Manual network setup
How to add a printer by IP address
Use manual IP setup only after confirming the printer is online and recording its current address, supported print protocol, exact model, and any required queue name.
What you need
- The printer's current IP address or hostname
- The printing protocol supported by the exact model
- The model or correct printer software name
- Administrator or network-owner permission
Connect the printer
- 1
Try normal discovery first
Confirm the printer is on the same network and allow the computer's normal Add printer search to finish. Manual IP setup should solve a discovery problem, not an offline printer or incorrect network connection.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 2
Record verified network details
Obtain the printer's current IP address or hostname from its control panel, network report, router, or administrator. Also confirm the supported protocol and model; do not guess an address from another device.
Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - 3
Open the manual-add path
In Windows, open Printers & scanners, choose Add device, wait for discovery, then choose the manual-add option when the printer is not listed. On Mac, open Printers & Scanners, choose Add Printer, Scanner or Fax, then use the IP view.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 4
Enter only the confirmed details
Enter the verified address or hostname and select the protocol documented for the printer. On managed networks, obtain any queue name and printer software choice from the administrator.
Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - 5
Verify capabilities before keeping it
Complete the add flow and print one page. Generic protocols can expose fewer printer features, so confirm duplex, color, finishing, or scanning separately before removing the automatically discovered entry.
Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac
How to confirm it worked
The manually added printer remains reachable at the verified address and completes a one-page test with the required features available.
If it did not work
Choose the symptom that best matches what happened. These links lead to the existing diagnostic pages rather than repeating generic setup steps.
Documented from official support guidance. Last verified 2026-08-14.
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