Cloud Print Alternatives After Google Killed Cloud Print
Google Cloud Print is gone. Need to print remotely or from Chrome? Here are the best alternatives for remote and cloud printing.
What's Happening
Google Cloud Print was shut down in December 2020, and if you relied on it for remote printing or printing from Chromebooks, you might be struggling to find a replacement. The good news is there are several alternatives, though none are quite as universal as Google Cloud Print was.
Your Options for Remote Printing
Option 1: Manufacturer Cloud Printing
Most major printer brands now offer their own cloud printing:
- HP Smart: HP ePrint allows printing from anywhere via email or app
- Canon PRINT: Canon cloud printing service
- Epson Connect: Email Print and Remote Print Driver
- Brother Web Connect: Cloud printing capabilities
Set up:
- Create an account with your printer manufacturer
- Register your printer in their cloud service
- Use their app or email-to-print feature from anywhere
Option 2: Email-to-Print
Many printers have their own email address:
- Set up your printer's email address through the manufacturer's service
- Send documents as email attachments to that address
- The printer receives and prints them
- Works from any device, anywhere
Option 3: VPN Home Access
For advanced users:
- Set up a VPN server on your home network (many routers support this)
- Connect to your home VPN from anywhere
- Print as if you're on your local network
Option 4: Third-Party Services
- Printix: Business cloud printing solution
- PaperCut: Print management with cloud capabilities
- ezeep: Cloud printing for business
Option 5: For Chromebook Users
- Chromebooks now have native CUPS printing support
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Printing > Printers
- Add your network printer directly
- No cloud service needed if on the same network
Step-by-Step for HP ePrint (Example)
- Go to HP Smart website or app
- Create an HP account
- Add your printer by serial number or auto-detect
- Enable Web Services on the printer
- Get your printer's email address (xxx@hpeprint.com)
- Email documents to print from anywhere
When to Call a Pro
Setting up remote printing with proper security (so strangers can't print to your printer) can be tricky. A technician can configure a solution that's both convenient and secure.
Need Professional Help?
If you're in the Tampa Bay area and need hands-on assistance, Geeks in Sneaks provides friendly, on-site tech support in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.
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