Print From Android: Direct Printing Without a PC
Streamlining Android Printing with Google Cloud Print
The process of printing documents is generally straightforward – simply open the relevant application, load the desired file, and initiate the print command. However, Android users often resort to emailing files or transferring them to a computer for printing.
A more convenient solution lies in utilizing Google Cloud Print. This service offers a simplified printing experience directly from your Android device.
How Google Cloud Print Works
Google Cloud Print is a service developed by Google that provides multiple printing options.
If you possess a printer that is natively compatible, direct printing from your smartphone or tablet becomes possible, bypassing the need for a computer intermediary.
Even without a dedicated Cloud Print printer, the service remains valuable.
Several prerequisites must be met to successfully utilize Cloud Print with a standard printer.
Requirements for Using Cloud Print
Firstly, the Google Chrome browser is essential. Secondly, both your printer and the computer to which it is connected must be powered on during the printing process.
Finally, the Cloud Print application needs to be installed on your Android device.
With these conditions satisfied, you can enjoy a seamless printing experience from your Android phone or tablet.
Setting Up Chrome for Printing
To begin, launch the Chrome browser on your computer. Navigate to the settings menu by clicking the button located in the upper-right corner of the browser window. From the settings menu, select 'Settings'.
Scroll down the Settings page until you find and click the ‘Show advanced settings’ option. Further down this expanded section, locate the ‘Google Cloud Print’ area and click the ‘Add printers’ button.
Ensure you are currently logged into your Google account. Then, proceed to click ‘Add printer(s)’. This action will identify and add any printers connected to your computer, including both physical and virtual printers.
After the addition process is complete, verify that your desired printer has been successfully added. You can do this by clicking the ‘Manage your printers’ link.
Chrome must be properly configured to enable printing functionality. This involves adding the necessary printers through the browser’s settings.
Setting Up Your Android Device for Printing
To enable printing capabilities from your smartphone or tablet, a complimentary installation of Cloud Print from the Google Play Store is required.
Following installation, initiate the application and choose the Google account already configured on your computer system.
Subsequently, authorization must be granted to allow the application access to your designated account.
Adding a Printer
Select the option corresponding to your printer type. In most scenarios, this will be 'Other Printers', which will be the focus of this guide.
From the displayed list, choose the printer you wish to connect to.
You will then be prompted to designate this printer as the default option.
A test page should be printed to verify proper functionality. Additional printers can be added as needed.
Printing from Your Android Device
Android devices offer two primary methods for printing documents. The first involves utilizing Cloud Print directly on your smartphone or tablet. Navigate to the 'Local' section within the application, and then choose the desired document type.
Following this, select the specific file you wish to print. Adjust fundamental settings using the ‘Page setup’ feature. Finally, initiate the printing process by tapping ‘Click here to Print’.
Alternative Printing Method
Alternatively, you can initiate printing directly from within the application used to open the file. Access the 'Share' option within that application’s menu.
From the presented options, simply select 'Cloud Print'. This will transfer the current file to Cloud Print, preparing it for output.