While there are plenty of affordable AirPrint - compatible printers out there , you may have already invested in a model that does n’t support Apple ’s wireless impression protocol . Luckily , adding AirPrint to a non - AirPrint printer is prompt , easy , and low-cost thanks to a canny Mac app called handyPrint .
Formerly marketed as AirPrint Activator , the rebranded handyPrint exploit by bend a printer connect to your Mac into an AirPrint pressman that ’s shared over your internet . Once configured , you ’ll be able-bodied to print wirelessly using an iPhone , iPad , iPod touch – or another Mac .
What you need
Because this solution involve your printer to be permanently connected to a computer , it work especially well for users with a background Mac or a MacBook function in ‘ grapple ’ mode . In this clause , we ’re configuring handyPrint with a Samsung ML-1860 Series laser pressman , but you could practice any printer which does n’t already support AirPrint .
It ’s also deserving noting that handyPrint now requires a minimum $ 5 ( £ 3.90 ) contribution to practice beyond its 14 - day trial period ( antecedently , AirPrint Activator was a free app ) . However , handyPrint is the most affordable app of its form . It also dependably process incoming print job and is a snap to configure .
Use handyPrint to add AirPrint
To tot up AirPrint to your non - AirPrint pressman , first visitnetputing.comand download handyPrint 5.5.0 . Although this version added compatibility with macOS Mojave , we ’ve found that handyPrint 5.5.0 is also amply compatible with the more recent macOS Catalina .
Next , place the handyPrint .dmg file in Downloads , open it , and drag the handyPrint app into your Applications pamphlet . Once this is done , you’re able to release the handyPrint magnetic disc image from the Finder app .
After handyPrint has been copy to your computer , launch Finder , choose app , and double - clink on the handyPrint picture . If your Mac asks if you ’d care to spread out handyPrint since it ’s an app downloaded from the internet , go ahead and pick out Open .
So long as a printing machine is powered on and link to your Mac , you should see that printing machine appear in the handyPrint app . To then add AirPrint functionality to your printer , simply exchange the toggle release on the left hand of handyPrint to On . Depending on your security configurations , you may be ask if you want handyPrint to consent incoming internet connections – if you see this message , choose Allow .
That ’s all there is to it – your wired printer should now come out as an AirPrint printer on your iOS and macOS devices .
To test whether this is the case , find a photo or document on your iPhone , launch the contribution menu , and select Print . take Select Printer and you ’ll then be able to wirelessly print using the wired printer you ’ve just configured with handyPrint !
Do n’t forget that for this solution to work , your pressman needs to be switched on and link up to a Mac , and all of your devices need to be connected to the same wireless web . However , you should discover that AirPrint using handyPrint body of work even when your Mac is sleeping , supply that your pressman remains connected and powered on .
you could try handyPrint liberal of charge for 14 days , after which a minimum $ 5 ( £ 3.90 ) donation is required to unlock a full licence for the app . To configure a license , or to check over on the app ’s status and access its mise en scene , click the handyPrint ikon which lives in your Mac ’s menu bar .
Happy printing ! If you ’d like to buy a amply AirPrint - compatible model , take a look at our comprehensive roundup of thebest Mac printer . And readHow to impress wirelessly from iPad & iPhonefor related advice .
We also have this guide to fixing a problemwhen HP printers hold back crop .
