Connect Bluetooth Printer to Windows/Mac/Android/iOS Device

Why Bluetooth Printing?

Bluetooth printers are perfect for cable‑free, on‑the‑go printing—receipts, labels, tickets, homework, photos—without needing Wi‑Fi. This guide walks you through fast pairing, driver tips, and troubleshooting for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS/iPadOS.

Before You Start (Quick Checklist)

• Charge the printer (or plug into power)

•  Enable Bluetooth on your device

• Put the printer in Pairing Mode (LED usually blinks blue)

•  Note the printer model & default PIN (often 0000 or 1234 for older models)

•  Optional: Install the brand app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan)

Tip: If your printer supports both Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi, pick Bluetooth for quick one‑to‑one printing; choose Wi‑Fi for shared/office printing.

Put Your Printer in Bluetooth Pairing Mode

Common methods (check your model’s panel or manual):

• Portable printers (e.g., HP OfficeJet Mobile, Canon SELPHY, Brother PocketJet): Long‑press the Bluetooth button until the light blinks.

• All‑in‑One inkjets: Open Settings → Bluetooth on the printer’s control panel; toggle On and tap Pair.

• Thermal receipt/label printers: Flip the DIP switch or hold Feed + Power (varies by brand) until the LED pattern indicates pairing.

If you don’t see a dedicated Bluetooth icon, pairing may be under Network → Bluetooth or Connectivity → Bluetooth on the printer screen.

Connect on Windows 10/11

1. Turn on Bluetooth: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Bluetooth (On)

2. Add device: Click + Add device → Bluetooth

3. Select your printer from the list (e.g., Canon E560 BT). If asked for a PIN, try 0000 or 1234.

4. Install drivers (if prompted): Windows Update usually fetches drivers. For advanced features, install the brand app.

5. Set as default & test print: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Your Printer → Manage → Print a test page

If it doesn’t appear:

• Toggle Bluetooth Off/On

• Re‑enter pairing mode on the printer

• Use Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Bluetooth

• Update Optional Updates → Driver updates in Windows Update

Connect on macOS (Monterey → Sonoma)

1. Enable Bluetooth: System Settings → Bluetooth → On

2. Put the printer in pairing mode

3. Pair: Click Connect next to the printer in Bluetooth

4. Add in Printers & Scanners: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer (+) → select the Bluetooth printer → Add

5. Print test page: From Printers & Scanners → Options & Supplies → Utility → Print Test Page (or print any document)

If driver missing: Choose AirPrint (when offered) or install the vendor driver/pkg.

Connect on Android (12–15)

1. Turn on Bluetooth: Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → Bluetooth

2. Pair device: Tap Pair new device → choose your printer → Pair

3. Add printing service: Settings → Connected devices → Printing → Default Print Service (On)

   • For more features, install HP Smart / Canon PRINT / Epson iPrint / Brother iPrint&Scan from Play Store.

4. Print: Open file/photo → Share → Print → choose your Bluetooth printer → Print

If not listed: Clear Default Print Service cache, or use the brand app → Add Printer.

Connect on iPhone/iPad (iOS/iPadOS 16–18)

iOS supports AirPrint over Wi‑Fi natively. For Bluetooth‑only printers, use the manufacturer’s app or the printer’s MFi certified app.

1. Enable Bluetooth: Settings → Bluetooth → On

2. Pair the printer in Settings → Bluetooth (if the model supports iOS Bluetooth printing)

3. Install brand app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan) and add the printer inside the app

4. Print: Use the app’s Print option, or in compatible apps tap Share → Print (if AirPrint is available)

If your printer is Bluetooth‑only and not MFi: Printing may work only via the vendor app; system‑wide AirPrint won’t appear.

Print a Test Page (Any Platform)

• Open a simple PDF or text file

• Select File → Print

• Choose the Bluetooth printer

• Set Paper size & Media type (for labels/receipts choose the right roll width)

• Tap Print

Quick Fixes (Most Issues Solved)

•  Re‑pair: Remove/Forget the printer → reboot → pair again

•  Distance: Keep device within 1–2 meters with clear line‑of‑sight

•  Drivers/Apps: Install/update brand driver or app

•  PIN/Passkey fails: Try 0000 → 1234 → check label/manual

•  Android cache: Settings → Apps → Default Print Service/Brand App → Storage → Clear cache

•  Reset Bluetooth stack: Toggle Airplane Mode (mobile) or restart Bluetooth service (PC)

•  Test with another device to isolate printer vs. phone/PC

Brand App Shortcuts

• HP: HP Smart → Add Printer → Bluetooth → follow prompts

• Canon: Canon PRINT → Add/Switch Printer → Bluetooth set‑up

• Epson: Epson iPrint → Printer is not selected → Tap here → Add via Bluetooth

• Brother: iPrint&Scan → Add Machine → Bluetooth

Feature perks: ink/toner levels, head cleaning, firmware updates, easy media size presets (labels/receipts).

Security & Best Practices

• Change default PIN if your model allows

• Disable Bluetooth visibility after pairing

• Keep firmware up to date

• For shared spaces, prefer Wi‑Fi with a password; keep Bluetooth used for one‑to‑one pairing