How to Add a Printer to Apple macOS

Adding a printer to your Mac is a straightforward process, but it can vary slightly depending on the version of macOS you’re using. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you add a printer to your Mac, applicable to most recent macOS versions, including macOS Ventura and macOS Sonoma.

⚠ Prepare Your Printer :
Before starting, ensure your printer is:
Turned On: Make sure it’s powered up and ready to connect.
Connected to Your Network: For network printers, ensure they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. For wired printers, ensure they are connected via USB.

Add a USB/Wireless Printer to Apple MacOS

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  1. Open System Preferences / System Settings:
    Depending on your macOS version, follow these steps:

    • macOS Ventura or Earlier:
      • Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
      • Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
    • macOS Sonoma or Later:
      • Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
      • Choose System Settings from the menu. printers and scanners
  2. Access Printers & Scanners:
    • macOS Ventura or Earlier:
      • In System Preferences, click on Printers & Scanners .
    • macOS Sonoma or Later:
      • In System Settings, scroll down or search for Printers & Scanners .
      • Click on Printers & Scanners to open the printer management interface.
  3. Add a Printer:
    • In the Printers & Scanners window, look for a list of currently installed printers.
    • Click the Add (+) button to start the process of adding a new printer.
    • Your Mac will search for available printers. This includes printers connected via USB and those on your network.
    • Once your printer appears in the list, select it. If you don’t see your printer, ensure it is turned on and connected correctly, then click Refresh or wait a moment for it to appear.
    • Click Add to proceed. macOS will install the necessary drivers and add the printer to your list.
      add printer macos
  4. Install Printer Drivers :
    • Automatic Installation: macOS usually installs the necessary drivers automatically.
    • Manual Installation: If macOS cannot find the drivers, you may need to download and install them from the printer manufacturer’s website.
  5. Configure Printer Settings:
    • Once added, you can configure the printer’s settings. Click on the printer’s name in the list to access Options & Supplies.
    • Adjust settings such as paper size, print quality, and other preferences according to your need
      options and supplies
  6. Print a Test Page:
    • Open any document or image you’d like to print.
    • Go to the File menu and select Print.
    • Choose your newly added printer from the list of available printers.
    • Click Print to ensure the printer is functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Tips

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If you encounter issues:

  • Check Connections: Ensure the printer is properly connected to your Mac or network.
  • Restart Devices: Sometimes a simple restart of both your Mac and printer can resolve issues.
  • Update macOS: Ensure your macOS is up-to-date by going to System Preferences/Settings > Software Update.
  • Check Manufacturer Support: For specific issues, consult the printer manufacturer’s support resources.
  • For more options on how to install a new printer on Apple Mac devices, whether it is a MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac mini, you can always check the Apple Website.