Google Pixel & Pixel XL: How to Print Documents

To print documents from a Google Pixel or Pixel XL, you use the built-in Print option in the app you are viewing the document in, which sends the file to a compatible printer over Wi-Fi or USB. This works with Google Drive, Chrome, Gmail, and most other Android apps that handle documents. The process takes about 30 seconds once your printer is set up.

What You Need Before Printing

Before you can print, your Pixel phone and your printer must be able to talk to each other. There are three main ways to connect:

• Wi-Fi printer: The printer is on the same network as your phone. Most modern printers support this.
• Google Cloud Print (legacy): This service was discontinued on December 31, 2020. If you see references to it, you are looking at outdated advice. Today, printers use the Mopria standard or the printer manufacturer’s own app.
• USB On-The-Go (OTG): You can connect your Pixel to a printer with a USB cable using an OTG adapter, but this is rare and only works with a few printers that support the Android USB printing protocol.

The simplest setup is a Wi-Fi printer that supports Mopria (most HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and Samsung models from the last several years do). Your Pixel automatically discovers these printers without installing any extra apps.

How to Print from Google Drive, Docs, or PDFs

Printing a document from your Pixel is a consistent process across most apps. Here are the steps:

1. Open the document in the app you are using (Google Drive, Google Docs, a PDF reader, etc.).
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap Print. (In some apps, you may see a share icon first, then choose “Print” from the share sheet.)
4. The Android print preview screen appears. Select your printer from the drop-down menu at the top.
5. Choose paper size, color, orientation, and number of copies.
6. Tap the blue printer icon at the top-right to send the job.

If you are printing from Gmail, open the email with the attachment, tap the attachment to preview it, then tap the three-dot menu and choose Print. From Chrome, open the web page, tap the three-dot menu, then select Print.

Setting Up a New Printer on Your Pixel

If your printer does not appear automatically, you need to add it manually. The steps are:

1. Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Pixel.
2. On your Pixel, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing.
3. You will see a list of print services. If you have a Mopria-certified printer, the “Default Print Service” should be enabled. If not, tap it and turn it on.
4. Tap “Add service” to install your printer manufacturer’s app (e.g., HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint) from the Play Store if needed.
5. Open the manufacturer’s app and follow the on-screen instructions to add your specific printer model.

After adding, the printer will appear in the print preview screen of any app.

Printing from Photos and Images

Printing a photo is just as easy:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Tap the photo you want to print.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select Print.
4. Choose your printer, paper size (4×6, 5×7, letter, etc.), and quality.
5. Tap the print icon.

Note that the photo prints as-is; you cannot crop or edit within the print preview. If you need to adjust the image, edit it in Photos before printing.

Troubleshooting Common Printing Problems

If your Pixel cannot find the printer or the print job fails, try these fixes in order:

• Check Wi-Fi: Your phone and printer must be on the same network, including the same band (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz). Some printers only work on 2.4 GHz.
• Restart both devices: Turn off the printer, turn off Wi-Fi on your phone, then turn both back on.
• Update the printer firmware: Use the printer manufacturer’s app or a computer to check for updates.
• Clear the print queue: In the print preview screen, tap the down arrow next to the printer name, then tap “Print jobs” and cancel any stuck jobs.
• Re-add the printer: Go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Printing, tap the printer name, and select “Forget”. Then re-add it.
• Use the manufacturer’s app: If the default print service fails, install the printer brand’s app (e.g., HP Smart, Epson iPrint) and print from within that app.

If the printer is connected via USB with an OTG adapter, make sure the adapter supports data transfer (some cheap ones are charge-only). Also, your printer must support Android USB printing, which is not common.

Printing from a Chromebook or Computer (for Comparison)

If you also use a Chromebook, printing is similar: open the document, press Ctrl+P, and select the printer. Chromebooks use the same Mopria service, so the same printers work. On a Windows or Mac computer, you would install the printer driver, but on Pixel you rarely need a driver—the phone uses the printer’s built-in support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print to an older printer that is not Wi-Fi enabled?

Yes, but only if the printer is connected to a computer that is on the same network as your phone. You can share the printer from that computer (Windows or Mac), and then add it on your Pixel using the “Add service” option with a third-party app like “PrinterShare”. The computer must be on and awake for the print job to work.

Why is my Pixel not finding my printer?

The most common reason is that the phone and printer are on different Wi-Fi networks (e.g., phone on 5 GHz, printer on 2.4 GHz). Another cause is that the printer’s wireless is turned off or it has gone into sleep mode. Restart both devices and check the Wi-Fi settings on the printer.

Can I print from my Pixel using Bluetooth?

No, Android does not support Bluetooth printing natively. You must use Wi-Fi or USB. Some older printers had Bluetooth add-ons, but they are not compatible with current Pixel phones.

How do I print double-sided (duplex) from my Pixel?

In the print preview screen, tap “Paper size” or “More settings” and look for “Double-sided” or “Duplex”. This option only appears if your printer supports duplex printing. If it is not there, your printer does not have that feature.

Is there a way to print to a PDF file instead of a physical printer?

Yes. In the print preview screen, select “Save as PDF” from the printer drop-down list. This creates a PDF file in your Downloads folder, which you can then share or print later.

Can I print from my Pixel to a printer that is not on my Wi-Fi but on a friend’s network?

Yes, as long as your Pixel is connected to that same Wi-Fi network. If you are visiting a friend and they have a Mopria-compatible printer, your phone should detect it automatically when you open the print menu. If it does not, ask for the Wi-Fi password and reconnect.

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