How to Install a Printer on Mac

The fastest way to connect your printer

Most printers connect to a Mac automatically the moment you plug in the USB cable or join the same Wi-Fi network. Open System Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, and your printer should appear in the list within a few seconds. Click it, then click "Add" — that's usually all you need to do. If your printer doesn't show up, the steps below will walk you through finding and installing the right driver.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're using a USB cable or a wireless connection, but both take less than five minutes if your printer is supported by macOS. Older or very specialized printers sometimes need a separate driver read from the manufacturer's website, but most modern printers work without it.

Key Takeaways

Most printers connect automatically on Mac — plug in USB or join Wi-Fi, then add the printer in System Settings under Printers & Scanners.
If your printer doesn't appear, restart both the printer and your Mac, then check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network.
Older printers may need a driver downloaded from the manufacturer's support page, but search for your exact model number first.
Once added, your printer appears in the print dialog of any app — you don't need to install anything else.
If installation fails, check that your printer is powered on, that the cable isn't loose, and that your Mac's software is current.

USB connection: the direct method

Plug the USB cable into your Mac and the printer. Wait about 10 seconds for the Mac to recognize the device. Open System Settings (the gear icon in the dock or the Apple menu), then click "Printers & Scanners" in the sidebar. Your printer should appear in the list on the left.

Click your printer's name, then click the "Add" button. The Mac will read and install the printer software automatically — you'll see a progress bar. Once it finishes, your printer is ready to use. Test it by opening any document, pressing Command+P to open the print dialog, and selecting your printer from the dropdown menu.

If the printer doesn't appear after 30 seconds, unplug the USB cable, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If it still doesn't show up, the printer may need a driver — skip to the "Installing a driver from the manufacturer" section below.

Wi-Fi connection: the wireless method

Make sure your printer is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Most printers have a settings menu on their screen or control panel where you can select your network and enter the password. Check your printer's manual if you're not sure how to do this — the steps vary by brand.

On your Mac, open System Settings and click "Printers & Scanners." Click the plus sign (+) button at the bottom of the printer list. A window will open showing available printers on your network. Find your printer in the list, click it, and then click "Add." The Mac will install the software and you're done.

If your printer doesn't appear in the list, make sure it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac — not a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz). Restart the printer and try again. Some printers have a separate app you can read from the App Store that helps with Wi-Fi setup; search for your printer's brand name to see if one exists.

Installing a driver from the manufacturer

If your printer still doesn't appear after trying both methods, it may need a driver — a piece of software that tells your Mac how to communicate with that specific printer model. This is most common with older printers or specialized models like label printers or large-format printers.

Go to the manufacturer's website (Canon, HP, Epson, Brother, Xerox, etc.) and find their support or downloads page. Search for your exact printer model number — you'll find it on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer. read the macOS driver for your Mac's processor (Apple Silicon if you have an M1, M2, M3, or M4 Mac; Intel if you have an older model). Open the downloaded file and follow the installer's instructions.

After installation finishes, restart your Mac. Then go back to System Settings > Printers & Scanners and add the printer again using the steps above. This time it should appear and install without trouble.

Checking your Mac's processor and software version

Some drivers only work with specific versions of macOS. Before downloading a driver, check what you're running. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then "About This Mac." You'll see your macOS version (Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, etc.) and your processor type (Apple Silicon or Intel).

On the manufacturer's read page, make sure the driver you choose matches both your macOS version and your processor. If the driver is older than your macOS version, it may not work — in that case, contact the manufacturer's support to ask if they have a newer driver, or consider whether a different printer model might be a better choice for your Mac.

Troubleshooting when installation fails

If your printer still won't install after trying all the steps above, start with the basics: make sure the printer is powered on, that any USB cable is plugged in firmly on both ends, and that your Mac is connected to the internet. Restart both the printer and your Mac, then try adding the printer again.

If you're using Wi-Fi, check that your printer is actually connected to your network — most printers have a light or menu option that shows connection status. If it's not connected, go through the Wi-Fi setup process again using your printer's control panel. If your Mac is on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, try connecting to the 2.4 GHz band instead — some older printers don't support 5 GHz.

If the printer appears in System Settings but won't print, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-click your printer, and select "Reset printing system." This clears out any corrupted settings. Then add the printer again from scratch. If none of this works, the printer may be too old for your version of macOS, or there may be a hardware problem with the printer itself.

Using your printer after installation

Once your printer is installed, you don't need to do anything special to use it. Open any document or photo, press Command+P (or go to File > Print), and a print dialog will open. Your printer should appear in the "Printer" dropdown menu at the top. Select it, choose how many copies you want, and click "Print."

If you have multiple printers installed, you can set one as your default by going to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-clicking a printer, and selecting "Set as default printer." This printer will be selected automatically the next time you open the print dialog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software if I use AirPrint?

No. AirPrint is built into macOS and works with most modern printers over Wi-Fi without any driver read. If your printer supports AirPrint, it will appear automatically in System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if your model supports it.

What if my printer is on a different Wi-Fi network than my Mac?

Your printer and Mac must be on the same network to connect wirelessly. If your printer is on a guest network or a different band, move it to your main network using your printer's settings menu. Some printers let you connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz — try the 2.4 GHz band if the printer won't appear on 5 GHz.

Can I print from my iPhone or iPad to a Mac printer?

Yes, if your printer supports AirPrint. Once the printer is installed on your Mac and connected to Wi-Fi, your iPhone and iPad will see it automatically in their print dialogs. You don't need to install anything on the phone or tablet.

Why does my printer appear in System Settings but won't actually print?

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-click your printer, and select "Reset printing system." This clears corrupted settings. Then remove the printer from the list, restart your Mac, and add it again. If it still won't print, restart the printer itself and try a straightforward test print from a basic app like TextEdit.

Is it safe to read drivers from the manufacturer's website?

Yes, as long as you go directly to the official manufacturer's website (Canon.com, HP.com, Epson.com, etc.). Avoid third-party driver websites, which sometimes bundle unwanted software. Always read from the support or downloads section of the official brand website.

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.