Many users still print documents from their stationary PC, which is connected to the home printer. Data from a laptop or smartphone is usually transferred to the printer via a USB stick in order to print it out. However, this no longer has to be so cumbersome, as modern printers with built-in Wi-Fi can now also be connected to various mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones, and the like, in order to quickly print out important documents for both private and business use. We explain which apps make this possible and make working in the home office easier.
This equipment you need
To be able to print on the go, you first need a modern printer that has built-in Wi-Fi. At home and in the home office, it is usually the case that the printer itself is connected to the network via cable if the Wi-Fi network is identical to the LAN. Also, make sure that your printer is shared on the network so that you can access it without restriction from your mobile devices.
Next, you need a suitable app, which you can download from the corresponding store on your mobile device. However, it is best to check the app description beforehand to see if the application is also compatible with your printer. This is not necessary for Apple devices, as iPhones and iPads now have a sophisticated printing function. For this, however, you again need a printer that can be linked with the so-called AirPrint function. You can access this from the "Share" menu and use it from the most important apps such as Safari or Mail. Also, make sure that your printer and your mobile device are on the same network.
Does printing also work without Wi-Fi?
By default, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets usually have Bluetooth, and printing is also possible via this – provided, of course, that your printer also has Bluetooth. Printing via Bluetooth offers the great advantage that you do not need to install any special software or a printer driver. All you have to do is search for the active device via Bluetooth and set it up on your tablet or smartphone. A disadvantage, however, is that the range is significantly lower than with a Wi-Fi connection.
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If you are frequently on business trips, printing on the go outside the home may also be an important point for you. By registering your printer and your mobile device with an external print server, such as Google Cloud Print, you can print important documents from anywhere while on the move. Then everything is already in its place when you return to your home office.
These printer functions offer mobile devices
If you have previously printed your documents mainly from your conventional desktop PC, you are used to being able to access certain setting options that you would now also like to apply to your printouts when printing on the go. Some of these now also work on smartphones, tablets, and the like. These include the following settings:
- Print format
- single-sided or double-sided printing
- Print range
- black and white or color
- Number of copies
Applications such as AirPrint even show you the ink level of the printer cartridges. This way, you always know in good time when you need to reorder printer supplies. Online shops like TonerPartner offer a large selection of inexpensive and high-quality ink cartridges and toners that are tailored to your printer device. You can then easily and conveniently print out your invoice from your e-mail account using your mobile device.
