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PrintDiag

macOS setup

How to add a printer to a Mac or MacBook

Connect the Mac and printer to the same Wi-Fi network, then open System Settings, Printers & Scanners, select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, and choose the printer.

What you need

  • A powered-on printer with paper and no unresolved error
  • The Mac and wireless printer connected to the same Wi-Fi network
  • The latest macOS updates and manufacturer software when AirPrint is unavailable

Connect the printer

  1. 1

    Prepare the printer

    Install ink or toner, load paper, turn on the printer, and clear any error shown on its control panel. For Wi-Fi setup, connect it to the same local network as the Mac.

    Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac
  2. 2

    Open Printers & Scanners

    Open System Settings on the Mac, select Printers & Scanners in the sidebar, then choose Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.

    Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac
  3. 3

    Select the discovered printer

    Choose the printer from the default list. If macOS offers AirPrint, use it unless the manufacturer requires different software for a feature you need.

    Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac
  4. 4

    Use an IP address only when discovery fails

    If a network printer does not appear, add it from the IP tab only when you know its address and supported protocol. Apple lists AirPrint, HP Jetdirect, LPD, and IPP; generic protocols can provide fewer features.

    Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac
  5. 5

    Connect USB printers directly

    Connect the printer to the Mac with a compatible cable or adapter and turn it on. If macOS prompts for current printer software, follow the prompt or obtain it from the manufacturer’s official site.

    Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac
  6. 6

    Print a test page

    Open a one-page document, choose Print, select the newly added printer, and confirm the job completes. If it remains unavailable, use the offline or AirPrint diagnostic page.

    Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac

How to confirm it worked

The printer appears under Printers & Scanners and completes a one-page print from the Mac without showing paused, unavailable, or offline.

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 2026-08-13.

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