Prepare your printer: Use the instructions that came with your printer to unpack the printer, install ink or toner, and add paper.
If you have an AirPrint printer, you don’t need to check for software updates. If you don’t do this, you may see a message that software isn’t available when you connect your printer. Even if no updates appear, this ensures that macOS has the latest information about printer software it can download from Apple. On your Mac, update your software (if you don’t have an AirPrint printer): Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Software Update, then install any software updates listed. If your printer isn’t available, you can add it. To check, choose File > Print, click the Printer pop-up menu, choose Nearby Printers or Printers & Scanners preferences, then choose your printer. If your Mac and printer are already connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the printer might be available to you without any setup.
If your printer isn’t AirPrint-enabled, you can make sure it’s compatible with macOS by checking the Apple Support article Printer and scanner drivers for Mac.įor information about using a printer with an iPhone or iPad, see Use AirPrint to print from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If your printer is AirPrint-enabled, it’s compatible with macOS. Don’t install the software that came with the printer or from the manufacturer’s website follow the instructions in one of the tasks below, and macOS prompts you to download the latest software if it’s needed. In most cases, when you add a printer, macOS uses AirPrint to connect to the printer or automatically downloads the printer’s software (also called a printer driver). (If you switched from using a Windows computer to a Mac, using Printers & Scanners preferences is similar to using the Printing control panel in Windows.) To use a printer, you must add it to your list of printers using Printers & Scanners preferences.