How to add a printer on macOS
- Confirm the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac
- Know the printer's model number (printed on a label on the front or top)
- If connecting via USB, plug in the cable first — macOS may auto-detect it immediately
- Check your macOS version: Apple menu → About This Mac (the steps below apply to macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia)
Method 1 — Auto-discovery (AirPrint)
Most modern printers support AirPrint. macOS discovers them automatically via Bonjour (Apple's zero-config networking). No driver needed.
- Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners
- Click the + button at the bottom of the printer list
- In the Default tab, wait for your printer to appear — this may take 10–20 seconds
- Click your printer → the "Use" field should say AirPrint or your printer's model name
- Click Add — the printer is now installed
- Right-click the printer → Print Test Page to verify
Method 2 — Add by IP address
If the printer doesn't appear in auto-discovery (common with older printers or certain network configurations), add it using its IP address.
- Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer's control panel to find its current IP address
- System Settings → Printers & Scanners → click + → select the IP tab
- Enter the printer's IP address in the Address field
- Protocol: select HP Jetdirect – Socket (works for most printers, not just HP) or IPP for AirPrint-compatible printers
- The "Use" field should auto-populate. If not, select Generic PostScript Printer or click "Select Software" to find your model
- Click Add and print a test page
Method 3 — USB (direct connection)
Connect the USB cable from the printer to your Mac. macOS should detect and install the printer within 15 seconds. If it doesn't appear in System Settings → Printers & Scanners, try a different USB port or cable. Some newer Macs only have USB-C — you'll need a USB-A to USB-C adapter or a USB-C cable if the printer supports it.
AirPrint vs. manufacturer driver — when to switch
AirPrint is the default and works for most printing. Switch to the manufacturer's full driver when:
- You need to scan from the printer (AirPrint scanning is limited)
- You need to select specific paper trays or paper types
- Colors are wrong or print quality is poor — the OEM driver has better color profiles
- Duplex printing doesn't work even though the printer supports it
- You need ink level monitoring from the Mac (AirPrint doesn't always report levels)
Download the driver from: HP · Canon · Epson · Brother. After installing, remove the AirPrint printer entry and re-add — select the OEM driver in the "Use" dropdown.
Common macOS printer problems
- Printer not found in discovery — the Mac and printer may be on different Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz vs 5GHz). Try the IP method instead
- Printer added but shows "Offline" — the printer's IP changed. Remove and re-add using the current IP. See our offline guide
- Prints are blank or garbled — AirPrint driver issue. Switch to the manufacturer's driver
- "Reset Printing System" needed — right-click in the printer list area → Reset Printing System. This removes ALL printers and resets CUPS. Re-add printers after
- Printer works from iPhone but not Mac — see our phone vs laptop guide