What to Do Now That Google Cloud Print Is No Longer Available

Key Takeaways

• Google Cloud Print was shut down in December 2020, leaving many users searching for alternatives.
• Printing today is easier and more secure thanks to built-in solutions like Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and Lexmark Mobile Print.
• Relying on third-party cloud services for printing introduced security risks; modern alternatives keep data inside your network.
• Lexmark printers support wireless and mobile printing out of the box, requiring no complex setup.
• Businesses and home users can transition smoothly by choosing printers designed with security and usability in mind.

Introduction: The End of Google Cloud Print

For nearly a decade, Google Cloud Print was a popular printing solution, especially for Chromebook users and small businesses. It allowed documents to be sent from Google services like Gmail or Google Docs directly to a printer connected to the internet.

But in December 2020, Google shut it down. The reasons were clear:

• The market already offered plenty of alternatives.
• Security and maintenance challenges made Cloud Print harder to support.
• Google decided to focus on its core services instead.

For users, however, this left a gap: how do you print without Cloud Print, especially if you rely on mobile devices or cloud-based workflows?

Why Did People Love Google Cloud Print?

Cloud Print solved a real problem: drivers and compatibility. Instead of worrying whether a Chromebook, Android device, or shared office laptop had the right drivers, Cloud Print handled the job in the background.

The main advantages were:

• Universal access: print from any device, anywhere.
• Cross-platform support: worked with Chrome OS, Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
• Ease of use: minimal setup and simple integration with Google services.

For home users, it meant convenience. For businesses, it meant saving time and IT resources.

Why Relying on Cloud Services Was Risky

While Cloud Print was convenient, it had limitations:

• Security: documents traveled through Google servers, raising privacy concerns.
• Reliability: printing depended on internet connectivity. If Google servers or your internet went down, so did printing.
• Dependency: users became tied to Google’s ecosystem.

The end of Cloud Print highlighted an important lesson: printing solutions should be secure, reliable, and not depend on external servers outside your control.

Alternatives to Google Cloud Print

The good news is that alternatives today are not only effective but also easier and safer than Cloud Print ever was.

1. Apple AirPrint

• Native to iOS and macOS devices.
• Requires no drivers – just connect the device and printer to the same network.
• Supports printing directly from apps like Safari, Mail, or Google Docs.
• Lexmark printers such as CS431dw and CX532adwe are AirPrint-ready.

2. Mopria Print Service (Android)

• The Android equivalent of AirPrint.
• Works on most Android smartphones and tablets.
• Enables direct printing without manufacturer-specific apps.
• All Lexmark printers are Mopria-certified, ensuring smooth compatibility.

3. Lexmark Mobile Print App

• A free app developed by Lexmark for both iOS and Android.
• Offers advanced options such as:
  • Choosing paper size
  • Switching between color and monochrome
  • Managing print queues
• Especially useful for offices that need more control over print jobs.

4. Native OS Printing

• Both Windows and macOS allow adding printers over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• This requires a few setup steps but is stable and doesn’t rely on third-party services.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Printing Without Cloud Print

For Home Users

1. Place your printer in a central location with good Wi-Fi coverage.
2. Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
3. On your device (phone, tablet, or laptop), enable AirPrint (Apple) or Mopria (Android).
4. Select your printer and start printing.

For Office Users

1. Ensure the printer is connected to a secure office Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
2. Configure access control so only employees can use the device.
3. Enable Lexmark’s Confidential Print feature for sensitive jobs.
4. Train employees to use the Lexmark Mobile Print app for more flexibility.

These steps ensure seamless printing without relying on outdated services.

How Lexmark Simplifies the Transition

Lexmark printers are designed with plug-and-play usability. That means:

• Automatic detection: devices recognize Lexmark printers instantly.
• Cross-platform support: works with iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
• No external servers: print jobs remain within your network.
• Security by design: encryption and user authentication built in.

Lexmark Features That Replace Cloud Print

• Wireless printing: direct from smartphones or laptops.
• Confidential Print: PIN-protected document release.
• Mobile apps: for advanced print job management.
• Regular firmware updates: to protect against evolving threats.

Real-World Examples

• Home User – Sarah: Used to print from her Chromebook via Cloud Print. Now, with a Lexmark CS431dw, she uses Mopria and continues printing directly from Google Docs.
• Small Business – Tallinn Repair Shop: Shared one printer across five employees via Cloud Print. Today, they use the Lexmark Mobile Print app, printing securely from their smartphones.
• Corporate Office – HR Department: Printed contracts and personal employee data via Cloud Print. Now, with Lexmark CX532adwe and its Confidential Print feature, documents are securely released only by authorized staff.

Lexmark Models Recommended as Cloud Print Replacements

The Future of Cloudless Printing

The end of Cloud Print is not the end of convenient printing – it’s the beginning of more secure, reliable, and flexible workflows.

• Trend 1: Native OS Support – AirPrint and Mopria are now standard across devices.
• Trend 2: Enhanced Security – features like encryption and PIN printing are becoming defaults.
• Trend 3: Integration with Cloud Storage – Lexmark printers integrate with OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox directly, eliminating the need for Cloud Print.
• Trend 4: Sustainability – new printers optimize energy and toner use while maintaining high performance.

Conclusion

Google Cloud Print’s shutdown may have caused uncertainty, but it also opened the door to better, more secure solutions. Printing today is easier, faster, and safer than ever, thanks to AirPrint, Mopria, and Lexmark’s Mobile Print.

Lexmark printers support all major alternatives out of the box, ensuring you can continue printing without disruption. Whether at home or in the office, switching to Lexmark means enjoying a seamless transition, enhanced security, and reliable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Google discontinue Cloud Print?

Because the market already had strong alternatives, and maintaining Cloud Print was no longer sustainable.

Can I still print from my Chromebook without Cloud Print?

Yes. Chromebooks now support native printing, and Lexmark printers are compatible with Mopria for Chrome OS.

Do Lexmark printers need Cloud Print to work?

No. They support Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, and the Lexmark Mobile Print app.

Is printing more secure now?

Yes. Jobs no longer pass through Google’s servers but stay within your own network, protected by encryption.

What Lexmark printer should I choose for home use?

The Lexmark CS431dw is affordable, compact, and supports all major mobile printing standards.

What about offices with multiple users?

Lexmark CX532adwe and MX432adwe offer advanced security, multi-user support, and Confidential Print features.

Can I print from the cloud without Cloud Print?

Yes. Many Lexmark printers integrate directly with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, letting you print cloud documents without third-party intermediaries.