If you’re using a Mac computer, connecting the right printer may seem confusing at first, but it’s pretty straightforward. You can add or remove printers on your Mac whether you’re connecting from home or at the office.

How to Add Printers on macOS

To use a printer with your Mac computer, set it up from the Printers & Scanners preferences. By default, macOS uses AirPrint, an Apple technology that helps you print full-quality output from your Mac, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, without downloading or installing drivers. Most popular printer models have AirPrint built into them, and its features include automatic media selection, easy discovery, and enterprise-class finishing options. This means if your printer is AirPrint-enabled, you can print over Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a USB connection.

If it isn’t AirPrint-enabled, macOS can download the latest software in most cases, as it’ll prompt you to download it when necessary. This way you don’t have to install the printer software from the manufacturer’s website. There are several ways to add printers to your Mac computer including:

Via USB to your Mac Via Wi-Fi or network Using IP address Using Bluetooth Connecting to an AirPort Time Capsule or base station

USB printer to Mac

If you have a USB printer, you only need  to update the software and connect the printer to your Mac. macOS will detect it automatically and download the required software if necessary. However, for other printers, take the steps below to add the printer to your Mac:

  1. Go to the Apple menu.
  2. Select App Store.
  3. Click Updates and install the listed software updates. If there aren’t any updates, then your macOS has the latest information on the printer’s software. Note: skipping this step may bring up a warning message that says the software is unavailable when you connect your printer.
  4. Check the instructions that came with your printer to unpack the printer, install toner or ink cartridges, and add printing paper.
  5. Turn it on to ensure there are no errors displayed.
  6. Connect the USB cable from your printer to the Mac computer. A message will pop up prompting you to download new software.
  7. Download and install the software. Note: a multi-port adapter will be necessary if your Mac has a single USB-C port. Connect your printer and then connect the USB-C cable to the power supply so your Mac has longer battery life.

Wi-Fi or network printer to Mac

If you have one Wi-Fi network connecting your printer and Mac computer, you can add the printer by following the below steps:

  1. Click File.

  2. Select Print.

  3. Click on your printer from the pop-up menu.

  4. Select Nearby Printers or Printer & Scanner preferences.

  5. Select your printer (or add it if its unavailable). Note: For a Wi-Fi printer, connect it to your Mac with a USB cable before printing to set it up for Wi-Fi printing. Once connected, install the Mac software it came with and use the printer setup assistant to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Disconnect the cable from both the printer and Mac after setting up. To add your printer to the list of available printers, follow the below steps:

  6. Go to the Apple menu.

  7. Click System Preferences.

  8. Select Printers & Scanners. If it doesn’t list your printer on the left, click the Add (+) button at the bottom of the list.

  9. A dialog will appear that lists all printers on your local network. Wait for about two minutes for your printer to appear.

  10. Select your printer from the list and click Add. If you’re prompted to download new software, download and install it. Note: If you get a dialog asking you to specify your printer’s special accessories, it means the macOS hasn’t detected them. These include things like extra memory, paper trays, or a duplex unit, which ordinarily it is able to detect. Check the settings in the dialog to ensure they reflect the accessories installed in your printer so you can fully utilize them.

Using IP address

If you can’t add your printer from your network, you can add it as an IP printer using its IP address. However, it has to support printing protocols such as AirPrint, Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), Line Printer Daemon (LPD), or HP Jetdirect (Socket). Some printers may offer limited functionality when connected using these protocols. It is important to know the IP address or host name of your network printer, the printing protocol, and printer software name or model number. Know the queue name of your printer if it uses a special queue. To add your printer using IP address, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Apple menu.
  2. Select System Preferences.
  3. Click Printers & Scanners.
  4. Click Add (+) from the printer list.
  5. Select IP
  6. Enter the printer information such as IP address, protocol, queue, and descriptive name for your printer, the printer’s location for identification, and the Use.

Using Bluetooth

If you’re using a USB Bluetooth adapter, or your Mac has Bluetooth installed, you can print wirelessly to a printer that’s Bluetooth-enabled. To add the Bluetooth printer to your list, do the following:

  1. Pair your printer with your Mac by choosing “Apple menu -> System Preferences -> click Bluetooth.”
  2. Pick the device from the list and click “Pair.”
  3. Click Accept if prompted on the device.
  4. Add the printer by choosing “Apple menu -> System Preferences -> click Printers & Scanners.”
  5. Click Add (+).
  6. Click Default.
  7. Choose the printer from the Printers list.
  8. Click Add. Note: if it’s not on the list, type the name of the printer in the search field and press Return. If it still doesn’t appear, install the latest Bluetooth driver from your device manufacturer’s site. Once the printer is connected, you’ll be prompted to download new software. Download and install it.

Remove a printer from Mac

You can delete a printer (or printers) from your list of printers if you no longer use it. Follow these steps:

  1. Choose the Apple menu.
  2. Click System Preferences.
  3. Click Printers & Scanners.
  4. Select the printer from the list.
  5. Click Remove (-). If prompted to confirm, select Delete Printer. If the printer you removed was set as the default printer, macOS will select another printer to replace it as the default. You can always set a different printer as default from the pop-up menu in Printers & Scanners preferences. Were you able to add or remove a printer from your Mac using one of these methods? Share with us below.