Adding a Second Printer to an iPhone and Simplifying Your Printing Workflow

When it comes to integrating a second printer with an iPhone, the process is remarkably straightforward and user-friendly. By leveraging AirPrint technology, you can quickly and effortlessly connect your iPhone to any AirPrint-compatible printer within your local Wi-Fi network. This guide will walk you through the steps and provide tips for ensuring a seamless printing experience.

Add a Second Printer to Your iPhone

To start, you need to ensure that the printer you wish to add is:

Compatible with AirPrint Connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone

Once these conditions are met, here's how you can set up an additional printer:

Open the app where you want to print (such as a web browser, email client, or photo app). Tap the Share icon. This icon typically looks like an arrow with a square on top of it. Scroll down and tap the Print option. If this is your first time seeing the Print option, it may initially say No Printer Selected. Locate the arrow next to the Printer selection and tap it to reveal the list of available AirPrint-compatible printers. Select the printer you wish to use. If your printer isn't listed, make sure it is compatible with AirPrint and that it is within range of the Wi-Fi network. In the printer selection menu, you can choose to print specific pages, select the print quality, and adjust other settings. Once you're done, tap the Print button at the top-right corner.

Alternative Methods for Adding Printers

For some users, the built-in AirPrint feature might not be sufficient, especially if you have a non-AirPrint-compatible printer or specific requirements. In such cases, you can consider setting up a custom solution using a Raspberry Pi or even a Chromebook with a Linux-based distro like GalliumOS. Here's how:

Raspberry Pi and CUPS Server

One reliable method is to set up a Raspberry Pi as a CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) server. This involves:

Purchasing a Raspberry Pi and necessary accessories. Setting up a future-proof and compatible Linux distribution on the Raspberry Pi. Running and configuring CUPS to serve as a print server. Connecting your printer to the Raspberry Pi via USB or network. Installing the appropriate drivers for your printer.

Once set up, the Raspberry Pi will act as a print server, allowing your iPhone to connect to the printer and start printing.

Chromebook with GalliumOS

For a more portable and readily available solution, you can use a Chromebook with GalliumOS (a Linux distribution specifically tuned for Chromebooks). Here's how:

Install GalliumOS on your Chromebook. This can typically be done with a USB drive or SD card. Connect your printer to the Chromebook via USB or network. Install the necessary drivers for your printer. Configure CUPS to serve as a print server.

With this setup, you can print from your iPhone to the printer connected to the Chromebook.

Conclusion and Tips

Adding a second printer to an iPhone is a breeze with AirPrint. However, if you encounter issues or need more advanced features, setting up a custom print server with a Raspberry Pi or a Chromebook can be a viable solution. Both methods offer a robust and flexible printing experience, making it easy to print from your iPhone whenever and wherever you need to.

Whether you're a professional, a student, or simply someone who needs to print frequently, having a well-configured printing system can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow.