Printing SMS Messages from Android: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Sending and receiving SMS messages is an essential feature in our daily lives. However, sometimes we might need to print out SMS messages for various reasons such as documentation, proofreading, or even for educational purposes. Printing SMS messages from Android devices can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of printing SMS messages from Android devices.
Prerequisites
Before we dive into the steps, make sure you have the following:
- An Android device with SMS capabilities
- A compatible printer (inkjet or laser)
- A USB cable to connect your device to the printer
- A text editor or a note-taking app to edit the SMS message
Step 1: Enable SMS Printing
To enable SMS printing, you need to go to your device’s settings and enable the SMS printing feature. Here’s how:
- On Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and above, go to Settings > Apps > Advanced > SMS > Print SMS.
- On Android 4.4 (KitKat) and above, go to Settings > Apps > Advanced > SMS > Print SMS.
- On Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) and above, go to Settings > Apps > Advanced > SMS > Print SMS.
Step 2: Choose a Printer
You need to choose a printer that supports SMS printing. Here are some options:
- Inkjet Printers: Most inkjet printers support SMS printing. You can use a standard inkjet printer or a specialized SMS printer.
- Laser Printers: Some laser printers also support SMS printing. However, the quality of the printed text might not be as good as an inkjet printer.
Table: Supported Printers
| Printer Type | Supported Android Versions |
|---|---|
| Inkjet Printers | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and above |
| Laser Printers | Android 4.4 (KitKat) and above |
Step 3: Configure the Printer
Once you’ve chosen a printer, you need to configure it to print SMS messages. Here’s how:
- On an inkjet printer, you can use the printer’s built-in settings to print SMS messages. For example, on an HP Envy 5055, you can go to Settings > Printers & Devices > Printers & Scanners > Printers > Add a printer > Select a printer > Choose a printer > Print settings > Print SMS.
- On a laser printer, you need to use the printer’s built-in settings to print SMS messages. For example, on a Canon PIXMA TS2020, you can go to Settings > Printers & Scanners > Printers & Scanners > Printers > Add a printer > Select a printer > Choose a printer > Print settings > Print SMS.
Step 4: Print SMS Messages
Once you’ve configured the printer, you can print SMS messages. Here’s how:
- On an inkjet printer, you can print SMS messages by selecting the SMS message from the device’s Messages app and clicking on the Print button.
- On a laser printer, you need to use the printer’s built-in settings to print SMS messages. For example, on a Canon PIXMA TS2020, you can go to Settings > Printers & Scanners > Printers & Scanners > Printers > Add a printer > Select a printer > Choose a printer > Print settings > Print SMS.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a text editor or note-taking app: Before printing SMS messages, you can use a text editor or a note-taking app to edit the message. This will help you to format the message correctly and avoid any errors.
- Use a printer with a high resolution: A printer with a high resolution will produce better-quality printed text.
- Use a printer with a large paper tray: A printer with a large paper tray will allow you to print more SMS messages at once.
Conclusion
Printing SMS messages from Android devices can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you should be able to achieve the desired result. Remember to choose a compatible printer, configure the printer to print SMS messages, and print the message using the device’s Messages app. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to print SMS messages from your Android device with ease.
Additional Resources
- Android Developer Documentation: The official Android developer documentation provides detailed information on SMS printing.
- Google Support: Google support provides information on SMS printing and troubleshooting.
- SMS Printing Apps: There are several SMS printing apps available for Android devices, such as SMS Printer and SMS Printer Pro.