Fix AirPrint Not Working with iOS 17 Update

A fair number of iPhone and iPad users are reporting that using AirPrint is no longer working on their device since updating to iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, or a later update to those operating systems (like iOS 17.2, etc).

For many users impacted by this problem, the AirPrint compatible printer disappears after you select it for printing, preventing you from printing to the AirPrint printer from the iPhone or iPad.

This has been reported with HP printers, Canon printers, Brother printers, Epson, Samsung, Kyocera, Xerox, and many other brands, suggesting the issue is not necessarily specific to a single brand of printer, but instead is likely a compatibility issue or bug relating to compatibility with the printers, and perhaps either software running on the devices, or even something specific to the latest operating systems for iPhone and iPad.

We’re going to offer some troubleshooting steps for fixing issues with AirPrinting with iPhone and iPad, so read along and let’s get this taken care of.

Troubleshooting AirPrint Not Working in iOS 17 / iPadOS 17

1: Install Any iOS Updates

First, be sure you’re on the absolute latest versions of iOS 17 or iPadOS 17, since Apple releases software bug fix updates routinely.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any updates that are available for your iPhone or iPad.

Keeping your software up to date helps to minimize compatibility issues with various devices, including AirPrint printers.

2: Update Printer Firmware

Updating the firmware of the printer has resolved the AirPrint issues for many users, so this should be the first step you try to resolve this issue.

Updating printer firmware varies per brand of printer and per printer itself, so if you’re unfamiliar with the process you may need to look up specifically for the individual printer model.

On most Canon AirPrint printers, you can update firmware by going to Menu > System Management > Update Firmware

3: Update Apps & Disable VPN / Antivirus Apps

Some iPhone users have discovered that an incompatibility with older app versions is causing the issue, particularly VPN apps, firewall apps, and “anti-virus” type of apps (side note; there are basically no viruses for iPhone/iPad and you do not need those apps).

Update your apps to see if they’ve been updated to be compatible with the latest iOS/iPadOS versions.

If the problem persists after updating your apps, consider disabling any VPN, firewall, antivirus, or similar apps, and see if AirPrint starts working again.

4: Make Sure iPhone / iPad & AirPrint Printer On Same Wi-Fi Network

Occasionally, one device may be connected to a different wi-fi network than the other, and this can cause issues with AirPrint, since obviously if the devices are not on the same network then they will not be able to see one another.

Many routers broadcast more than one network and it’s not terribly uncommon for the iPhone or iPad to be on a different network from the printer when this happens.

5: Delete VPN Profiles & VPN Apps

Next up; try deleting any VPN apps, and also delete any associated VPN profiles from your iPhone or iPad.

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > and delete any VPN profiles that are listed.

Then restart your iPhone or iPad by turning it off and back on again.

If AirPrint works without the VPN profile and app installed, you’ve found the reason for the incompatibility. You can always try reinstalling the VPN app, but if it breaks printing again, you’ll need to go through this process again to delete/disable the VPN app yet again, until a future software update resolves the issue.

6: Restart All Devices

Try restarting any associated devices involved in the AirPrint process. This includes your iPhone/iPad, printer itself, and perhaps even your router itself.

You can force restart an iPhone or iPad by pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, then holding the Power/Lock button until you see the  Apple logo on screen. You can also just turn the iPhone or iPad off, and back on again, to restart it.

Unplug the AirPrint printer for 2-3 minutes and then plug it in again to restart the printer.

If you want to, you can also restart the router by unplugging it and plugging it back in too.

7: Print Directly from Printers App

Most printer manufacturers offer an iPhone / iPad app specific for their printer, and many users have found using the app directly to print from has been a functional workaround for their situation.

This is more of a workaround than a resolution, but it does work for some users and is worth trying.

8: Disable Private Wi-Fi Address

Some iPhone and iPad users have discovered that AirPrint is not working with their device because of the Private Wi-Fi Address feature, which aims to improve user privacy, but can also lead to compatibility issues with some networks and printers.

You can disable the Private Wi-Fi Address feature on iPhone or iPad by going to Settings > Wi-Fi > selecting the (i) button next to your wi-fi network, and toggling the switch for “Private Address” to the OFF position.

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Did the above troubleshooting tricks resolve your AirPrint problems with iPhone or iPad running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17? Are you one of the frustrated users experiencing this issue, but you have not found a solution yet? Did you find a resolution that is different from what we discuss here? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments!