Add a printer to your Mac

There are really two ways to add a printer to your Mac. Nearly always, the simplest one works: let your Mac find the printer on its own — no extra software, no account. The second way is the printer maker's own app (HP, Epson, Brother), which you only need when you want extra features like scanning or ink levels. We'll start with the easy way.

The easy way — let your Mac find it

Most printers made in the last several years support AirPrint, Apple's built-in printing. That means your Mac can add them with nothing to download.

1. Open Printers & Scanners

   Click the Apple menu › System Settings, then choose Printers & Scanners in the sidebar.

2. Click "Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax…"

   You'll see it under the list of any printers you already have.

3. Pick your printer from the list

   Wait a moment for it to appear in the Default tab, then click its name. Leave the Use box on whatever your Mac suggests (usually AirPrint or Secure AirPrint).

4. Click Add

   Your Mac sets it up in a few seconds. Print a test page from any app to be sure.

Connecting with a USB cable

Prefer a direct connection? Plug the printer into your Mac with its USB cable and turn it on. In most cases your Mac adds it automatically. If it doesn't, open Printers & Scanners and use Add Printer… exactly as above — the printer appears in the Default list. If macOS offers to download software for it, let it.

If your Mac can't find it: add by IP address

Some office and older network printers don't broadcast themselves. You can still add one if you know its IP address (you'll find it on the printer's own screen, on a printed network/config page, or from whoever manages the network).

1. Open Add Printer, then the IP tab

   In Printers & Scanners click Add Printer…, then click the IP button (the globe icon) at the top.

2. Type the IP address

   Enter the number, e.g. 192.168.1.50. For Protocol, leave it on AirPrint if offered; otherwise Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) is the safe choice.

3. Name it and add

   Give it a name you'll recognize, pick the matching driver under Use if asked, and click Add.

When you want scanning & extras — the maker's app

Built-in printing covers, well, printing. To scan, check ink levels, or update the printer's firmware, you'll usually want the manufacturer's own software. Here's where each of the big three sends you:

Printer won't show up? Quick checks

• Confirm the Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network — a guest network will hide it.
• Turn the printer fully off and on, and restart your Mac if it's been a while.
• Move the printer closer to the router, or check it actually joined your Wi-Fi on its own screen.
• Install any printer firmware update — older printers sometimes need one before AirPrint works.

Rather not fuss with it?