Print Maps & Directions Directly from an iPhone & iPad with Maps App

For those who prefer the old fashioned method of reading printed directions on paper, maps and directions can be printed directly from an iPhone or iPad via the built-in Maps app in iOS 5. This is handy if you need to give someone else paper directions, or if you don’t want to potentially get a ticket for using a smartphone while driving. Using the tip is quite simple, as MacTrast shows us.

Note: To use the Maps print feature, an AirPrint compatible printer must be nearby. There are third party tools to enable AirPrint with any printer in Mac OS X or Windows available.

• Launch Maps and get directions to a destination as usual
• Tap the curled page button at the bottom right corner of the Maps app
• At the next screen, tap “Print” and then select the AirPrint printer to print to

The printed instructions come in an easy to follow format:

As mentioned earlier, if your printer isn’t officially AirPrint compatible, use the free third party tool AirPrint Activator to enable support. It’s extremely easy to use and works in OS X Lion.