How to Set Up a New Printer on Mac

Mac makes printer setup easier than Windows. Most printers work with AirPrint, which needs no driver. Here's the full process.

Step 1: Unpack and prep the printer

1. Remove all tape and packing material (check the cartridge area)
2. Install ink or toner
3. Load paper
4. Plug in, turn on
5. Pick language

Step 2: Get the printer on Wi-Fi first

If you're using Wi-Fi, set up Wi-Fi on the printer before adding to Mac.

Easy way: manufacturer's app

1. Install on your iPhone:
   • HP Smart
   • Canon PRINT
   • Epson Smart Panel
   • Brother Mobile Connect
2. Phone must be on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
3. App walks you through getting the printer connected

Alternative: WPS or printer's own setup

Use the printer's touchscreen to enter Wi-Fi name and password. Or press WPS button on router after starting WPS mode on the printer.

Step 3: Add the printer in Mac

1. Apple menu > System Settings
2. Click Printers & Scanners in sidebar
3. Click the + Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button
4. Mac scans your Wi-Fi for printers (takes a few seconds)
5. Your printer appears in the list. Select it
6. "Use" dropdown at the bottom usually says "AirPrint" or your printer model. Leave it as is
7. Click Add
8. Mac downloads any needed drivers

Step 4: Test it

1. Open any document (TextEdit, Pages, Safari)
2. File > Print (Cmd + P)
3. Your printer is in the dropdown
4. Click Print

For USB printers

Even easier. Just plug the USB cable into your Mac. Mac auto-detects and adds the printer. If not, System Settings > Printers & Scanners > + (Add Printer).

AirPrint vs traditional drivers

Most printers made after 2013 support AirPrint, which means:

• No drivers needed
• Works on every Mac, iPhone, iPad on the network
• Includes basic printing features

If you need advanced features (specific print quality settings, custom paper sizes), you may want the manufacturer's full driver. Download from their website.

If Mac doesn't find the printer

1. Verify printer is actually on Wi-Fi (print a network config page from printer menu, look for an IP address)
2. Mac and printer on same Wi-Fi network (and same band: 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz)
3. Restart Mac's Wi-Fi: turn it off and back on
4. Restart printer (off, count to 30, back on)
5. Restart Mac
6. If router has AP isolation enabled, disable it (in router settings)

Add by IP address (advanced)

1. Get printer's IP from its network config page
2. System Settings > Printers & Scanners > + Add Printer
3. Click the IP icon at the top of the Add window
4. Enter the IP address
5. Protocol: usually leave as default (AirPrint or IPP)
6. Click Add

Set as default printer

System Settings > Printers & Scanners > "Default printer" dropdown > pick your printer.

Scan from your Mac

For all-in-one printers:

1. Load document on the scanner glass
2. System Settings > Printers & Scanners > click your printer
3. Click Scanner tab > Open Scanner
4. Adjust settings, click Scan

Or use the Preview app: File > Import from Scanner.

Driver not found?

If macOS can't find a driver:

1. Visit the manufacturer's website
2. Search your printer model
3. Download the macOS driver
4. Install (.dmg or .pkg file)
5. Retry adding the printer

Newer Mac (Apple Silicon) and older printers

Some very old printer drivers don't work on Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3). If the manufacturer hasn't released an updated driver:

• Try AirPrint (works on most printers without a driver)
• Add the printer manually as a Generic PostScript printer
• Consider replacing the printer (newer ones run $80-150 for a basic Wi-Fi all-in-one)