Phomemo printer not connecting to iPhone: what actually fixes it
From Tomorrowish, the makers of Paperpaw, an independent app for these printers. Every fix on this page works without it. Checked November 2, 2026.
The most common reason a Phomemo printer won't connect to an iPhone is that it was paired in the iPhone's Bluetooth settings. That feels like the right thing to do, but Phomemo's own FAQ says the opposite: "Connect the printer to Phomemo instead of pairing the printer and your phone via Bluetooth." The printer talks to the app, not to iOS. Work through these in order.
1. Forget the printer in Bluetooth settings
Open Settings › Bluetooth, tap the info button (i) next to the printer and tap Forget This Device. Phomemo's help center gives the same step: remove the printer from the phone's Bluetooth list, then reconnect from the app.
2. Make sure you have the right app for your model
Phomemo makes more than one app, and Phomemo lists "app installed by mistake" as a cause. Its FAQ says the M02, M02 Pro and M02S use the app called Phomemo; the M110 family uses Print Master. In the app, tap "Not connected to the printer" (or the printer icon) and pick the name that matches your printer's model or serial number.
3. Let the app use Bluetooth
If you tapped "Don't Allow" once, the app can't see the printer at all. Go to Settings › Privacy & Security › Bluetooth and switch the app on. On iPhone that is the only permission it needs for this; the location permission in Phomemo's guide is for Android.
4. One phone, one app at a time
A printer holds one connection. If a tablet, another phone or a second printer app grabbed it first, yours won't find it. Phomemo's advice: close the app on the other device or turn off its Bluetooth, then connect. Stay within about 3 metres.
5. Restart in this order
Turn Bluetooth off and on, then close the app (swipe it away) and turn the printer off and on. Then try again from the app. Charge the printer too: a flashing red light means the battery is low.
6. Print the printer's own test page
Turn the printer on and quickly press the power button twice. It prints a self-test page with a QR code. If that prints, the printer is fine and the problem is the phone or the app; Phomemo's app can also scan that code to connect.
7. Still nothing
Try the app on another phone. If it fails there too, Phomemo asks for a photo of the self-test page, your phone model and order number at bestservice2012@outlook.com.
Questions
Should I pair my Phomemo printer in iPhone Bluetooth settings?
No. Phomemo says to connect from the app, not by pairing in Settings. If it is listed there, tap the info button next to it and choose Forget This Device.
Why can't the app find my printer when Bluetooth is on?
Usually the app was never allowed to use Bluetooth (Settings, Privacy & Security, Bluetooth), another phone or app is already connected to the printer, or the printer is paired in iPhone Settings.
Does the Phomemo app need location access on iPhone?
No. Phomemo's location note is for Android phones. On iPhone the app only needs Bluetooth access.
How do I check that the printer itself works?
Press the power button twice quickly while it is on. It prints a self-test page. If that comes out, the printer is fine.