Set up AirPrint printers - on Mac, iPad and iPhone

I have already explained how AirPrint actually works in a longer post. Basically, it's a special software interface that makes it possible to print from an iPad or iPhone without the need for printer drivers. However, the prerequisite for this is that you have an AirPrint printer and this must also be in the same WLAN as the device from which you want to print.

Apple AirPrint is a software interface for controlling printers from an iPhone or iPad without installing drivers.

First step: connect printer to WiFi

The first requirement for setting up a AirPrint-Printer is connecting the printer to the local network. Some printers have a WPS button for this. You press this on the printer and within about a minute on the router (on the Fritz!Box you will also find the WPS button). This means that the automatic setup can already be completed.

If the printer does not have a WPS button, you have to look out for terms such as "network", "WLAN" or "connections" in its operating functions. Unfortunately, there are no general instructions here, as each printer is different. In any case, the aim is for the printer to be connected to the WLAN to which the iPhone, iPad or Mac is also connected.

If the printer is in the Wifi network, the next steps now come on the Apple device.

Set up AirPrint printer on Mac

Setting up an AirPrint printer on a Mac is similar to setting up any other printer - however, you don't have to install any drivers, you can carry out the following steps directly under macOS:

1. Open the Apple menu in Finder (top left).
2. Choose system settings
3. Select Printers & Scanners
4. Click on the plus symbol in the list on the left
5. AirPrint printer should now appear and be selected

On the Mac, you can also set up AirPrint printers via System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

Set up an AirPrint printer on the iPad or iPhone

In principle, no setup is required on iOS and iPadOS devices such as the iPhone or iPad. Go to the respective app in which the document to be printed is open, to the share menu or the symbol with the circle and the three dots.

The item "Print" can be found either via the share button or via the circle with the three dots.

Now a list with options opens, in which you select the item "Print". The following dialog asks for the printer to be used. The AirPrint printer should show up as a printer in this option.

In the following window you can specify page numbers, number of printouts and other settings and start printing.

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He appears as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with problems of a technical nature. In his free time he drives electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with his iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions for current bugs.