How-toMac

How to add a printer or scanner on a Mac

Add a Wi-Fi, USB or network printer to your Mac and scan with the apps already on it. Covers AirPrint, maker software and what to do when the printer is missing.

  • Updated
  • 10 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Mac

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Most printers work with a Mac in a few clicks, often with no extra software. Learn how to add a printer, how to scan, and what to try when the printer does not appear in the list.

What you need

  • A printer that is switched on and ready, with ink or toner and paper loaded.
  • For a Wi-Fi or network printer: the printer joined to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. If it has not joined yet, see how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.
  • For a USB printer: the right cable. If your Mac has a single USB-C port, Apple says to use a multiport adapter.

Menu names are for macOS Ventura and later (System Settings). On earlier versions, open System Preferences and choose Printers & Scanners.

Adding a printer in three steps3 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Adding a printer in three steps1Connect the printerPower on, then join Wi-Fi orplug in USB2Open Printers &ScannersFound in System Settings3Add and testChoose the printer, then printa test page
Wi-Fi, USB and network printers all start in the same place.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Connect the printer: Power on, then join Wi-Fi or plug in USB
  2. Open Printers & Scanners: Found in System Settings
  3. Add and test: Choose the printer, then print a test page

Add the printer

  1. Open Apple menu then System Settings then Printers & Scanners. You may need to scroll the sidebar.
  2. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
  3. Wait a minute or two. Apple notes that a printer can take that long to appear.
  4. Select your printer in the list. Wi-Fi and network printers appear by name. A USB printer appears after you plug it in.
  5. Click Add. If the Mac offers to download software, let it. Apple's own software download is the safe route.

The printer now shows in the Printers list. If you have several, the Default printer menu chooses which one print windows use first.

What AirPrint means

AirPrint is Apple's way of printing without installing a driver or app. If your printer supports AirPrint, the Mac can use it directly. If it does not, install the software from the printer maker's own website. Apple also says you can choose Select Software in the Use menu and try a generic PostScript or PCL option if the maker's software is not listed.

Get printer software from the maker only

Download printer software from the printer maker's official website, or let macOS fetch it. Never install a "driver updater" or a program from a pop-up. See how to install printer drivers safely.

If the printer is not in the list

You can add a network printer by its address, if you know it. Click the IP button in the Add window, enter the printer's IP address or host name, and choose a protocol. Apple lists AirPrint, IPP, LPD and HP Jetdirect - Socket. Choose AirPrint or IPP unless the printer's manual says otherwise, then click Add.

Back of a typical printerThe back of a typical printer: a rear access door in the upper part, and below it a panel with a power inlet, a square USB socket and an Ethernet socket. It has 3 numbered markers, explained in the list under the picture.123Back of a typical printer
  1. Power: check the cable is firmly in
  2. USB port: for a cable to the Mac
  3. Ethernet port: for a network cable, on some models
Port positions differ between models.
Text version of this diagram

The back of a typical printer: a rear access door in the upper part, and below it a panel with a power inlet, a square USB socket and an Ethernet socket.

  1. Power: check the cable is firmly in
  2. USB port: for a cable to the Mac
  3. Ethernet port: for a network cable, on some models

Scan from your Mac

macOS includes two apps for scanning, so you usually need nothing extra. If the Mac sees the printer or scanner, either one may work.

Scan with Preview

  1. Open Preview from the Applications folder.
  2. Place your page on the scanner glass, or pages in the feeder.
  3. Choose File then Import from Scanner, then pick your scanner. If it is not listed, check that it appears in Printers & Scanners.
  4. If you do not see all the options, click Show Details. Choose the scan mode (flatbed or document feeder), the kind (text, black and white, or color) and the size. Choose where to save the file in Scan To if it is shown.
  5. Click Scan. The finished scan opens in Preview. If you did not choose a place to save it, use File > Save.

Scan with Image Capture

  1. Open Image Capture from the Applications folder.
  2. In the sidebar, select your scanner under Devices or Shared.
  3. Choose your scan settings and click Scan.

If your scanner has an automatic document feeder, Image Capture can scan several pages into one file. For resolution and file types, see scanner resolution and file formats.

Check that it worked

  1. Open a document and choose File then Print.
  2. Pick your printer from the Printer menu and click Print.
  3. Check that the page comes out. If it does not, open the queue by selecting the printer in System Settings.

If something goes wrong

  • Printer says offline or paused: see printer offline.
  • Scanner missing in Image Capture: Apple says to check the manufacturer's website to see whether software for your model is available. See also scanner not detected.
  • To start fresh, Control-click the printer in the list, choose Remove Printer, confirm, then add it again.
  • Make sure both devices use the same Wi-Fi network. Guest networks and some extenders keep devices apart.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install the printer maker's app?

Not if the printer supports AirPrint. For features such as ink-level checks or special scan modes, the maker's app may help. Download it only from the maker's website.

Can I print from my iPhone too?

An AirPrint printer on the same Wi-Fi network works with an iPhone or iPad. See print from your phone or tablet.

Why did my printer vanish after I changed my router?

The printer may have lost its Wi-Fi connection or joined a different network. Reconnect the printer to the network, then remove and re-add it on the Mac.

How long should I wait for the printer to appear?

Apple says a minute or two. If nothing appears after that, check the Wi-Fi or cable, then try the IP method.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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