Photo printing apps let you print pictures straight from your phone. Learn the best apps, how to use them, and simple tips to get top-quality photo prints.
Today, almost everyone takes pictures with their phone. From birthdays to holidays and everyday moments, our phones are filled with memories. But many of these pictures stay on the phone and are never printed.
Thanks to technology, printing your photos is now very easy. You don’t need to go to a photo shop or own a printer. With just a simple app on your phone, you can choose the pictures you like, order prints, and get them delivered to your house.
In this article, we will talk about some of the best photo printing apps for both Android and iPhone users. These apps will help you turn your favorite photos into real prints, photo books, gifts, and more.
Let’s start by looking at why many people now prefer to print photos using their phones.
Why Mobile Photo Printing is So Popular
Many people now print photos directly from their phones. It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require going to a photo studio. Let’s look at a few reasons why this method has become so popular.
1. It’s very convenient
Before now, you had to transfer your pictures to a computer or take your phone to a printing shop. But with photo printing apps, you can print your pictures anytime, anywhere — even from your bed. All you need is your phone and internet.
2. It saves time
With just a few taps, you can choose your best photos, pick the size you want, and place your order. Most apps will deliver the printed photos to your doorstep in just a few days.
3. You can use the photos as gifts
Photo prints make great personal gifts. You can use them to create albums, calendars, mugs, or even wall frames for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or special events.
4. No special skill needed
You don’t need to be a designer or photographer to use these apps. Most of them are simple to use. They guide you step by step, from choosing photos to placing an order.
5. Printing quality is getting better
Many of these apps now print in high quality. The colors look bright and clear, and the photos last long without fading.
6. You can save money
Some apps offer free prints every month. You only pay for delivery. Even when you pay, it’s often cheaper than going to a local photo studio.
Features to Look For in a Photo Printing App
Before you choose a photo printing app, it’s good to know what to look for. Some apps are better than others, depending on what you need. Here are the most important things to check:
1. Good print quality
Make sure the app can print clear and sharp photos. Some apps offer low-quality prints to save money, but the pictures may not look nice. Always read reviews or try a small order first.
2. Different print sizes
A good app should give you many size options. Maybe you want small wallet photos, or big ones for your wall. The more size options, the better.
3. Easy to use
The app should be simple and not confusing. You should be able to choose your photos, pick the size, enter your address, and pay — all in just a few steps.
4. Photo editing tools
Some apps let you edit your photos before printing. You can crop, brighten, or add filters. These tools help make your pictures look even better.
5. Delivery to your home
It’s nice when the app can deliver the prints straight to your door. Check if they deliver to your area and how many days it takes.
6. Safe and secure payment
Only use apps that have secure payment options. Look for apps that accept cards, PayPal, or other trusted payment methods.
7. Special products
Some apps offer more than just photo prints. You can print your pictures on mugs, pillows, photo books, calendars, phone cases, and more. This is perfect if you want to make gifts.
8. Good prices and discounts
Compare prices between apps. Some apps give free prints every month, or discount codes for first-time users. This helps you save money.
9. Works on Android and iPhone
If you change phones often or have both Android and iPhone, it’s better to choose an app that works on both.
7 Best Photo Printing Apps for Android & iPhone
There are many apps for printing photos, but some are better than others. Below are 7 trusted apps that many people use to print pictures directly from their phones. These apps work on both Android and iPhone.
1. Shutterfly
Why people love it:
You can print unlimited 4×6 photos for free.
You can also create photo books, mugs, phone cases, calendars, and more.
Easy to use and has good editing tools.
Things to note:
You pay for shipping even when prints are free.
Delivery may take a few days depending on your location.
Good for: People who want many free prints and photo gifts.
2. FreePrints
Why people love it:
You get 85 free photo prints every month.
You only pay for shipping.
Offers many photo sizes.
Things to note:
You may pay more if you order more than the free limit.
Shipping costs can add up if you order often.
Good for: People who want free prints every month.
3. Snapfish
Why people love it:
Offers affordable photo prints and products.
You can order photo books, wall décor, cards, and more.
User-friendly app with editing tools.
Things to note:
First-time users often get discounts.
Some users say delivery takes time.
Good for: People who want good quality at low prices.
4. Walgreens Photo
Why people love it:
Fast printing service.
You can order and pick up same-day at any Walgreens store in the US.
Offers print products like posters and gifts.
Things to note:
Works best if you’re in the US.
Not all products are available in all areas.
Good for: People living in the US who want fast pickup.
5. Mpix
Why people love it:
High-quality prints with professional finish.
Good for printing large photos and framing.
Offers premium photo paper.
Things to note:
More expensive than others.
Limited free offers.
Good for: People who want top-quality photo prints.
6. Printique (formerly AdoramaPix)
Why people love it:
Offers professional-quality photo books and prints.
Good for photographers or people who want long-lasting prints.
Large product selection.
Things to note:
Not the cheapest.
Not as beginner-friendly as other apps.
Good for: Serious photo lovers who want perfect prints.
7. Canon Easy-PhotoPrint Editor
Why people love it:
Works well with Canon printers.
You can design and print at home using your printer.
Good for quick and simple prints.
Things to note:
You need to own a Canon printer.
Mostly for home use.
Good for: People who want to print photos at home.
Each of these apps has its own special features. You can try a few to see which one you like best, especially based on how much you want to spend and how you want your photos to be printed.
How to Print Photos from Your Phone (Step-by-Step Guide)
Printing photos from your phone is very easy. You don’t need to go anywhere. You just need a photo printing app and a few minutes. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Download a Photo Printing App
Go to your phone’s app store (Play Store for Android or App Store for iPhone).
Search for a photo printing app like Shutterfly, FreePrints, Snapfish, or any one you prefer.
Tap “Install” or “Get” and wait for it to download.
Step 2: Open the App and Create an Account
After downloading the app, open it.
You may need to create an account using your email or phone number.
Some apps allow you to continue with Google or Facebook.
Step 3: Give the App Permission to Access Your Photos
The app will ask for permission to see your photos.
Tap “Allow” so you can choose pictures from your phone’s gallery.
Step 4: Select the Photos You Want to Print
Browse through your pictures and choose the ones you want to print.
Most apps let you select many photos at once.
Step 5: Choose the Print Size and Quantity
Select the size of the photo you want (for example, 4×6, 5×7, or 8×10).
Pick how many copies you want for each photo.
Some apps show you how the photo will look in print.
Step 6: Make Edits if You Want
Some apps let you crop the photo, make it brighter, or add filters.
You can skip this step if you’re happy with your photo already.
Step 7: Add to Cart and Check Out
After editing, tap “Add to Cart” or “Next.”
Enter your delivery address where the prints will be sent.
Check the total cost, including shipping.
Step 8: Pay for Your Order
Choose your payment method.
Most apps accept debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, or other online payments.
Enter your payment details and confirm your order.
Step 9: Wait for Delivery
You’ll get a message or email showing your order details.
Now you just wait. Most apps deliver within 5 to 10 working days.
Tips to Get the Best Quality Photo Prints
If you want your printed photos to look very fine, there are a few things you should do before sending them for printing. These small tips will help your pictures come out bright, sharp, and clean.
1. Use Clear Photos Only
Before you print, check that the picture is not blurry or too dark.
Clear photos with good lighting will print better.
If the picture looks rough on your phone, it may look worse when printed.
2. Take Photos with Good Camera
If possible, use a phone with a good camera to take your pictures.
The better the camera, the better your picture quality.
If you’re using old photos, make sure they are not low resolution.
3. Edit Before You Print
You can adjust the brightness, contrast, or crop the photo to remove unwanted parts.
Many photo apps allow basic editing before printing.
Don’t over-edit. Just make small changes to improve the photo.
4. Choose the Right Print Size
If your photo is small or not very sharp, printing it in a big size may reduce the quality.
Try to match the photo resolution to the print size.
For example, 4×6 or 5×7 is okay for most phone photos.
5. Use Good Lighting When Taking Photos
Natural light during the day is best.
Avoid taking photos in dark places or under bad indoor lights.
This helps your photos come out bright and colorful when printed.
6. Don’t Zoom Too Much
When taking a picture, try not to zoom in too much.
Zooming can reduce the quality.
Instead, move closer to the subject or crop the photo later.
7. Keep Your Lens Clean
Clean your phone camera lens with a soft cloth before taking pictures.
A dirty lens can make your pictures look cloudy or blurry.
8. Pick a Trusted App or Service
Some apps use better printers and paper than others.
Read reviews or try small orders first.
You’ll quickly know if they deliver good-quality photo prints.
9. Use High-Quality Paper (If Printing at Home)
If you have a printer at home, always use glossy or photo paper.
Regular paper can make the picture look dull.
Follow the settings on your printer for best results.
These simple steps can make a big difference in how your printed photos look. It’s always better to take your time and prepare well before printing.
Before You Go…
Photo printing is a great way to keep your memories safe. Instead of just leaving your nice pictures on your phone, you can turn them into real prints you can touch and keep for many years.
Thanks to mobile apps today, you don’t need to go to any photo studio. From the comfort of your home, you can pick your best pictures, place your order, and receive them at your doorstep.
Just make sure you use a trusted app, select clear photos, and follow the simple steps we shared. That way, you’ll enjoy bright, sharp and beautiful photo prints every time.
Maybe it’s your child’s birthday, your wedding day, your vacation or even your everyday life, printing your photos helps you hold on to those special moments.
So go ahead, choose a photo printing app that works best for you and start printing your memories today.