"Sorry if this is the wrong sub, but I am at my wits end. I am trying to print pictures from my phone, and I'm struggling and extremely frustrated. No matter what, the image doesn't fit properly, and I'm left with white lines on either side. I'm at a loss on what to do."
- From Reddit
Printing your favorite photos from an Android phone is easier than ever. Whether you want to create a physical album, frame your memories, or prepare photos for a special event, Android gives you several convenient ways to print. From wireless printing to using USB OTG or even ordering professional prints through Google Photos, there is a method for everyone.
In this guide, we will walk you through 5 practical ways to print photos from Android, along with a helpful bonus tip on managing your photos from a computer.
Wi-Fi printing is the most common and convenient method. Most modern printers support Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct, enabling direct printing without cables or installing additional drivers.
What You Need:
Steps:
Step 1. Connect the printer and phone to the same Wi-Fi network. If your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, you can connect directly without a router.
Step 2. Open your photo app, such as Gallery. Select the photo(s) you want to print.
Step 3. Tap "Share" > "Print". Your phone will automatically search for available printers.
If your printer does not appear, install its Print Service Plugin (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother).
Step 4. Choose your print and adjust print settings, including: Paper size (A4, 4×6 inch, 5×7 inch), Color/Black & White, Orientation (Portrait/Landscape), Number of copies, Borderless printing (if available). Then, hit the "Print" icon.
Bluetooth printing is ideal when you are away from Wi-Fi or using a portable photo printer, such as Fujifilm Instax Share, Kodak Mini Shot, Polaroid Hi-Print, or Bluetooth-enabled home printers.
Here are the steps:
Step 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your Android device.
Step 2. Power on the Bluetooth printer.
Step 3. Open "Settings" > "Bluetooth", then pair your phone with the printer.
Step 4. Open the photo you want to print.
Step 5. Tap "Share" > "Bluetooth", then choose your printer. Confirm printing from the printer or companion app.
Note: For pocket printers, using the official app is recommended for better layout and filter options.
If you have an older printer that doesn't support wireless printing, you can still print using a USB OTG adapter.
What You Need:
Steps:
Step 1. Connect your Android phone to the printer using a USB OTG and USB cable.
Step 2. Your phone will ask for permission to access the USB device. Tap "OK".
Step 3. Open the photo you want to print. Tap "Share" > "Print".
Step 4. If your printer doesn't show up, open the printing app you installed.
Step 5. Choose the printer and set printing preferences. Tap "Print".
If you back up your pictures to Google Photos, printing them directly from the app is one of the easiest options. Google Photos lets you order prints for home delivery or pick them up the same day at select retail stores in the U.S.
Note: Home delivery is available in Canada, the UK, the U.S., and EU countries. Same-day pickup is only available in the U.S.
Here's how to print photos using Google Photos:
Step 1. Open the Google Photos app on your Android phone or tablet and browse to the images you want to print.
Step 2. Select your photos.
Step 3. Open the print ordering menu.
Step 4. You can also go to the bottom tab, open "Library" > "Albums", select an album, and tap "Order photos".
Step 5. Preview and adjust your prints. You can edit the photos, change the quantity, or adjust the print size.
Step 6. To change the size, tap the size label in the lower-left corner of a photo, choose a new size, and tap "Apply".
Step 7. Place your order. When everything looks good, tap "Next", choose your delivery or pickup option, and complete the checkout process.
Many printers offer their own dedicated apps that provide advanced printing settings and additional features not available through other methods.
Popular manufacturer apps:
Steps (general guide):
Step 1. Install the correct app from Google Play.
Step 2. Ensure your phone and printer are connected (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct).
Step 3. Launch the app and select "Photo Printing".
Step 4. Browse your phone's albums and select the photos.
Step 5. Fine-tune print settings: borderless/bordered, photo paper type, print quality, and layout & cropping
Step 6. Tap "Print".
Note: Using a dedicated printer app from your printer's brand can offer additional features, advanced settings, and more control over the printing process.
1. Why can't my Android phone find my printer?
Ensure both your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network, and the printer's wireless feature is turned on. If you're using Bluetooth, make sure they are paired. Also, try installing the printer's print service plugin and restarting both devices if necessary.
2. What is the best paper for printing Android photos?
For vibrant prints, glossy photo paper is best. Matte photo paper works well for a classic, non-reflective look, while premium photo paper offers the highest quality for framing or special prints.
3. Why is my printed photo darker or lighter than on my phone?
Phone screens are brighter than printed photos. Adjust the photo's brightness before printing, and ensure you're using the highest print quality settings.
If you prefer managing your photos on a bigger screen or need to print a large batch of pictures, Coolmuster Android Assistant offers a fast and convenient way to organize and export Android photos to your computer.
Using Coolmuster Android Assistant, you can preview all your photos on your computer and export them with one click for easy printing. It also allows you to delete photos directly from your computer. In addition to photos, it supports managing other data such as contacts, messages, call logs, music, and videos. The software is compatible with most Android phones, including brands like Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Redmi, itel, TECNO, and more.
How to use it for managing photos:
01Launch Coolmuster Android Assistant on your PC or Mac.
02Connect your Android phone via USB or Wi-Fi.
03Once connected, click "Photos" to preview all images. You can add/delete/export/refresh your photos on the computer.
Whether you prefer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB OTG, Google Photos print services, or a dedicated printing app, your Android device offers many convenient ways to print photos. Choose the method that suits your printer and printing needs, and you'll be able to transform digital memories into beautiful physical prints anytime.
For users who manage many photos or want more control before printing, tools like Coolmuster Android Assistant make the process even easier by allowing you to organize and export photos on a computer.
Related Articles:
How to Print Android Phone Contacts? A Comprehensive Guide with 4 Ways
How to Transfer Photos from Android to Computer (Top 8 Ways)
Full Guide on How to Print Text Messages from Android [5 Ways]
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