How to Print Photos from iPhone
By Emma Mitchell · Last updated: July 2026 · 4 min read
Printing photos from an iPhone is one of the most common things people want to do with their phone — and the good news is it works in under two minutes once your printer is set up. This guide walks through every method: AirPrint, manufacturer apps, and what to do if your printer isn't listed.
Method 1: Print Photos Using AirPrint (Recommended)
AirPrint is Apple's built-in wireless printing technology. If your printer was made after 2010 and supports AirPrint, this is the fastest and most reliable way to print photos directly from the Photos app — no extra apps needed.
- Open the Photos app and tap the photo you want to print.
- Tap the Share button (square with an upward arrow) at the bottom-left.
- Scroll down the share sheet and tap Print.
- Tap Select Printer and choose your AirPrint-enabled printer.
- Under Options, choose 4×6" or Letter as the paper size.
- Tap Print in the top-right corner.
Method 2: Print Photos Using a Printer App
If your printer doesn't appear in the AirPrint list, or if you want more control over layout, paper type, and print quality, use your printer manufacturer's official app:
- HP Smart — for HP DeskJet, Envy, OfficeJet, and LaserJet models
- Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY — for Canon PIXMA, MAXIFY, and SELPHY
- Epson iPrint — for Epson EcoTank, Expression, and WorkForce
- Brother iPrint&Scan — for Brother MFC, DCP, and HL series
The workflow is similar in all four apps: install the app → connect to the same WiFi → select Print Photos → pick images from your camera roll → choose paper and size → tap Print.
Choosing the Right Photo Paper
The single biggest factor in how your printed photo looks is the paper. Plain copy paper produces washed-out, dull images. For real photo prints you want dedicated photo paper.
Paper sizes for iPhone photos
- 4×6 inches — the standard snapshot size; fits most albums and frames.
- 5×7 inches — slightly larger, good for gifts.
- 8.5×11 inches (Letter) — full-page prints, great for collages.
- Wallet size (2.5×3.5) — for ID photos and small keepsakes.
Glossy vs. matte
Glossy paper produces vibrant colors and high contrast — best for landscapes and portraits. Matte paper reduces glare and fingerprints — better for black-and-white photos and fine art prints.
Fixing Common Photo Printing Problems
Photo looks dark when printed
iPhone screens are significantly brighter than printed paper. Before printing, edit the photo in the Photos app and bump brightness up by 10–15%, or enable High print quality in Print Options.
Colors look wrong or washed out
Make sure you've selected Photo Paper (not Plain Paper) in the printer settings. Plain Paper mode lays down less ink and produces faded colors by design.
Photo is cut off at the edges
iPhone photos have a 4:3 aspect ratio, but 4×6 paper is 3:2. The printer has to crop. Enable Borderless Printing in printer options to avoid white borders, or use a third-party app like Printic to manually adjust the crop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print photos from my iPhone at a retail store?
Yes. Apps like Walgreens, CVS Photo, and Shutterfly let you upload iPhone photos and pick up physical prints at a local store, usually within an hour. Quality is typically better than home printing.
What's the best printer for iPhone photo printing?
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 and Canon PIXMA TR8620 are widely recommended. Both support AirPrint, have dedicated photo paper trays, and produce lab-quality 4×6 prints at low cost per page.
Can I print Live Photos or videos?
No. You can only print still images. For Live Photos, open the photo, tap Edit, and save a still frame, then print that still.