AirPrint Not Working? Complete Fix Guide

Fix "No AirPrint Printers Found" and other iPhone, iPad & Mac printing issues

Updated January 2026 | Works with iOS 17, iOS 18, macOS Sonoma & Sequoia

Quick Fix Checklist

1. Same WiFi network? (Check both devices)
2. Printer turned on and not in sleep mode?
3. Restart iPhone/iPad AND printer
4. Restart your WiFi router

These 4 steps fix 80% of AirPrint problems. Try them first!

1. Common AirPrint Errors & Quick Fixes

"No AirPrint Printers Found"

Your iPhone can't see any printers on the network.

Fix: Check WiFi, restart devices, enable AirPrint on printer

"Unable to Contact Printer"

Printer found but won't respond to print jobs.

Fix: Restart printer, check for paper/ink, clear print queue

"AirPrint Not Available"

Printer doesn't support AirPrint.

Fix: Use manufacturer's app or third-party print app

Print Job Stuck/Nothing Prints

Job sent but printer doesn't print.

Fix: Cancel job on printer, restart both devices

2. Fix "No AirPrint Printers Found"

This is the most common AirPrint error. Follow these steps in order:

Verify Printer is On and Connected

- Check printer display shows it's connected to WiFi
- Look for WiFi icon on printer's screen
- Print a network configuration page from printer menu
- Make sure printer isn't in sleep/power save mode

Check Same WiFi Network

- On iPhone: Settings > WiFi - note the network name
- On printer: Check network name in wireless settings
- Both must show the EXACT same network name
- Watch for "Network_2.4GHz" vs "Network_5GHz" - use 2.4GHz

Restart Everything

- Turn OFF your iPhone/iPad (hold power button)
- Turn OFF the printer (use power button, not unplugging)
- Unplug your WiFi router for 30 seconds
- Plug router back in, wait 2 minutes
- Turn ON printer, wait for WiFi connection
- Turn ON iPhone/iPad

Try Printing Again

- Open any app (Photos, Safari, Notes)
- Tap Share button > Print
- Tap "Select Printer"
- Your printer should now appear

3. Verify Same Network Connection

Most Common Cause of AirPrint Failures

Your iPhone and printer are on different networks. This happens more often than you'd think, especially with dual-band routers.

Check iPhone Network

1. Open Settings
2. Tap WiFi
3. Note the network name with checkmark
4. Tap the (i) icon for more details
5. Note the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.xxx)

Check Printer Network

1. On printer, go to Settings
2. Find Network or Wireless
3. Select Network Status
4. Note the network name (SSID)
5. Note the IP address

What to Check

- Network names must match exactly
- IP addresses should start with the same numbers (e.g., both 192.168.1.xxx)
- If different, reconnect the printer to the same network as your iPhone

4. Enable AirPrint on Your Printer

Some printers have AirPrint disabled by default. Here's how to enable it:

Via Printer's Web Interface (All Brands)

1. Find your printer's IP address (print network config page)
2. Type the IP address into any web browser (e.g., http://192.168.1.100)
3. Log in (default is often admin/admin or blank)
4. Navigate to Network Settings > AirPrint
5. Enable AirPrint and save settings
6. Restart the printer

5. Router Settings That Block AirPrint

Some router features can prevent AirPrint from working:

AP/Client Isolation

This security feature prevents devices on the same network from communicating. Disable "AP Isolation" or "Client Isolation" in your router settings.

Guest Network

If your iPhone is on the guest network and printer on main network, they can't see each other. Move both to the same network.

5GHz vs 2.4GHz Bands

Many printers only connect to 2.4GHz WiFi. If your iPhone auto-connects to 5GHz, they may not communicate. Connect your iPhone to the 2.4GHz network.

Bonjour/mDNS Blocked

AirPrint uses Bonjour (mDNS) to discover printers. Some routers block this. Enable "Bonjour" or "Multicast DNS" in router settings.

6. Brand-Specific AirPrint Fixes

HP Printers

1. Download HP Smart app on iPhone
2. Add your printer in the app
3. Go to printer settings > Network
4. Ensure AirPrint is enabled
5. Run "Print Quality Diagnosis"

More HP fixes

Canon Printers

1. Press and hold WiFi button until light flashes
2. Download Canon PRINT app
3. Use app to verify network connection
4. AirPrint is usually enabled by default
5. Update printer firmware via app

More Canon fixes

Epson Printers

1. Download Epson Smart Panel app
2. Go to printer Settings > Network
3. Enable "AirPrint" if available
4. Print network status sheet from printer
5. Verify "Bonjour" is enabled

More Epson fixes

Brother Printers

1. Download Brother iPrint&Scan app
2. Access printer web interface via IP
3. Go to Network > Protocol
4. Enable "AirPrint"
5. Restart printer after changes

More Brother fixes

7. Print Without WiFi (WiFi Direct)

If your router is the problem, you can print directly to the printer without using your home WiFi:

Steps for WiFi Direct Printing

1 On your printer, enable WiFi Direct (usually in Network Settings)
2 Note the printer's WiFi Direct name and password (shown on printer display)
3 On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi
4 Connect to the printer's WiFi Direct network
5 Print as normal - the printer should now appear

Note: You won't have internet access while connected to WiFi Direct. Reconnect to your regular WiFi after printing.

8. AirPrint Issues on Mac

Mac-Specific Fixes

1. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
2. Remove the printer (select it, click minus button)
3. Click the plus (+) button to add printer
4. Wait for your printer to appear in the list
5. Select it and click "Add"
6. Choose "AirPrint" as the driver if prompted

Reset Printing System (Last Resort)

If nothing works, reset the entire printing system:

1. Right-click in the printer list area
2. Select "Reset printing system..."
3. Confirm the reset (removes all printers)
4. Re-add your printer

9. AirPrint Stopped After iOS Update

If AirPrint worked before an iOS update but stopped, try these fixes:

Reset Network Settings

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings
3. Enter your passcode
4. Reconnect to your WiFi network
5. Try printing again

Note: This will forget all saved WiFi passwords.

Update Printer Firmware

iOS updates sometimes require printer firmware updates for compatibility. Check your printer manufacturer's app or website for firmware updates.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my iPhone say "No AirPrint Printers Found"?

This error occurs when your iPhone can't discover your printer on the network. Common causes include: devices on different WiFi networks, printer's AirPrint feature disabled, router blocking device communication, or printer not AirPrint compatible. Ensure both devices are on the same 2.4GHz WiFi network and restart your router.

How do I enable AirPrint on my printer?

Access your printer's settings via its control panel or web interface (type printer's IP address in browser). Navigate to Network Settings > AirPrint and ensure it's enabled. For HP printers, use the HP Smart app. Canon and Epson printers typically have AirPrint enabled by default.

Can I use AirPrint without WiFi?

Yes, you can use WiFi Direct. Enable WiFi Direct on your printer, then connect your iPhone directly to the printer's network from Settings > WiFi. This creates a direct connection without needing a router.

Why did AirPrint stop working after iOS update?

iOS updates can change network settings or introduce compatibility issues. Fix by: restarting iPhone and printer, resetting network settings (Settings > General > Reset), and updating your printer's firmware.

Is my printer AirPrint compatible?

Most printers made after 2011 from HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother support AirPrint. Check for the AirPrint logo on your printer, or visit Apple's support site for a complete list of compatible printers.

Test Your Printer

Print a test page to verify AirPrint is working correctly

Color Test Page B&W Test Page