Connecting a printer directly to a smartphone Samsung via USB cable seems like a simple task, but in practice users are faced with a lot of nuances: from lack of device response to printing errors. In this article we will analyze not only the standard connection procedure via USB OTG, but also reveal the intricacies of working with different printer models (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother), features of firmware One UI (from Android 10 to Android 14), and also give checklist for diagnosing problems.

It is important to understand that not all printers support direct connection to the phone - some require special applications or firmware updates. We tested the instructions on flagships Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy A54 i Galaxy Z Fold 5, but the methods are also applicable to other models with support USB Host. If your printer is not detected, do not rush to blame the cable - the problem may lie in the developer settings or lack of drivers.

1. Compatibility check: does your Samsung support connecting a printer via USB?

Before buying adapters or downloading applications, make sure that your smartphone Samsung is technically capable of working with the printer via USB cable. Here are the key requirements:

  • 📱 USB OTG support: All modern smartphones Samsung (starting from Galaxy S8 and Note 8) are equipped with this function, but on budget models (for example, Galaxy M13 or Galaxy A04) it may be disabled by default.
  • 🔌 Connector type: Devices with USB-C (since 2017) require a cable USB-C → USB-A (or adapter). Old models with Micro-USB (Galaxy S7, Note 5) need an adapter Micro-USB OTG.
  • 🖨️ Printer compatibility: Most HP, Canon PIXMA, Epson EcoTank i Brother support Mopria Print Service or Google Cloud Print, but for direct USB connection you need a driver USB Printing (built into Android from version 4.4).

To check support OTG:

  1. Connect any USB flash drive to your phone via an adapter.
  2. If a notification appears "USB device is connected" the function is active.
  3. If not, go to Settings → Device care → Diagnostics → USB and turn on OTG.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware One UI (for example, on Galaxy Tab S6 Lite 2022), the function OTG may conflict with the mode DeX. If the printer is not detected, disable DeX in the display settings.
📊 What printer are you trying to connect?
HP (LaserJet, DeskJet)
Canon (PIXMA, MAXIFY)
Epson (EcoTank, WorkForce)
Brother
Another brand

2. Cable and adapters: which one is needed to connect the printer to Samsung?

The mistake of many users is using the wrong cable. To directly connect the printer to Samsung via USB you will need:

Phone connector type Required cable/adapter Examples of compatible printers
USB-C (Galaxy S21, A53, Z Flip4) Cable USB-C → USB-A (or adapter USB-C OTG + standard USB-A→USB-B for printer) HP Neverstop 1000a, Canon G3260
Micro-USB (Galaxy J6, A20, Tab A 2019) Adapter Micro-USB OTG + cable USB-A→USB-B Epson L3250, Brother DCP-T425W
USB-C (Galaxy S23 Ultra, Z Fold5) Cable USB-C→USB-B (if the printer supports direct input) HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e

Important: cheap Chinese adapters OTG often do not transmit enough power to the printer. If the device is detected, but printing does not start, try connecting the printer to a 220V network or use a hub with external power supply.

Critical detail: printers with a USB 3.0 interface (blue connector) may not work with USB 2.0 adapters. Check the technical specifications of your model!

Check the type of phone connector (USB-C/Micro-USB)|

Buy a high-quality OTG adapter (we recommend the original Samsung)|

Make sure the printer cable is not damaged|

Connect the printer to a 220V network (even if it is “portable”)

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3. Step-by-step guide: how to connect a printer to Samsung via USB

When everything is ready, follow this algorithm. The instructions are universal for Android 10–14 (including One UI 5.1/6.0):

  1. Enable OTG:

    Go to Settings → Connections → Advanced → USB and activate USB OTG. On some models (Galaxy M33) this item may be called "Host mode".

  2. Connect cable:

    First insert the adapter into the phone, then connect it to the printer cable. If you are using a hub, connect the printer to the port USB 2.0 (usually black).

  3. Install the driver:

    Android should automatically detect the printer and offer to install USB Printing Service. If the notification does not appear:

    • 🔍 Go to Settings → Applications → Three dots (⋮) → Special access → Print.
    • 📥 Press "Add service" and select USB Printing.

  4. Set up printing:

    Open a document (PDF, photo, web page), click "Print" → select your printer from the list. If it is not there, restart the phone and reconnect.

On printers HP an additional application may be required HP Smart (even for a USB connection). For Canon and Epson the built-in Android drivers are sufficient.

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If the printer is detected, but printing comes with artifacts, try selecting the mode in the print settings "Draft" or lowering the resolution to 300 dpi.

4. Problem solving: the printer is not detected or does not print

If an error appears on the screen "USB device is not recognized" or the printer connects but does not respond to commands, follow these steps:

  • 🔄 Restart both devices: Disconnect the cable, turn off the printer and phone, then turn them on again.
  • 🛠️ Update the printer firmware: Go to the manufacturer's website (for example, support.hp.com), enter the printer model and download the latest version of the software. Flash the printer via PC.
  • 📱 Reset USB settings on your phone: 
    Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings (enables USB)
  • 🔌 Check the cable on another device: Connect the printer to a PC or other phone. If it does not work, the problem is in the cable or the printer.

For printers Epson with an error "Incompatible device" installing the application may help Epson Print Enabler (available in Google Play). In the case of Brother sometimes you need to manually select the printer model in the Android print settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example Galaxy XCover Pro), the USB printing function is disabled at the level firmware. Check for updates One UI in Settings → Software update.
What to do if the printer prints blank sheets?

This problem is often associated with incorrect color settings in driver. Go to Print settings → Color → Draft (Grayscale). If this does not help, update the cartridges or clean the print head through the printer menu.

5. Alternative ways to connect your printer to Samsung

If a USB connection doesn't work or you need flexibility (such as printing from multiple devices), consider these options:

  • 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: Most modern printers (HP Envy, Canon TS-series) support direct Wi-Fi. Activate the mode on the printer, then on your phone go to Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to the printer network (the name usually starts with the model, for example "DIRECT-72-HP OfficeJet").
  • 🌐 Cloud printing: Install the manufacturer's application (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint) and register the printer in their cloud service. This will allow you to print even via the mobile data.
  • 🖥️ Via Intermediary PC: If the printer is connected to a computer, enable Sharing in Windows/macOS settings, then on your phone add the printer via IP address (in the Android print menu, select "Add a printer via IP").

A suitable solution for corporate users Google Cloud Print (despite the official closure of the service in 2020, some printers still support it through alternative applications, for example PrintHand).

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Wi-Fi Direct is the most universal method, but the USB connection wins data transfer speed (especially for large PDF files).

6. Print optimization: quality and ink saving settings

After successfully connecting the printer to Samsung via USB, adjust the printing parameters to save consumables and improve the result:

Parameter Recommended value What you need
Resolution (DPI) 300–600 dpi Balance between quality and speed. 1200 dpi justified only for professional photos.
Color mode Draft (Grayscale) for text, Color for images Saves up to 40% of ink when printing documents.
Scale Fit to page or 100% Eliminates trimming edges of PDF files.
Double-sided printing On (if the printer supports it) Reduces paper consumption by 50%.

For printers Epson EcoTank i Canon MegaTank a mode is available in the Android settings "Ink saving" —it reduces toner density by 20–30% without noticeable loss of text quality. Manufacturer's applications (for example Canon PRINT) also have an option "Only black" for color printers - this is useful if you have run out of one of the color cartridges.

If you print from your phone often, create presets in Android print settings: for example, separate profiles for "Documents" (black and white, 300 dpi) and "Photos" (color, 600 dpi).

7. Security: how to protect data when printing from your phone

Printing from your phone via USB or Wi-Fi creates risks of data leakage, especially if the printer is connected to a public network. Follow these rules:

  • 🔒 Delete printing history: In the printer menu (or manufacturer's application), find the section "Task log" and clear it after each session.
  • 📡 Disable Wi-Fi Direct: After printing, deactivate this mode on the printer to avoid unauthorized connections.
  • 📱 Use VPN: If you are printing via the cloud (for example, Google Drive), enable VPN on your phone to encrypt traffic.
  • 🔑 Set up a PIN code: On corporate printers HP Enterprise or Xerox set a password on the control panel.

For supported printers Secure Print (for example, Brother HL-L8360CDW) you can set up delayed printing: the document is sent to the printer, but is printed only after entering the PIN code on the device panel. This is relevant for offices where the printer is used by several employees.

⚠️ Attention: When connected via USB, some printers (Samsung Xpress, Xerox Phaser) save copies of documents in internal memory. Before selling or transferring the printer, perform a factory reset via the menu Settings → Reset.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about connecting a printer to Samsung

❓ Is it possible to connect an old printer (for example, HP LaserJet 1020) to a modern Samsung?

Yes, but only if the printer supports the standard USB Printing Class. To HP LaserJet 1020 you will need:

  1. Download the driver HP Print Service Plugin.
  2. Connect the printer via USB OTG and manually select the model in the print settings.

If the printer is not detected, it is not compatible with Android. Alternative: connect it to your PC and set up sharing.

❓ Why does the printer only print the first page of the document?

This problem is due to the print buffer limitation in Android. Solutions:

  • Divide the document into parts (5-10 pages) and print separately.
  • Use the application PrintBot —it supports printing large files.
  • Connect the printer via Wi-Fi instead of USB.
❓ How to print from a Samsung phone to a printer connected to a router?

If the printer is connected to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi:

  1. Make sure that the phone and printer are on the same network.
  2. In Android print settings, select "Add printer" → "Add by IP".
  3. Enter the IP address of the printer (find it in the printer or router menu).
  4. Select protocol LPD or IPP (for HP usually IPP).

For printers Canon you may need to enable the option "WSD Print" in the router settings.

❓ Why is text shifted or cut off when printing from a phone?

The problem is with the scaling settings. Before printing:

  1. Open the document in Google Docs or Adobe Acrobat.
  2. In the print menu, select "Scale: Fit" or "100%".
  3. Disable option "Crop margins".

If the problem persists, update the printer driver or try printing via PC.

❓ Is it possible to print from a Samsung phone to a 3D printer via USB?

No, standard Android drivers do not support 3D printers. To control 3D printing from a smartphone, use: USB Printing Android does not support 3D printers. To control 3D printing from your smartphone, use:

  • Manufacturer's applications (for example, PrusaLink for Prusa, Ultimaker for Ultimaker).
  • Cloud services (for example, OctoPrint with connection via Wi-Fi).
  • Adapters USB-to-Ethernet for remote control.