Last Updated on November 8, 2022
Got yourself a new printer? Firstly, congratulations! Now, are you unable to connect the printer to the Mac because of technological advancement and settings? The majority of people get into it, so you don’t have to fear it. It’s a common yet the simplest thing to learn.
You would not need any kind of hard and fast background knowledge or new accessories to get done with it. We are here to give you a little yet easiest guide on how to add a printer to Mac in a few straightforward steps. Meanwhile, this guide will discuss
- How to add a printer to Mac?
- How to change printer settings on Mac?
- How to connect MacBook to a printer wirelessly?
And much more! So, why wait? Let’s dive into the pool of information with me.
How to connect a printer to Mac?
Most people are scared to consider setting up a printer. People struggle a lot and cannot find reliable information on how to connect a printer to Mac easily. But if you got to know how to do it, it’s actually quite easy.
We are not going to wait for more, so here is a guide on how you can add a printer to a Mac. Talking about printers and the Mac, things sometimes get complicated. Whereas when we talk about air pods, Mac books, mice etc., you can connect them easily, or sometimes they get connected on their own. Coming back to the topic, there are different types of printers available, so the instructions may vary a little bit. These include:
- Monochrome printers
- All-in-one printers
- Color printers etc.
Moving on, I have four ways to add a printer to Mac depending on different situations and devices. That includes:
- Through IP Address
- Through USB
- Through Bluetooth
- Through WPS
Connecting the printer to Mac through IP address
- Verify that the most recent version of macOS is installed on your computer (System Preferences > Software Update).
- Activate your printer.
- Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
- To add a new printer, you need to click the + sign.
- After selecting the sign, access the IP tab
- Enter the IP address or hostname of your printer and after that, choose a protocol (AirPrint, IPP, LPD, etc.)
- Add the printer’s name here that you are trying on
- Put the location of your printer in the pop-up menu by typing it in.
- If there is a “Select Printer Software” option, download printer drivers underneath “Use.”
- To connect the printer, click Add; this way, you will be done.
Connecting the printer to Mac through a USB
- Firstly, after connecting, click on the Apple button to open the System Preferences window.
- Click to find printers and scanners. If you are unable to locate, see it under Hardware as Print & Scan on earlier Mac models.
- Below you will see the printer’s list. Click the plus sign.
- To add, pick a printer and select Add.
Connecting the printer to Mac through Bluetooth
- The first step is to add it in your printer list.
- Verify that the most recent version of macOS is installed on your computer (System Preferences > Software Update).
- At this point, turn on your printer (if you are unsure how to check the instructions).
- Select Printers & Scanners from System Preferences.
- Choose your printer from the list by clicking the + icon, then click Add.
- Before you have to print something, pair your printer by clicking the Bluetooth icon in the Mac’s Bluetooth Preferences window.
Connecting the printer through WPS
- First thing first, at the top, you will see the apple icon; click that
- In the second step, activate all the System Preferences.
- After that, click the printers and scanners option and click the plus sign.
- Now, it’s time to choose the printer you want to include; choose that
- After choosing, it will direct to the use field and over there, select the printer’s software or driver and click Add.
How to connect MacBook to a printer wirelessly? – 7 Steps Guide
This one is the most requested question that we get. Also, the majority of people get stuck while connecting your printer to Wi-Fi. In another way, pressing just two buttons you can accomplish the task. Depending on your printer and router, it may occasionally take a little extra work. Meanwhile, here’s a quick method:
- To connect to Wi-Fi, press a printer button and then click the WPS button on your router.
- Now, if the first step doesn’t work for you, it’s always wise to go through the owner guide at first.
- In the third step, see that both your Mac and printer are connected to one wireless network.
- Now, like every step, go to the Printers & Scanners and select it from the System Preferences.
- Further, select the + sign to add the printer you are connecting and then from the list, choose the printer.
- Meanwhile, if your printer is AirPrint-capable, simply click Add to connect it.
- Lastly, select the printer, click Add. In another way, download printer drivers from Apple servers if AirPrint isn’t available. The drivers must download it on their own.
Important Points to Note
- As per the expert’s recommendations, we advise purchasing an AirPrint-capable printer if you’re now shopping for a new home printer.
- You’ll save a ton of time throughout the setup process by using AirPrint and avoiding the hassle of manually downloading printer drivers.
- Also, use NetSpot to locate your printer well while using wireless printers.
- You’ll especially value Toothfairy as a convenient connection toggle for Bluetooth printers.
- Most importantly, once you unplug an outdated printer, clean up your Mac’s system by using CleanMyMac X., It will maintain the efficiency and cleanliness of your computer.
Also Visit: Best Sublimation Printer For Heat Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I add a printer to my MacBook air?
The printer might be off, or your Mac might be on a different network right now if it doesn’t show up in the list of available printers, and you can’t add it. Also, if another user had previously shared the printer, the original user might have stopped doing so, or their Mac may be offline.
How do I adjust printer settings?
To alter the default settings on your printer, stick to these steps:
- In the primary search field in your screen’s lower left corner, enter “Devices.”
- Choose “Devices and Printers” in the list of results.
- Select the desired printer by right-clicking.
- Then, choose “Printing Preferences.”
- After making changes, click “OK.”
- Get set, go, and print!
How do you add a printer that isn’t showing up?
- Select the View Devices and Printers option in the Control Panel. Then select, The Add Printer option at the window’s top.
- Select the printer after the wizard has launched.
- Click Next, add a local or network printer, here with manual settings.
My computer won’t recognize my printer; why?
At first, I always say try again after restarting the printer. Remove the printer’s plug from the outlet. To test whether it works this time, plug it in once more. Verify the printer’s setup and connection to your computer’s network.
How do I locate a printer on my Mac network?
In some conditions, you may not need to set up the printer if your Mac and printer are already linked to the same WIFI network. To verify, select File > Print, click the Printer pop-up menu, and choose your printer from the Printers & Scanners settings or Nearby Printers options.
Conclusion
To conclude, I would add and say over again that there is no hard & fast rule in connecting the printer to Mac. One can easily do it with our 7-step guide. Meanwhile, we have talked about 5-6 different methods considering different circumstances. Whether it’s USB, wireless, Bluetooth, etc., we covered you all in the above sections.
For the past five years, I have been working as a printer service supervisor in a printing press that serves customers with tailor-made designs and prints. My job involved dealing with printers five days a week, so I decided to take up printing as a hobby.