# How to Set Up a Printer on Android

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.

{% hint style="info" %}
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](https://www.cloudwaitress.com) via live chat if you would like assistance.
{% endhint %}

### **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*](https://pushprinter.com/))

## Setup Process

### Step 1: Create a Printer Configuration

1. Open your [**CloudWaitress dashboard**](https://admin.cloudwaitress.com).
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).

<figure><img src="https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2FLEHb5bAjNYkp9luWtWMG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b06aa5e7-4b01-423a-84f4-fbc734a20332" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 1, point 2</p></figcaption></figure>

![Printer Settings for Android](https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2F-M0bKRi6R_jy1sH2Q1K8%2F-M0bM35Gj2NQQxkUjUBj%2FPrinter%20Settings.png?alt=media\&token=302aeef8-f2ae-48ad-8b03-10e2caa13eca)

<figure><img src="https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2Fi6QMihIRCXSExpeIaPMP%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d65678fa-8f40-4f56-84e1-e607bcc1153c" alt=""><figcaption><p>Image showing example API key from printer settings</p></figcaption></figure>

***

### **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**.

***

### **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.

<div align="left" data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2FTgDgYatTRcenDwiAuTOH%2Fpush3.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bf89d38b-6404-4b53-aa63-68ea749be012" alt="" width="318"><figcaption><p>Press the "+” sign on the top to configure a printing service. Make sure that the printer is on.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2FMOgtm9vsfoRf3imywtY5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=45690aec-1bc0-4ae8-9597-588c96c5433c" alt="" width="210"><figcaption><p>Pair the Android device to the printer via Bluetooth</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2FEPD0kk1skI1Q0yVTjCg6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=67835161-d3df-47d6-a0bd-28927ae514ad" alt="Android-test-print-on-pushprinter" width="204"><figcaption><p>Once it’s successfully connected, a test print will be sent to the printer.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2FYaHZWgd7c7zAUAiSec9V%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2bea6b0d-bd67-4a13-887f-5af379bdaa7e" alt="" width="208"><figcaption><p>Fill out Printer Details such as the Printer Name, API Key and Number of Copies.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2FOfpRUHJ9HioqwyTMd5oK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0cd00540-ae65-449f-abd8-47998908380e" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Printer status showing connected</p></figcaption></figure></div>

***

### **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.

![](https://3208318816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LFSJWcCg8jLlMtgloE-%2Fuploads%2FlwooZ3TqX55iTR4rXd91%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=f1fffb1e-ffbc-49cd-a34c-7f3badc287fd)

***

## Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Fixes

{% hint style="success" %}
**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](https://www.cloudwaitress.com).
{% endhint %}

#### **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.

***

### **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**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Get started for free at [www.cloudwaitress.com/signup](https://www.cloudwaitress.com/signup/)
{% endhint %}


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