AirPrint vs Google Cloud Print: Mobile Printing

What Are AirPrint and Google Cloud Print?

AirPrint is Apple's mobile printing protocol, built into iOS and iPadOS devices. It lets you print wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a compatible printer without installing drivers. Google Cloud Print was Google's cloud-based printing service that routed print jobs through a cloud server, allowing printing from any device to a registered printer regardless of network location.

Both aimed to simplify mobile printing, but their approaches differ. AirPrint works over your local network, while Google Cloud Print required an internet connection. Today, Google Cloud Print has been discontinued, so AirPrint and its cross-platform equivalent, Mopria, are the primary standards. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right printer and setup for your needs.

AirPrint and IPP Everywhere

AirPrint is built on the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), a standard developed by the Printer Working Group (PWG). The PWG's IPP Everywhere initiative allows personal computers and mobile devices to find and print to networked and USB printers without vendor-specific software. According to the PWG, 98% of all printers sold today support IPP/2.0 and DNS-SD, making them compatible with IPP Everywhere. This means that when you buy a modern printer, it likely includes AirPrint support out of the box.

You can verify AirPrint compatibility by checking for the AirPrint logo on the printer's packaging or by consulting the specifications on the manufacturer's website. Many printers also include Mopria certification, which is the Android equivalent. AirPrint and Mopria are both based on the same underlying IPP standard, so a printer that supports one often supports the other, though not always. When you shop, look for a printer that explicitly lists both certifications to ensure seamless printing from any device.

Google Cloud Print and Its Retirement

Google Cloud Print was introduced as a way to print from any device to a remote printer. It required setting up the printer with a Google account and then sending print jobs through Google's servers. While it offered cloud printing convenience, it has been discontinued by Google. As a result, it is no longer a supported option for new users. Existing users were forced to migrate to other solutions when the service ended.

If you used Google Cloud Print in the past, you will need to switch to local printing protocols like AirPrint or Mopria, or explore manufacturer-specific cloud printing apps. These alternatives work over your Wi-Fi network and do not depend on a third-party cloud service. For remote printing, you can also set up your own print server using IPP Everywhere's shared infrastructure extensions, which the PWG describes as supporting cloud, enterprise, and managed printing. This provides a standards-based way to print from anywhere while maintaining control over your data.

Compatibility: Devices and Printers

AirPrint is available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers running recent operating systems. For Android devices, the Mopria Alliance provides a standard that is supported by most printers. The Mopria website states that Mopria makes mobile printing easy and is also supported by Windows and Fire tablets. This cross-platform support is crucial in mixed-device households and offices.

Many printers now include both AirPrint and Mopria support, ensuring that both Apple and Android users can print without additional drivers. When choosing a printer, look for certifications from both organizations. You can also check the printer's connectivity options to confirm it supports Wi-Fi or Ethernet, which are required for these protocols. For a detailed comparison, see our AirPrint and Mopria guide.

• AirPrint: for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• Mopria: for Android, Windows, Chromebook, and Fire tablets
• Both: many printers include both certifications for universal compatibility

Cloud Features: What Each Service Offers

AirPrint does not include cloud printing; it operates only when your device and printer are on the same local network. Google Cloud Print, in contrast, offered printing from anywhere by routing jobs through the cloud. With Google Cloud Print retired, users who need remote printing must look for printers with built-in cloud services, such as manufacturer apps that enable printing from a mobile device to a printer over the internet.

For most home and small office users, local network printing covers the vast majority of tasks. If you need to print remotely, you can set up a virtual private network (VPN) or use a cloud print service from your printer's manufacturer. These options are often available through the printer's companion app. Additionally, IPP Everywhere supports cloud printing via shared infrastructure, meaning you can build a reliable remote printing solution without relying on a discontinued third-party service. Keep in mind that any cloud printing solution requires a stable internet connection and may have security implications, so review the security features of your printer and network.

Modern Alternatives: Mopria and IPP Everywhere

Today, the industry standard for mobile printing is IPP Everywhere, which enables printing without vendor-specific drivers. The PWG notes that IPP Everywhere supports cloud, enterprise, and managed printing through shared infrastructure extensions. This means that with the right setup, you can have cloud printing using standard protocols. IPP Everywhere is supported by popular operating systems including Chrome OS, macOS, Windows, and Linux, as listed on the PWG website.

Mopria is the Android-focused implementation of similar technology. It is backed by a broad alliance of printer manufacturers and software developers. The Mopria standard ensures compatibility across a wide range of devices and printers, making it a reliable choice for Android users. Mopria also extends to Windows, Chromebook, and Fire tablets, so you are covered regardless of your platform. When you buy a printer, look for the Mopria logo or certification to guarantee that it will work with your Android phone or tablet without extra setup.

How to Choose the Right Mobile Printing Setup

When selecting a printer for mobile printing, prioritize models that support both AirPrint and Mopria. This ensures compatibility with Apple and Android devices. Many printers from leading brands include these certifications, so check the specifications before you buy. For remote printing, consider printers with built-in cloud services or plan to use a manufacturer app. Also, think about energy efficiency: ENERGY STAR certified imaging equipment can save up to 35 percent on energy use versus conventional models, according to the Energy Star program. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to reduce your environmental impact and operating costs.

If you use a mix of devices, an all-in-one printer with wireless connectivity and both protocols will serve you well. Look for models with good print quality and energy efficiency. You can also consult our buying guides for assistance: wireless printers and all-in-one printers. For those who need occasional scanning, consider a model with scan-to-email or scan-to-cloud features, which can further streamline your workflow. And if you print photos frequently, check the printer's color gamut and paper support by reading our photo printer guides.

What to pick for your mobile printing setup

Questions

Is AirPrint the same as Google Cloud Print?

No. AirPrint works on your local network and is built into Apple devices. Google Cloud Print was a cloud-based service that has been discontinued.

Can I still use Google Cloud Print?

No. Google retired the service, so it is no longer available. You should use AirPrint, Mopria, or manufacturer apps instead.

How do I know if my printer supports AirPrint?

Check the printer's specifications for the AirPrint logo or mention of 'AirPrint' support. Most newer printers include it. See our wireless printers guide for options.

Is Mopria better than AirPrint?

They serve different platforms. Mopria is for Android and Windows, while AirPrint is for Apple devices. Many printers support both, so it's not a matter of better but of compatibility.