download the appropriate printer app.
Use an Online Printing Service to Print Your Android Files
If you don’t have access to a printer at home, an alternative way to print files from an Android tablet is to use one of the many available online printing services.
Make sure that your Android tablet’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on before trying to share files with others.
Most of these services can print your files out and send them to you in the mail. All you usually have to do is send the files from your Android tablet to them electronically as an email attachment or upload them to the company website.
What Happened to the Cloud Print Android Option and App?
Google Cloud Print was a service that let Android tablet owners and users on other platforms such as Chrome OS and Windows print documents and other media by sending the files to supported web-enabled printers via Google’s online servers.
While many people used Google’s Cloud Print service for over a decade, the company discontinued it in late-2020. Users are encouraged to print files from their Android tablets by using one of the methods shown above.
- How do I print from a Samsung tablet?
- Printing from a Samsung tablet will follow the general rules and guidelines above. To print directly from your device in a compatible app, such as Chrome, touch More (three dots) > Print. Samsung printers and many other models are supported. To install additional print service drivers on your Samsung tablet, go to Settings > More Connection Settings > Printing, touch Download Plugin, then select your printer’s plugin.
- How do I print from an LG Tablet?
- You’ll need to set up printing via Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > Share and Connect; in the Connections section, select Printing. In the Print Services section, tap your preferred printing option, or add another printing service. Make sure you’ve toggled on the print service, then select the available printer.
Printing from a Samsung tablet will follow the general rules and guidelines above. To print directly from your device in a compatible app, such as Chrome, touch More (three dots) > Print. Samsung printers and many other models are supported. To install additional print service drivers on your Samsung tablet, go to Settings > More Connection Settings > Printing, touch Download Plugin, then select your printer’s plugin.
You’ll need to set up printing via Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > Share and Connect; in the Connections section, select Printing. In the Print Services section, tap your preferred printing option, or add another printing service. Make sure you’ve toggled on the print service, then select the available printer.
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