Discovering Printers on Your Network

ALIVE can automatically find print servers on your local network. No manual IP addresses, no complicated setup — just connect to the same Wi-Fi and let ALIVE do the rest.

Automatic Discovery

ALIVE uses network discovery to find compatible print servers on your local network.

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

[screenshot: Printer discovery screen]

Manual Connection

If automatic discovery doesn't find your printer, you can connect manually:

QR Code

1. The print server (ALIVE Magic Print) displays a QR code
2. Scan the QR code from ALIVE's printer setup screen
3. Connection established

Manual URL

1. Find the print server's IP address and port
2. In ALIVE's printer settings, enter the URL manually
3. Tap connect

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.

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 manual connection — Use QR code or manual URL as a backup
5. Check the network — Some networks block device discovery. Try a different network or bring your own router.

See Printer Not Found — Troubleshooting for more solutions.

Updated on: 17/03/2026