Mobile printing failures are usually caused by the phone and printer being on different networks, or a mobile print app that needs updating.

Quick Answer

Confirm your phone and printer are on the same WiFi network, then update or reinstall your printer's mobile app.

On This Page
  1. Common Reasons This Happens
  2. Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
  3. 1. Confirm the Same WiFi Network
  4. 2. Update the Manufacturer's App
  5. 3. Grant Local Network Permissions
  6. 4. Restart the Printer
  7. 5. Reinstall the App
  8. What If It's Still Not Fixed?
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

Common Reasons my printer not printing from my phone

Different networks

Mobile data or a different WiFi network than the printer will prevent discovery entirely.

An outdated mobile print app

Manufacturer print apps need regular updates to stay compatible with printer firmware.

Location or local network permissions

Some phones require local network permissions to be granted before apps can find nearby printers.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before you start:
  • Turn off mobile data temporarily to force WiFi-only discovery.
  • Confirm local network permissions are granted to your printer app.

1. Confirm the Same WiFi Network

1

Check your phone's WiFi settings against the network shown on the printer's screen.

2. Update the Manufacturer's App

2

Check your app store for the latest version of the printer's mobile app.

3. Grant Local Network Permissions

3

In your phone's privacy settings, allow the print app to access the local network.

4. Restart the Printer

4

A printer restart refreshes its network broadcast, which mobile apps rely on for discovery.

5. Reinstall the App

5

If updating doesn't help, a full reinstall clears any corrupted app data.

What If It's Still Not Fixed?

If you've worked through every step above and the problem continues, it's worth checking a nearby cause rather than repeating the same steps. The guides below cover the most common related issues.

Still stuck? Try describing the problem in your own words using the search bar — different symptoms of the same root cause are often covered on a related page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many phones support direct printing through AirPrint (iPhone) or built-in print services (Android) without a manufacturer app.

People Also Ask

  • Reinstall the printer's scanning software and confirm "Scan to Computer" is enabled in the printer's own utility settings. Read the full guide →
  • Connect via USB for the simplest setup, or add the printer wirelessly through your laptop's printer settings once it's joined your WiFi network. Read the full guide →
  • Uninstall the current driver from Device Manager, download the latest version from the manufacturer's site, then install and restart your computer. Read the full guide →
  • Try a different USB cable and port, and check Device Manager for a warning icon that points to a driver issue. Read the full guide →

Related Guides

Why Is AirPrint Not Finding My Printer? Why Is My Printer Not Connecting to WiFi?