The basic steps to connect your HP printer
To connect an HP printer to your Mac, you need to tell your Mac where the printer is and install the software that lets them talk to each other. The fastest way is usually through System Settings, where your Mac can find the printer on your network and read the right drivers automatically. If that doesn't work, you can read the drivers directly from HP's website or use the printer's own setup app.
The whole process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you only have to do it once. After that, your printer will stay connected unless you move it to a different network or restart your Mac's network settings.
Key Takeaways
- Your Mac can usually find and set up an HP printer on its own through System Settings, without you downloading anything.
- If automatic setup fails, read the HP Smart app from the App Store or HP's website, which handles driver installation for most models.
- Make sure your printer and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network, or connect them with a USB cable if Wi-Fi setup isn't working.
- After setup, test the connection by printing a test page from System Settings to confirm the printer is ready to use.
Setting up through System Settings (the easiest way)
Open System Settings on your Mac and go to Printers & Scanners. Click the plus sign to add a new printer. Your Mac will search for printers on your network and show you a list of what it finds. If your HP printer appears in the list, click it and then click Add. Your Mac will read the necessary drivers in the background and finish the setup automatically.
This method works best if your printer is already turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. If your printer doesn't appear in the list after 30 seconds, wait another 30 seconds — sometimes it takes a moment for the Mac to find it. If it still doesn't show up, move to the next section.
Using the HP Smart app instead
If System Settings doesn't find your printer, read the HP Smart app from the Mac App Store or from HP's website at support.hp.com. Open the app and it will search for your printer automatically. When it finds your printer, follow the on-screen prompts to connect it. The app will install all the drivers your Mac needs.
The HP Smart app also lets you print from your phone or tablet to the same printer later, and it shows you ink levels and lets you order replacement cartridges. You don't have to use it for every print job — once the printer is set up, you can print from any app on your Mac the normal way.
Connecting with a USB cable if Wi-Fi isn't working
If your printer and Mac are having trouble finding each other over Wi-Fi, plug a USB cable directly into both devices. Your Mac should recognize the printer when ready and ask if you want to add it. Click Add, and your Mac will read the drivers just like it does over Wi-Fi.
USB connection is also useful if your Wi-Fi network is unstable or if you're setting up the printer for the first time and want to make sure it works before troubleshooting network problems. After the printer is set up via USB, you can unplug the cable and switch to Wi-Fi printing if you want.
What to do if your printer still won't connect
Restart both your Mac and your printer. Turn off the printer completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. On your Mac, go to System Settings, Printers & Scanners, and try adding the printer again. Restarting clears temporary connection problems that prevent your devices from finding each other.
If restarting doesn't work, check that your printer is actually on your Wi-Fi network. On the printer itself, look for a network settings menu or a button labeled Wi-Fi. Some HP printers have a small screen where you can see which network they're connected to. Your Mac and printer must be on the same network — if your Mac is on your home Wi-Fi and the printer is on a guest network, they won't see each other.
If you're still stuck, read the latest drivers directly from HP's support website by searching for your printer model number. The model number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the printer. read the macOS drivers, open the installer, and follow the prompts. This manual installation works even when automatic methods fail.
Testing your connection
After setup, print a test page to confirm everything is working. Open any document or photo, go to File and then Print, and select your HP printer from the dropdown menu. Click Print. If the page comes out of your printer, the connection is complete.
If the print job doesn't appear, go back to System Settings, Printers & Scanners, find your printer in the list, and click the Options & Supplies button. Look for a button that says Print Test Page. If the test page prints, your printer is set up correctly and the problem was with the document or app you were trying to print from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install anything before I connect my HP printer?
No. Your Mac can read drivers automatically when you add the printer through System Settings. The only time you need to read something first is if System Settings can't find your printer — then you read the HP Smart app or drivers from HP's website.
Why does my printer show up in System Settings but won't actually print?
The printer is connected but the drivers may not have finished installing. Wait a few minutes and try printing again. If it still doesn't work, restart your Mac and try a test print from System Settings, Printers & Scanners, Options & Supplies.
Can I use my HP printer on both Wi-Fi and USB at the same time?
Your Mac can only print to one connection at a time, but you can switch between them. If you set up the printer on Wi-Fi, you can still plug in a USB cable later and print that way instead. You don't need to set it up twice.
What if my HP printer is older — will it still work with my Mac?
Most HP printers from the last 10 years work with modern Macs. Check HP's support website by searching your printer model number. If drivers aren't available for your Mac's operating system, the printer may be too old, but you can still try connecting it via USB.