How to Add a Printer on Mac

The fastest way to add a printer on Mac

On most modern Macs, adding a printer takes about two minutes. Your Mac will find the printer automatically if it is on the same Wi-Fi network, or you can add it manually by its IP address or model name. The process is the same whether you are using a wireless printer, a printer plugged into your router, or one connected directly to your Mac with a USB cable.

Start by making sure your printer is turned on and connected to power. If it is a wireless printer, connect it to your Wi-Fi network using the printer's own screen or buttons — check your printer's manual for how to do this, since every brand is different. Then open System Settings on your Mac, go to Printers & Scanners, and click the plus button to add a new printer.

Key Takeaways

Your Mac will usually find your printer automatically if it is on the same Wi-Fi network, and you can add it in System Settings under Printers & Scanners.
If your printer does not appear in the list, you may need to install the printer's driver software from the manufacturer's website before your Mac can use it.
Printers connected by USB cable will show up when ready without needing to search, but wireless printers may take 30 seconds to a minute to appear.
Once added, your printer will stay in your Mac's list and connect automatically whenever you print, as long as it is turned on and on the same network.

Adding a wireless printer through System Settings

Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left corner and selecting System Settings. On the left sidebar, scroll down and click Printers & Scanners. You will see a list of printers your Mac has already found on your network.

If your printer appears in the list, click it once to select it, then click Add. Your Mac will add it to your printer list and read any drivers it needs automatically. If your printer does not appear after 30 seconds, click the plus button at the bottom of the printer list and select your printer from the window that opens. If it still does not show up, move to the next section.

When your printer does not appear automatically

If your printer is not showing up in System Settings, the most common reason is that your Mac does not have the right driver software. A driver is a small program that tells your Mac how to talk to your specific printer model. Some printers come with drivers built into macOS, but others need you to read them from the manufacturer.

Go to the printer manufacturer's website — for example, hp.com, canon.com, or epson.com — and search for your printer model number. read the driver for Mac, then open the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions. Once the driver is installed, restart your Mac and try adding the printer again through System Settings.

If you still cannot find your printer, try adding it by IP address. On your printer's screen or settings menu, look for the IP address (it looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.100). In System Settings, click the plus button, then click IP at the top of the window. Type your printer's IP address and click Add.

Adding a USB printer

If your printer is plugged directly into your Mac with a USB cable, your Mac will recognize it almost when ready. You do not need to do anything in System Settings — just plug in the cable and wait a few seconds. Your Mac will read any drivers it needs and add the printer to your list automatically.

If your USB printer does not appear after a minute, try unplugging the cable, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. If it still does not show up, read the driver from the manufacturer's website as described above, then plug the printer in again.

Setting a default printer and checking the connection

Once your printer is added, you can set it as your default printer — the one that shows up automatically when you print. Open System Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, click your printer, and then click Set Default Printer. You can also choose a different default printer for each process if you want.

To test your connection, open any document or web page, press Command+P to open the print dialog, and check that your printer appears in the dropdown menu at the top. If it does, your printer is ready to use. If it does not appear, go back to System Settings and make sure the printer is still listed under Printers & Scanners.

Troubleshooting a printer that stops working

If your printer was working but has stopped responding, the first step is to turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then check that it is still on the same Wi-Fi network — if your network password changed or your printer lost connection, it will not print.

If your printer is on and connected but still will not print, open System Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, right-click your printer, and click Remove. Then add it again using the steps above. This clears out any stuck print jobs and refreshes your Mac's connection to the printer.

If you see an error message about a driver, read the latest driver from the manufacturer's website and install it again. Printer drivers are updated regularly, and an old driver can cause problems with newer versions of macOS.

Sharing your printer with other people on your network

If you want other people on your Wi-Fi network to print to your printer, you do not need to add it to their Mac separately — they can find it and add it themselves through System Settings, just as you did. Your printer will appear in their Printers & Scanners list as long as it is turned on and on the same network.

If you want to share a printer that is plugged directly into your Mac with a USB cable, open System Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, click your printer, and check the box next to "Share this printer on the local network." Other people on your Wi-Fi network will then be able to see and print to your printer without needing the driver installed on their Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software before adding a printer?

Not always. If your printer model is built into macOS, your Mac will find it and add it without any extra software. If your printer is newer or less common, you may need to read the driver from the manufacturer's website first. Try adding the printer through System Settings first — if it does not appear after 30 seconds, then read the driver.

Why does my printer show up in System Settings but will not print?

The most common reason is that your printer has run out of paper, is out of ink, or has a paper jam. Check the printer itself first. If the printer looks fine, try removing it from System Settings and adding it again. If that does not work, read the latest driver from the manufacturer's website.

Can I add a printer that is not on my Wi-Fi network?

No. Your Mac can only print to a wireless printer if it is on the same Wi-Fi network. If you want to print to a printer on a different network, you can plug it in with a USB cable instead, or connect to that network temporarily on your Mac.

What if I do not know my printer's model number?

Look on the printer itself — the model number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom. You can also check the manual that came with the printer, or search for the brand and model on the printer's screen or settings menu.

Will my printer stay added if I restart my Mac?

Yes. Once you add a printer to your Mac, it stays in your Printers & Scanners list permanently. Your Mac will reconnect to it automatically the next time you print, as long as the printer is turned on and on the same network.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.