> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://helping.alive-pic.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Discovering and Connecting Printers

ALIVE can automatically find your print server on the local network — no IP addresses, no complicated setup. And if auto-discovery doesn't work, you've got easy backup options.

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## Automatic Discovery

ALIVE uses a technology called **Bonjour** (also known as mDNS) to find your print server on the local network. It's the same tech behind AirPrint and AirDrop — proven, reliable, and zero-configuration.

Here's how it works:

1. Make sure your iPad and print server are on the **same Wi-Fi network**
2. Go to **Settings** → **Printing**
3. ALIVE scans for available print servers
4. Found servers appear in the list
5. Tap to connect

That's it. Once connected, ALIVE remembers the printer — so next time you're at the same venue, it reconnects automatically.

[screenshot: Printer discovery screen]

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## QR Code Connection (Recommended Backup)

If auto-discovery doesn't find your printer, the QR code method is the fastest alternative.

1. Open **ALIVE Magic Print** on your computer
2. The app displays a **QR code** with the connection details
3. In ALIVE on your iPad, go to **Settings** → **Printing**
4. Tap **Scan QR Code**
5. Point your iPad camera at the QR code on your computer screen
6. Connected!

[screenshot: Scanning QR code to connect to printer]

This is especially handy at new venues where you haven't saved the printer before.

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## Manual URL Connection

If QR scanning isn't working (screen too bright, too far away, etc.):

1. On your computer, find the **server URL** in ALIVE Magic Print — it looks something like `http://192.168.1.50:47653`
2. In ALIVE on your iPad, go to **Settings** → **Printing**
3. Tap **Enter URL Manually**
4. Type in the server URL
5. Tap **Connect**

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## Verifying the Connection

After connecting, you should see:

* The printer name and status in your settings
* Paper size information detected from the printer
* The option to send a **test print**

|| Always send a test print after connecting. It confirms the full chain — ALIVE → network → print server → printer — is working correctly.

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## Network Requirements

* **Same network** — iPad and print server must be on the same Wi-Fi / LAN
* **Local network permission** — iOS requires you to grant ALIVE permission to access the local network (iOS 14.5+)
* **No network isolation** — Some venues use guest Wi-Fi that isolates devices. You need a network that allows device-to-device communication.
* **Firewall-friendly** — ALIVE Magic Print's ports must be open on your computer (see [Firewall Configuration](/en/article/firewall-configuration-for-alive-magic-print-j7hoaa))

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## Network Resilience

Networks aren't always stable at event venues. ALIVE Magic Print is built to handle that:

* **Auto-reconnect** — If the network drops and comes back, ALIVE Magic Print re-advertises itself automatically. No restart needed.
* **Real-time status** — Both the iPad and the print server know immediately when the link is up or down.

|| If ALIVE Magic Print loses network and reconnects, it re-advertises within seconds. Give it a moment before troubleshooting.

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## Troubleshooting Discovery

If printers aren't showing up:

1. **Check Wi-Fi** — Are both devices on the exact same network?
2. **Check permissions** — Did you grant ALIVE local network access?
3. **Restart the print server** — Sometimes a fresh start helps
4. **Try QR code or manual URL** — Bypass auto-discovery entirely
5. **Check for client isolation** — Some venue networks block device-to-device communication. Ask the venue or bring your own portable router.

| Bring a portable router to every event. A dedicated network for your iPad and computer eliminates venue Wi-Fi headaches entirely. It's a small investment that saves major stress.

See [Printer Not Found — Troubleshooting](/en/article/printer-not-found-troubleshooting-network-discovery-rq132b) for more solutions.

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## What's Next?

* [Connecting ALIVE Magic Print to Your Photobooth](/en/article/connecting-alive-magic-print-to-your-photobooth-oxa9nr) — Full pairing walkthrough
* [Firewall Configuration](/en/article/firewall-configuration-for-alive-magic-print-j7hoaa) — Make sure your ports are open