Printing With Airport Extreme: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to print from airport extreme

Apple's AirPort Extreme is a Wi-Fi base station that allows for wireless printing. To print from AirPort Extreme, you need a compatible printer with a USB or Ethernet connection. For iOS devices, printing can be done via AirPrint, while OSX devices can print wirelessly. Windows users can also print by using Bonjour for Windows (installed with AirPort Utility) to connect their printer.

Characteristics Values
Devices that can be used with Airport Extreme Windows 7 PC, Windows 8, iOS, OSX, Linux, Mac
Type of connection Wireless, USB, Ethernet
Software AirPrint, Bonjour, AirPort Utility
Printer compatibility Printers with USB or Ethernet connection

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Printing from an iPhone using Airport Extreme

To print from an iPhone using Airport Extreme, you will need to ensure that your printer is AirPrint-compatible. AirPrint is a simplified, driverless printing method that requires compatible software in the printer. You can check if your printer is AirPrint-compatible by referring to the printer's manual or the manufacturer's website.

If your printer is not AirPrint-compatible, you have a few options to enable printing from your iPhone:

  • Purchase an AirPrint-compatible printer: This is the easiest option, as it ensures compatibility with Airport Extreme and iPhone.
  • Run an AirPrint server on your network: You can use a Mac or PC to run an AirPrint server, which will allow non-AirPrint printers to work with your iPhone and Airport Extreme. One popular option for Mac users is to use the handyPrint app.
  • Set up a DIY solution: If you have an old netbook, you can install Ubuntu on it and share the printer with other systems. Connect the printer to the AirPort Extreme by Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and connect the netbook to the AirPort Extreme by Ethernet.

Once you have ensured that your printer is AirPrint-compatible or have set up an alternative solution, follow these steps to print from your iPhone:

  • Connect your iPhone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Open the document you want to print on your iPhone.
  • Tap the share icon or choose "File > Print" from the menu.
  • Select the printer from the list of available printers.
  • Adjust any print settings as needed.
  • Tap the print button to start printing.

Note: If you are using an AirPrint server or a DIY solution, you may need to follow additional steps specific to your setup.

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Printing from a Windows computer

To print from a Windows computer, you will need to connect your printer using Bonjour for Windows (this should be installed with your AirPort Utility).

First, connect your printer to your AirPort Extreme router. You can do this by plugging your printer into the USB port on the AirPort Extreme Base Station.

Next, you will need to find your printer's IP address. This is likely to be 10.0.1.1, but you can check by running the ipconfig command from a command prompt and looking for the Wireless LAN's Default Gateway address. Once you have the IP address, go to the Windows Start menu and select 'Devices and Printers'. Here, you will need to fill in the Hostname or IP address with the address of your AirPort Extreme router. Leave the Port name as it is, uncheck 'Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use', and click 'Next'.

The wizard will now detect the TCP/IP port. If it cannot find the device, check the IP address and try again. If it still cannot detect the device, continue anyway. Select Network Print Server (1 Port – USB) from the Standard Device Type list. Click 'Next' and then select your printer's manufacturer and specific printer from the lists.

Finally, decide whether to set this as your default printer and try printing a test page.

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Printing from an OSX device

To print from an OSX device using AirPort Extreme, you'll need to connect your printer to an AirPort Time Capsule or AirPort Extreme Base Station. This will allow any Mac on your network to use the printer, whether connected wirelessly or with a cable.

Firstly, ensure your printer software is up to date. Check with the printer manufacturer for any updates for your specific model. If you have an AirPrint printer, you won't need to worry about software updates.

Next, prepare your printer by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This includes unpacking the printer, installing ink or toner, and adding paper. Turn on the printer and ensure it's not displaying any errors.

Now, connect the printer to the AirPort Extreme. If your printer has an Ethernet port, use an Ethernet cable to connect it to the AirPort. If it doesn't have an Ethernet port, use a USB cable to connect it to the AirPort Extreme's USB port.

If you're using a Mac with Mac OS X v10.5 or later, follow these steps:

  • Go to Apple > System Preferences, then click on Print & Fax.
  • Click on the Add (+) button and select your printer from the list. If your printer isn't listed, use the search function in the toolbar to find it.
  • Click Add again.

For Macs with Mac OS X v10.2.7 or later:

  • Open a document and choose File > Print.
  • From the Printer drop-down menu, choose Add Printer.
  • Select your printer from the list.
  • Ensure that "Use" is set to AirPrint, then click Add.

By following these steps, you should now be able to print from your OSX device using AirPort Extreme.

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Printing from an iOS device

To print from an iOS device using AirPort Extreme, you will need to ensure that your printer is AirPrint-compatible. Most printers are not AirPrint-compatible, so you may need to check the specifications of your printer or consult the manufacturer's website for this information.

If your printer is AirPrint-compatible, ensure that your iOS device and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Once this is done, your iOS device should be able to detect the printer.

To set up the printer on your iOS device, go to "Settings", select "Printer", and then tap the "Add Printer" option. Select your printer from the list of available devices, and then follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Once your printer is set up on your iOS device, you can print by opening the document or file you wish to print, tapping the "Share" icon, and then selecting the "Print" option. This will bring up the print preview screen, where you can adjust the print settings according to your preferences. Finally, tap the "Print" button in the top-right corner to initiate the printing process.

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Using an old Airport Extreme to make a USB printer wireless

If you have an old Airport Extreme and a non-wireless USB printer, you can use the former to make the latter wireless. This will allow you to print from supported computers on your network, both wired and wireless.

To do this, first set up the Airport Extreme router in your desired location, setting it to a static IP. Then, plug in your printer to the USB port on the Airport Extreme. If your printer is not AirPrint-capable, you will need to run server software on your computer to share the printer. You can find the appropriate software by searching for what is compatible with your host system. You can then set up the printer using the IP address of the Airport Extreme. You may have to manually select the appropriate driver.

If you are using a Mac, you can use System Preferences to add the printer by clicking the + button. This will work for both Mac and PC, as well as iOS. If you are using a Windows computer, you can use Bonjour for Windows (installed with Airport Utility) to connect your printer.

If your printer is not appearing, you may have to download a driver and use the 'Have Disk...' option. You can then fill in a printer name and decide whether to share the printer or not. You can also set it as the default printer and try printing a test page.

Frequently asked questions

If your printer is AirPrint-compatible, connect it to the USB port of the Apple AirPort Base Station. If not, you can use an old netbook with Ubuntu installed and select "share printer with other systems". Connect the printer to the AirPort Extreme by Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and connect the netbook to the AirPort Extreme by Ethernet.

Use Bonjour for Windows (installed with AirPort Utility) to connect your printer.

Connect the printer to the USB port, then set up the printer using the IP address of the AirPort Extreme. You may have to manually choose the appropriate driver.

Open a document and choose File > Print. From the Printer drop-down menu, choose Add Printer. Choose the printer from the list. Check that Use is set to AirPrint and click Add.

Yes, you can use an old Airport Extreme to make your non-wireless printer wireless. You will need to set up the Airport router and plug in the printer to the USB port.

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