How to print from your Android phone or tablet

As Android technology progresses, so does your ability to get everything done right from your Android phone or one of the best Android tablets. Google has designed a cloud printing app that works with your printer connected either to your wireless network or to your computer via USB. Here's how to set up Google Cloud Print within Chrome on your computer and how to start printing directly from your Android device.

Products used in this guide

How to add your printer to Google Cloud Print

1. Launch Chrome on your computer.
2. Click on the menu button in the top right corner. It looks like three horizontal lines.Source: Android Central

1. Click Settings.
2. Click Advanced in the sidebar.Source: Android Central

1. Scroll down and click Printing.
2. Under Printing, click Google Cloud Print.Source: Android Central

1. Click Manage Cloud Print devices at the bottom.
2. Click the Register next to the printer you want to be added to Google Cloud Print.
3. Click Confirm.

If you happen to have a "Classic" printer that is still capable of taking advantage of Google Cloud Print, here's where you need to go from the Cloud Print menu.

1. From the Google Cloud Print page, click Manage Cloud Print devices.
2. Under Classic printers, select Add printers.
3. Make sure your printer appears, and tap the Add printer(s) button.

Source: Android Central

Once the registration has completed, a new screen will appear showing that the process was successful. This makes it possible for you to manage the "classic printer" from the same Google Cloud Print menu in Chrome.

How to add the Google Cloud Print app to your Android phone or tablet

1. Launch Play Store from your Home Screen or app drawer.
2. Tap the Search Bar at the top of the page.
3. Type cloud print.Source: Android Central

1. Tap the Search button (it looks like a magnifying glass).
2. Tap Cloud Print by Google Inc.
3. Tap Install.

As long as the Google account you have activated on your computer is the same Google account activated on your phone or tablet, you'll be able to see your printer. If you don't know how to add Google accounts to your Android device, check out our guide.

How to print a local file from your Android phone

1. You can open files stored locally (found in Photos, Gmail, Docs, file manager apps, etc.) or files stored on cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. In this case, we chose a picture in Photos.
2. Tap the menu button in the top right of your screen. It looks like three stacked dots.
3. Tap Print.
4. Tap the dropdown arrow. It's located near the top of your screen.Source: Android Central

1. Tap the Printer you'd like to print from (if multiple are available).
2. Tap the Print button. It looks like a printer.

How to print a file from the internet with your Android phone

1. Tap the menu button (looks like three stacked dots) when you're viewing the webpage with the content you want to be printed. The menu button might look a bit different, depending on your browser.
2. Tap Share.
3. Tap Print under Chrome in the Share Menu that appears.Source: Android Central

1. Tap the Printer you'd like to print from (if multiple are available).
2. Tap the Print button (it looks like a printer).Source: Android Central

Our top equipment picks

Most modern printers are compatible with Google Cloud Print. There are some exceptions, so to avoid frustration, Google has created a list of all printers compatible with Google Cloud Print. We like the HP LaserJet Pro series, which handles scanning, copying, and two-sided printing. Of course, any phone will work, but what better way to use Google's printing service than with its own phone?

Google Pixel 4

Take great photos, then print them wirelessly
There's nothing quite as complementary to a good printer as a good photo, and the Pixel 4 takes arguably the best photos of any phone. Of course, it's also Google's pet project, which means it's first in line for any new versions of Android. In short, this is one of the best Android phones you can buy.

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M29w

Print from anywhere, no wires necessary
HP's LaserJet Pro M29w is much smaller than comparable all-in-one printers, while offering fast print speeds and wireless connectivity. Whether you want to print from your Android phone directly, or using the HP Smart app, you can get everything done in a snap.