Mobile office printing is mostly a networking problem. When phones and tablets cannot print, it is rarely the printer; it is usually that the device cannot discover or reach the printer on the network.
Use driver-free capable printers
Standardise on printers that support common driver-free network printing so mobile devices need no model-specific software.
Keep devices and printers reachable
Ensure mobile devices and printers can discover and communicate with each other on the network they use.
Account for guest networks
Devices on a guest or isolated network typically cannot reach office printers; plan for which network mobile users are on.
Document the expected path
Give users a simple, consistent procedure so printing behaves predictably across devices.
Verify from a real device
Test from an actual phone and tablet on the same network users will use, not only from a managed desktop.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is mobile printing unreliable in our office?
- Usually because mobile devices are on a network segment that cannot discover or reach the printers, such as a guest or isolated network.
- Do mobile users need printer apps?
- Not if printers support common driver-free standards; standardising on those reduces per-device setup.
- What is the single most important factor?
- Network design: ensuring devices and printers can discover and reach each other on the network users actually use.
Continue in the archive
Related reading
Workflows
Print From an iPhone
A clear workflow for printing from an iPhone to a compatible printer using built-in, driver-free printing.
Workflows
Print From an Android Device
A clear workflow for printing from an Android phone or tablet to a compatible network printer.
Guides · Introductory
How Wireless Printing Works
How devices discover and send jobs to wireless printers, and why same-network discovery is usually the key requirement.
Glossary · Definition
AirPrint
AirPrint is Apple's built-in technology for printing from Apple devices to compatible printers over a local network without installing drivers.
Modern tools
Contemporary apps for the same task, published by HELPERG LLC — the publisher of this archive.
