Sharp Print Service Plugin Download and Setup Guide
Android print plugin for Sharp devices, marked obsolete in Europe
Representative photo — maitland.city library Public Domain
The Sharp Print Service Plugin adds Sharp printers to the Android system print dialog, so you can print from any app rather than only from a Sharp application. It discovers Sharp devices on the network and applies Sharp-specific options such as duplex and stapling. The important caveat is regional: Sharp Europe now marks the plugin obsolete and directs users to the Mopria Print Service, which does the same job across brands and is actively maintained. Outside Europe the plugin is still listed on Sharp's global site.
Version and licence: Free, Android only. Sharp Europe marks this plugin as obsolete and steers users to the Mopria Print Service instead, so EU and UK readers should install Mopria rather than this. The global Sharp page still lists it.
Download Sharp Print Service Plugin
What it does
- Adds Sharp printers to the Android system print dialog
- Network discovery of Sharp multifunction devices
- Sharp-specific print options such as duplex and staple
- Works from any Android app that supports printing
- No separate Sharp app required for basic printing
How to install it
Step 1
If you are in Europe or the UK, install the Mopria Print Service instead, since Sharp Europe marks this plugin obsolete.
Step 2
Otherwise install the Sharp Print Service Plugin from Google Play.
Step 3
Connect the phone to the same network as the Sharp device.
Step 4
Open Settings, Connected devices, Connection preferences, Printing.
Step 5
Tap the Sharp print service and switch it on.
Step 6
Let it discover devices, or use the add printer option and enter the IP address.
Step 7
Open any app, choose Print from the share menu and select the Sharp printer to test.
Which printers it supports
Sharp network multifunction devices and printers that support standard network printing, principally the MX and BP series.
When Sharp Print Service Plugin will not work
That is correct for the European market. Install the Mopria Print Service, which is maintained, works across brands and covers Sharp devices that are Mopria certified.
Enable the print service in Android settings, grant location or nearby-device permission which Android requires for network discovery, and confirm the phone is on the same subnet as the printer.
System print plugins expose a basic option set. For stapling, secure print or account codes, use Sharpdesk Mobile or the device's own panel functions.
Sharp devices in managed environments often require user authentication. That is not something a print plugin can supply, so use Sharpdesk Mobile which can pass credentials, or release jobs at the panel.
Disable one in the Android printing settings. Having two services offering the same printer causes duplicate entries and confusion about which options apply.
Printers that use Sharp Print Service Plugin
Frequently asked questions
Should I install this or Mopria?
Mopria in Europe and the UK, where Sharp marks the plugin obsolete. Elsewhere either works, but Mopria is maintained across brands.
Is there an iOS version?
No. Android print service plugins have no iOS equivalent; iPhones use AirPrint or the Sharpdesk Mobile app.
Does it let me scan?
No. Print plugins only print. Use Sharpdesk Mobile for scanning.
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