How to Set Up a Printer on Android

Complete guide to adding a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or network printer to Android for automatic order printing with CloudWaitress.

Setting up a printer on Android allows restaurants, cafés, and businesses to automatically print order receipts directly from their Android device. Whether you use a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or network printer, this guide will walk you through configuring Android printing settings for seamless order processing.

With CloudWaitress, you can: ✅ Print orders automatically using an Android-compatible receipt printer. ✅ Connect a printer to Android via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. ✅ Print from Android to a network printer with a fixed IP address. ✅ Enable cloud printing for Android, making remote printing easier. ✅ Set up Android auto-printing to streamline order fulfilment.

This guide will help you add a printer to Android, configure Android printer settings, and troubleshoot any printing issues.

We are happy to set up your printer remotely for you. We know this step can trip up many people because every printer is different. Please contact us via live chat if you would like assistance.

Requirements

Before you start, ensure you have:

• An Android device (running Android 4.1 or later)

• A Bluetooth or network-connected ESC/POS printer

• The latest version of PushPrinter (Download here)

Setup Process

Step 1: Create a Printer Configuration

1. Open your CloudWaitress dashboard.

2. Go to Settings > Receipt Printing > Create Printer.

3. Fill in:

   • Printer Name - i.e. "Android Kitchen Printer"

   • Printing Method: Set to ESCPOS

   • Printing Type: Use ESCPOS Image for best results. (Note that some older printers may not support this method and ESCPOS Text Only can be used in these cases).

   • Paper Scale Factor: Adjust to 1.7 if text is cut off.

4. Click "Save" and copy your unique API key (needed later).

Step 1, point 2

Printer Settings for Android

Image showing example API key from printer settings

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Step 2: Install PushPrinter on Android

1. Download PushPrinter from the Google Play Store.

2. Open the app after installation.

3. Press the settings icon ⚙️, then select Default.

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Step 3: Add and Configure a Printer on Android

1. Tap "+" (Add Printer) to configure a printing service.

2. Select Bluetooth or Network (for IP Printer):

   • If using Bluetooth, the app will automatically scan for available printers.

     • Ensure your printer is powered on and in pairing mode.

     • Select your printer from the list.

   • If using a Network (IP Printer), select "Network" and manually enter the printer's IP address.

     • Ensure the printer and Android device are on the same Wi-Fi network.

3. Enter the API Key from your CloudWaitress dashboard. The API key can be found on the restaurant's printer settings. (Settings > Receipt Printing)

4. If prompted, enter the default printer PIN (0000 or 1234).

5. Confirm that the printer status is "Connected" in your CloudWaitress dashboard.

6. Once all the details are filled out, check the status of the printer on your restaurant’s settings. Make sure it appears as connected.

Press the "+” sign on the top to configure a printing service. Make sure that the printer is on.

Pair the Android device to the printer via Bluetooth

Once it’s successfully connected, a test print will be sent to the printer.

Fill out Printer Details such as the Printer Name, API Key and Number of Copies.

Printer status showing connected

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Step 4: Test Printing

1. Visit the Orders Page in CloudWaitress.

2. Select an order, then choose "Print". (We recommend printing both short and long orders to ensure that there is nothing being cut out vertically.)

3. If you enabled auto-printing, place a test order to ensure automatic printing is enabled.

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Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Fixes

Contact Us

We have successfully setup 100's of printers; there is a good chance we can save you lots of headaches, so please don't hesitate to contact us via chat.

1. Sides of the receipt are cut off

✅ Adjust the Paper Scale Factor to 1.7 and test again.

2. Invalid API Key

✅ Verify that the API key matches the one in your CloudWaitress printer settings.

3. Printer is connected, but no printouts

✅ Restart the Android device and ensure Android detects the printer in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi settings.

4. Unable to authenticate printing

✅ Check your internet connection and try again later. Try restarting your device. Try printing to your printer from other computer programs such as your browser.

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Why Use Android Printing for Order Receipts?

📌 Fast & Reliable: Automatically print receipts as soon as an order is placed. 📌 Works with Most Printers: Supports ESC/POS thermal printers, Bluetooth printers, Wi-Fi printers, and network printers. 📌 Easy Setup: No complicated drivers—configure, connect, and print. 📌 Cloud Printing Support: Print from anywhere when using a network printer with a fixed IP.

Get started for free at www.cloudwaitress.com/signup