Are Infrared Printers Still Useful? A Practical Guide to Wireless Printing Today

Infrared printers provided short-range, line-of-sight wireless printing useful for single users and travel. That technology has been superseded by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, and OS-level solutions like AirPrint and Mopria, which offer better range, compatibility, and security. Choose a portable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct printer for travel and a networked Wi-Fi model with AirPrint/Mopria for office use.

Why wireless printing still matters

Wireless printing reduces cables, frees desk space, and makes on-the-go document handling easier. For small teams and traveling professionals, the ability to print without running a cable can speed up client meetings, correct paperwork mid-meeting, and reduce the hassle of carrying extra hardware.

Infrared (IrDA) printers: what they were and their limits

Infrared printers used an IrDA-style connection that required line-of-sight between devices and very short range. That made them convenient for single-person setups and close-range transfers, but also limited: devices had to face each other and stay very close to complete a transfer (typically under about 1 meter / roughly 3 feet).

Because of these physical constraints and the rise of more flexible wireless standards, infrared printing has largely fallen out of mainstream use.

What replaced infrared: modern wireless options

Today, most mobile and office printing relies on Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, and cloud-based services. Key points:

• Wi-Fi / networked printers: Best for shared office environments; support secure, high-speed printing across multiple users.

• Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth: Good for portable printers and ad-hoc printing without joining a network.

• AirPrint (Apple) and Mopria (Android): Built-in OS-level printing that removes the need for device-specific drivers on many modern printers.

• Cloud printing options and manufacturer apps: Let you send jobs from anywhere and often support mobile-specific workflows. (Google Cloud Print was discontinued in 2020.)

How to choose: travel vs. office

• If you travel frequently: look for a compact, battery-powered printer that supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct and has a supported mobile app. These models minimize setup and cable needs.

• If you operate from an office: prioritize a networked Wi-Fi printer with AirPrint/Mopria compatibility, strong security features, and easy user management.

Practical tips and compatibility

• Check that your phone or laptop supports the printer's wireless standard (AirPrint, Mopria, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi Direct) before buying.

• Use manufacturer apps or built-in OS printing to avoid driver issues on mobile devices.

• Secure wireless printing: use strong Wi-Fi passwords, enable WPA2/3, and restrict printer access when possible.

Bottom line

Infrared printing solved a simple problem but is now mostly obsolete. For most businesses and travelers, modern wireless options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPrint/Mopria) offer better range, convenience, and compatibility while still delivering the cable-free workflow the original infrared printers promised.

1. Confirm typical effective range for IrDA/infrared printing implementations (statement: "typically under about 1 meter / roughly 3 feet").