Adding a printer on your Mac or MacBook usually takes a few clicks: most modern printers work over Wi-Fi with AirPrint, without installing anything. If it does not work, the cause is often the network or an outdated driver. This article explains how to add a printer and what to do when your Mac cannot find the printer or will not print.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. If your MacBook does not recognise other USB devices either, a port may be the cause; more about that at the end.
Adding a Wi-Fi printer
- Turn the printer on and make sure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
- Open System Settings and choose Printers & Scanners.
- Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax.
- Choose your printer in the list and click Add.
If your printer supports AirPrint, that is all. For other printers the Mac looks for the right software itself, or asks to download it.
A printer with a USB cable
Connect the printer with a USB cable (via a USB-C adapter or hub if your MacBook only has USB-C). Usually it appears by itself. If not, add it via Printers & Scanners as above.
Printing
In an app choose File, Print, or press Command + P. Choose your printer, the number of copies and other options. If you want a PDF instead of paper, click PDF at the bottom left and choose Save as PDF.
The Mac cannot find the printer
- Check that printer and Mac are on the same network, and neither is on the guest network.
- Turn the printer off and on, and restart your router.
- Add the printer by IP address: in the add-printer window click the tab with the globe (IP) and type the printer's address (shown in its menu or on a network report from the printer).
- Check the maker's site for software or an update for macOS.
The printer does not print or hangs
- Open the print queue (double-click the printer icon in the Dock) and delete stuck jobs.
- Check paper, ink and error messages on the printer itself.
- Remove the printer in Printers & Scanners (select it and click minus) and add it again.
- If it still does not work, right-click in the printer list and choose the option to reset the printing system. Then add your printers again.
Printing from your iPhone or iPad
An AirPrint printer also works directly with your iPhone and iPad. Tap the share icon in an app and choose Print. That way you do not have to send a document to your MacBook first.
Scanning
If it is a printer with a scanner, scan via Printers & Scanners (choose the printer and click Scan) or with the Image Capture app. You can also scan with your iPhone in the Notes or Files app.
Old printer and new macOS
Very old printers are sometimes no longer supported after a macOS update, because the maker releases no new software. Check the maker's site, or use the printer from another device. A new AirPrint printer is then often the simplest solution. Also see updating your MacBook.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We do not repair printers, but if your MacBook's USB ports, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth do not work properly, we test and repair that. More on our pages about MacBook port repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
What is AirPrint?
An Apple technology that lets you print from Mac, iPhone and iPad without extra software.
Can I print from my MacBook without Wi-Fi?
Yes, with a USB cable.
How do I set a default printer?
In Printers & Scanners, under Default printer.
