If you find it difficult to add a printer to Mac, this is the time to take a breather because we made it easier for you. In this article, you’ll discover different ways to add a printer to your Mac, and all are presented in detailed steps. Let’s go ahead and set up that printer already!
How to connect a wireless printer to Mac
There are two main options to connect your wireless printer. You can either do this through a Bluetooth connection or a Wi-Fi-protected password (WPS). Whether you have chosen the WPS or Bluetooth method, follow the instructions below accordingly to add a printer to Mac.
How to add a printer to Mac via WPS
The traditional way of setting up a printer on your Mac is turning on the ‘Wireless’ or ‘WiFi’ button on your printer and doing the same for the WPS button on your router.
However, your printer or router may be set up differently. So, endeavor to check out your device manual for specific instructions. After you’ve set up your WPS, you can continue with the following steps.
- Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
- Go to System Preferences.
- Click on Printers and Scanners. This will show as Print & Scan under Hardware for older Mac models.
- Click the + sign below the list of printers. For older Mac versions, you might still have to click Add Printer or Scanner after you click on the + sign.
The printers your Mac has detected should be listed under the Nearby Printers in the Add Printer or Scanner submenu.
Note: If you cannot click on the + sign, then click on the Lock icon at the bottom of the window. Type your password to make adjustments to the Print & Scan menu.
- Select the printer you want to add. In the Default tab, your Mac shows a list of discoverable printers on the network.
- Choose the printer’s software or driver in the “Use” field. You can choose from any of the options below:
- AirPrint, Apple’s proprietary printing technology which lets you print from AirPrint-compatible printers via Wi-Fi.
However, if your printer is not AirPrint-compatible, you would have to install the driver from Apple’s servers or the printer’s manufacturer’s website. - Your printer’s driver, if you have it installed on your Mac already.
- Auto Select, if you don’t have the print driver but you want your computer to download the correct one when it updates.
- Click Add. The printer will be included in your list of printers. You will see this list on the left-hand side of the Print & Scan window.
Check this out!: Best Printers for Mac You Can Buy
How to add a printer to Mac through a USB
If your printer is not compatible or not suitable to use with a wireless or WPS connection, you will have to connect it to your Mac via a USB or wired connection. On the other hand, even some printers with networking options will still require you to use a USB as a part of the setup process.
To add a printer via USB, Plug your printer’s USB into your Mac.
Your Mac should automatically detect any printer you connect by USB and download the software needed for setup. If it does not auto-detect, continue to the next step.
- Click the Apple icon.
- Go to System Preferences.
- Click Printers and Scanners. On older Mac models, this will appear as Print & Scan under Hardware.
- Click the + sign below the list of printers.
- Select a printer to add. Look for a printer name with USB listed under the column for Kind.
- Click Add. The printer will be added to the list of printers. This will appear on the left-hand side of the Print & Scan window.
How to add a printer through IP address
You need to know your printer’s IP address to be successful with this method. There is every possibility that your printer’s IP address will be in its user manual After you have found your printer’s IP address, continue with the following steps to add the printer to your Mac.
- Click on the Apple icon.
- Go to System Preferences.
- Select Printers and Scanners.
- Click on the + sign below the list of printers
- Click on the IP icon.
- Type your printer’s IP address in the Address field.
- Rename the printer if you wish
- In the “Use” field, choose the print driver you would like to use. Click Add.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my wireless printer not connecting to my Mac?
If you cannot connect your wireless printer to your Mac, then turn off your printer, wait for about 30 seconds and turn it back on. Ensure that all the cables or wireless connections are properly set up.
Why is my Mac not finding any printers?
Check to make sure your printer is not turned off; only printers that are powered on can be found by a computer. Also, check If another user shared the printer; it could be the user has turned off sharing for the printer altogether.
Wrap up
Now that you know how to add a printer to Mac, go ahead and print colorful documents. You may as well make the files black and white. It all depends on you!
