You need a physical copy of an important email you received on your phone. The Outlook mobile app does not have a built-in print button. This article explains how to send the email to a printer using your phone’s operating system.
You can print directly from the app by using the share function. The process requires a printer that is compatible with your mobile device.
We will cover the steps for both iOS and Android devices.
Key Takeaways: Printing from Outlook Mobile
- Share icon (iOS) or three-dot menu (Android): Opens your device’s system menu to find the Print option.
- Print command in system share sheet: Sends the email content to your phone’s native printing interface.
- AirPrint or Google Cloud Print: Required printer technology for wireless printing from iOS or Android devices.
Understanding Mobile Printing from Outlook
The Outlook mobile app is designed for viewing and managing email on the go. It does not contain its own print driver software. Instead, it relies on the printing services built into your phone’s operating system.
When you initiate a print job, the app converts the open email into a format your phone can process. This is typically done through the standard share function. Your device then handles communication with the printer.
You need a printer set up for mobile use. For iPhones and iPads, this usually means an AirPrint-compatible printer on the same Wi-Fi network. For Android, options include Google Cloud Print, manufacturer apps, or direct Wi-Fi printing.
Prerequisites for Printing
Before starting, ensure your mobile device and printer are on the same wireless network. Your printer must be powered on and ready. For Android, you may need to install your printer’s companion app from the Google Play Store.
Steps to Print an Email on iPhone or iPad
Follow this method if you are using an iOS device like an iPhone or iPad.
- Open the email
Launch the Outlook app and tap on the specific email you want to print to open it fully. - Tap the Share icon
In the top-right corner of the email view, tap the icon that looks like a square with an upward arrow. This opens the iOS share sheet. - Scroll and select Print
Scroll horizontally through the row of app icons at the top of the share sheet. Look for the Print icon, which resembles a printer. If you don’t see it, scroll to the end and tap More to enable it. - Configure the print job
After tapping Print, a preview screen appears. Tap Select Printer to choose your AirPrint device. Use the plus and minus buttons to set the number of copies. Tap Print in the top-right corner to send the job.
Steps to Print an Email on an Android Device
Use these instructions for phones and tablets running Android.
- Open the target email
In the Outlook app, tap the email to open it in its own reading pane. - Open the overflow menu
Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the screen. This opens a dropdown menu. - Tap Share
Select the Share option from the menu. This action opens the Android intent chooser. - Find the Print option
In the share menu that appears, look for an option labeled Print. It may be under a sub-menu like See all. If your printer’s app is installed, its icon may also appear here. - Select your printer and print
Tap Print. A system print preview will open. Select your printer from the dropdown list. Adjust copies, color settings, or page range if needed. Finally, tap the print button, often a circle or checkmark.
Common Mistakes and Things to Avoid
Print Option Is Missing from the Share Menu
If you cannot find the Print command, your device does not detect a compatible printer. Check that your printer is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi as your phone. For Android, you may need to install the printer’s official app to add the driver.
Only Part of the Email Prints
The mobile print function typically captures the visible email content, not the entire conversation thread. To print a long email thread, you may need to forward the email to yourself and print it from the Outlook desktop application on a computer.
Printing Attachments from the Email
The standard print command from the email view will not print file attachments like PDFs or Word documents. You must open the attachment separately within the Outlook app, then use the share or print function from within the attachment viewer.
Mobile Printing vs. Desktop Printing
| Item | Printing from Outlook Mobile App | Printing from Outlook Desktop (Windows/Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Print Button | Not available, uses device share menu | Available in File > Print menu |
| Printer Setup | Requires network/Wi-Fi printer (AirPrint, Cloud Print) | Works with all installed system printers (USB, network, PDF) |
| Print Preview & Layout Control | Basic, system-provided preview | Advanced preview with page setup, orientation, and scaling |
| Printing Email Threads | Prints only the open email message | Can print entire conversation with options |
| Attachment Printing | Must print each attachment separately | Can print attachments directly from the print dialog |
You can now create a hard copy of any email directly from your phone. For more complex printing needs, consider using the full Outlook application on a computer. An advanced tip is to use the Print to PDF option in your phone’s print menu to save a digital copy for later.