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Key Takeaways

  • AirPrint allows wireless printing from Apple devices without drivers. However, it requires an AirPrint-enabled printer.
  • AirPrint only requires a compatible printer and Apple device to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • If your printer doesn't support AirPrint, you can install your printer manufacturer's driver or app to access wired and wireless printing capabilities.

AirPrint lets you wirelessly print from your Apple devices without installing any drivers. However, you need an AirPrint-enabled printer for this convenience. But how do you find out if your printer supports AirPrint in the first place? We'll help you out.

What You Need for AirPrint to Work

A printer on a desk printing out a document
FabrikaSimf/Shutterstock

Before you check if your printer has AirPrint capabilities, you need to make sure your printer supports a wireless connection. AirPrint works over Wi-Fi, so if your printer can't be connected to Wi-Fi like most of the best printers for Macs, you can be certain AirPrint isn't enabled on your printer.

You can still print from Apple devices to wired printers—you just can't do so with AirPrint. You'll need to download drivers or apps to have that work.

More importantly, you need a stable Wi-Fi connection, and your Apple device and the printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you're not on the same Wi-Fi, your iPhone, iPad, or Mac will have trouble finding the printer, whether it has AirPrint or not.

Check Your Printer's AirPrint Compatibility

The easiest way to determine whether your printer supports AirPrint is to check with Apple. Apple's Support page lists all current AirPrint-enabled devices. Once you visit this page, press Command + F on your keyboard and input your printer manufacturer and model number to find it quickly.

checking if my printer supports AirPlay

If your printer is on the list, you're all set! In case you can't find your printer on the list, another way to know if your printer is AirPrint enabled is to head to the manufacturer's website or check the user manual that came with your printer. Simply search for your printer model on the manufacturer's website and check its specifications.

Check AirPrint Compatibility by Trying to Print

If you don't want to bother with Apple's AirPrint device list or you want to verify its accuracy, the next best way to see if your printer supports AirPrint is by actually trying to print a document.

Since AirPrint allows you to print without downloading any drivers, this means you really just need to try printing anything to your wireless printer from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad without using any apps or making any downloads first.

To print on a Mac, press and hold the Command and P keys or click File in the menu bar and select Print from the dropdown menu. If the printer appears in the Printer dropdown menu without you installing any drivers, you can rest assured that it supports AirPrint.

printing a document on a Mac

If you don't see the printer you're checking for AirPrint, you may need to add the printer to your Mac. If you're prompted to set up or download a driver during that process, it means your printer doesn't support AirPrint.

Similarly, to try to print from your iPhone or iPad, tap the Share icon in a supported app and select Print. If your printer appears in the Printer selection menu of the Options page, it means your printer supports AirPrint.

If you don't see your printer when trying to print from your iPhone or iPad, you'll need to get the dedicated app from your printer manufacturer to print from your iPhone or iPad without AirPrint.

Having an AirPrint-enabled printer is convenient if you have an Apple device like a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. You can start printing without downloading any drivers or apps as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. However, if your printer doesn't have AirPrint, you can install your printer manufacturer's driver or app to unlock wired or wireless printing.