How to Connect Printer to Macbook: 5 ways

Posted By Volodymyr Chubei | 23 Aug 2024

Sometimes you can encounter difficulties when connecting a printer to your MacBook, for example, when the device is not detected and cannot be added to the list of active printers. In this article, we'll look at possible ways and will explain how to connect a printer to your MacBook, why the laptop doesn't find the printer and how you can solve this problem yourself.

5 ways to connect printer to MacBook

Anyone can connect a printer to a Mac, regardless of experience or knowledge. To do this, strictly follow our instructions below.

1. Connecting via Wi-Fi

You can connect a wireless printer via Wi-Fi. Usually this can be done by pressing two buttons: Wi-Fi on the printer and WPS on the router. However, in some cases this may not be sufficient.

Make sure you connect your devices to the same Wi-Fi network, and then follow this algorithm:

Open "System Preferences", click on the Printers & Scanners tab.
Press "+" to add a printer.
If you see AirPrint next to the "Use" button, just click on "Add".
If there is no such option, first select the printer and then click on the "Add" button.
Wait for the drivers to load, that should start automatically.

2. Using NetSpot

NetSpot is another way to consider how to set up a printer on a Mac and a useful tool for wireless printer owners and those who face Wi-Fi connection problems or slow printing. NetSpot is a Wi-Fi network scanning program that helps you detect points in the room where the signal is the weakest.

With this application, you can run Internet speed tests and get recommendations on the optimal location of your printer or other devices. The tool optimizes your work and helps you arrange your home workspace with a stable and reliable wireless Internet connection.

How to get started using NetSpot:

Go to the official NetSpot website (https://www.netspotapp.com/), download, install and run the application.
If necessary, allow access to Wi-Fi networks on your MacBook.
Select the main or quick overview option and wait for the scanning process to complete.
As a result, you will see a graphical overview of the Wi-Fi network on the screen.
Study the map to find weak spots, check out NetSpot's recommendations for improving your network (moving your router or adding more access points).
If your goal is to optimize your printer performance, find the best location on the map where the Wi-Fi signal is the most stable and strongest.

3. Pairing via USB cable

Connecting the printer via USB is as easy as possible. Usually, your MacBook will automatically recognize it and all you have to do is follow the on-screen instructions. In case you encounter problems, there are ways to solve them that we will discuss below in the article.

4. Using Bluetooth

To connect a printer via Bluetooth, you must first add it to the list of active devices:

Check if you have the latest version of macOS installed on your laptop, if not, update it.
Turn on the printer, open "System Preferences" and go to Printers & Scanners.
Press "+", select the device from the list and click on the "Add" button.

Also: MacBook Bluetooth Not Working: 8 Tips How to Fix

5. Adding via IP address

This method to add a new printer to Mac is used more often if the printer does not appear in the list of available printers. You will need the IP address (or host name), printing protocol and printer type. You can find all of this information in the Helpdesk or user documentation.

Next, follow the below procedure:

Turn on the printer, go to System Preferences and open Printers & Scanners.
Press "+", click the IP tab and enter the IP address/hostname.
Select the protocol (AirPrint, IPP, LPD, etc.), enter the printer name and location (found in the pop-up menu).
Under "Use", download drivers if there is no "Select printer software" option.
Finally, click "Add" to connect the printer.

Why Macbook can't find printer

Problems Mac won't connect to printer can be caused by several reasons:

For some printers drivers to work properly with macOS are needed and therefore they require additional installation;
The printer is not properly connected to your MacBook, for example when you use a wrong or damaged cable;
When connecting via Wi-Fi, the printer is not on the same network as your MacBook;
The network printer is not turned on, is not properly configured or there is no access to the network;
The operating system has not been updated to the latest version, causing device compatibility issues;
Security or firewall settings block access;
Printer hardware or software problems.

How to get a Mac to recognize a printer

Below in this article we provide a step-by-step guide on how to solve the problem of connecting your printer to your MacBook.

1. Install the drivers

Some devices will not work with the drivers pre-installed in the operating system. In this case, you need to install them from the manufacturer's official website. Often drivers are supplied with the printer, but may require updates later. You can also check the current version on the device manufacturer's website.

2. Update macOS

If you do not update your operating system to the latest version, it can cause device incompatibility. Often a simple update will solve this problem.

To update macOS on your MacBook:

Make a backup of your important data if you don't have one. You can use Time Machine or another convenient backup method to do this.
Check if there is enough free space on your hard disk to download and install the update.
Click the App Store icon in the Dock or find it via Spotlight (Command+Space, enter App Store).
Click on the "Updates" tab at the top of the window.
If a new macOS update is available, click on "Update" next to its name.
Once downloaded, macOS Installer will automatically launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Wait for an automatic reboot. If necessary, enter your administrator account login information during installation or after your MacBook restarts.

3. Check the Wi-Fi connection

When pairing devices, it is important that they are both connected to the same network. Disconnect the printer and notebook from Wi-Fi and reconnect (make sure you have selected the same network).

Also: MacBook Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: 11 Ways to Fix It

4. Configure the security settings

To add the printer to security and firewall exceptions on your MacBook:

Click on the Programs icon or use Spotlight (Command+Space) to go to System Preferences.
Select "Security and Privacy."
Click on the "Firewall" tab and click on "Manage Firewall Settings".
Find the list of allowed programs and make sure the printer and its driver are on the list. If not, click on the "+" button and add them.
Click the Malware Protection tab.
Check the list of programs and make sure that the printer or its driver is also added to the list of allowed applications.

5. Check cable integrity and settings

Examine the cable to make sure it fits, is securely connected, and is not damaged. You can try connecting the printer using another one to eliminate the cause of the malfunction. If there is nothing wrong with the cable, follow the steps below:

Connect the printer to your computer and network. If it is ready for use, the display should normally show basic status parameters (e.g. ready to print).
On your MacBook, open System Preferences and select Printers & Scanners.
In the list, the printer should be displayed on the left side of the window. If it is not there, it may not be connected properly or may need to be set up.
Click on the "+" under the list of available printers and select the needed device from the list. You can also select "Add Printer or Scanner" to find active devices on the network.
Try printing a test page to check the printer's performance, speed and print quality. To do this, select the device in the list and click the Print button in the application you use to work with printers.

Also: How to use System Settings (Preferences) on a MacBook

If the problem is related to mechanical damage to the printer or hardware problems, it is better to entrust the diagnosis and repair to experts. To solve problems of this kind, you need specific knowledge, understanding of the algorithms of the device and, often, specialized tools and equipment.

On the Techtoro website, you can always buy parts for various MacBook models. The product range of the store consists of guaranteed original components and parts from Apple, without fakes and cheap analogs. In addition to the range and quality you will be pleasantly surprised by affordable prices, convenient payment methods and fast delivery.

If you're not sure you can replace a part yourself, order a repair or upgrade from Techtoro by mail. Trust your MacBook to experts and be sure of the quality and service reliability. Simply send your computer to us by mail, pay the repair bill and get your Mac back within 1-2 business days.

Genuine Apple MacBook Pro 15 2017 (Intel Core i7 2.8Ghz, 16GB, 512GB, RADEON PRO 555)

FAQ

1. Why can't I add a printer to my Mac?

Problems may be caused by improper physical connection, lack of required drivers or improper network settings for the printer. You may also need to update your operating system to support new devices.

2. How do I set up a printer code on a Mac?

To do this, it is usually sufficient to enter the printer settings via System Settings. Next, select the desired device and then set or change the access code in the security section.

3. How to connect a wireless printer to a Mac?

To connect a wireless printer, first make sure it is within Wi-Fi range. Next, open System Preferences, select Printers & Scanners, click on "+", click on the desired printer in the list and click on "Add".

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Volodymyr Chubei
Computer Repair Specialist at TechToro.io

Volodymyr was born in Ukraine and has found his passion for electronics from his childhood. At the age of 13, he was capable of soldering some basic elements of a logic board and today he is one of the co-founders of TechToro.io