Adding a Printer on Mac (Automatic and Manual Process)
Whether you want to print forms for clients or keep track of some critical database, printers do the work for you. Well, adding a printer to your Mac device is not a tough job, as its inbuilt tools are quite efficient.
You can easily configure the printers that are physically connected to your computer, or it is connected through a network. Mac also offers us to connect to printers with its brand new features of connecting to the printer automatically. However, it applies to specific printers only.
In this set of a guide, we’ll discuss on how to add a printer on Mac with both, Automatic and manual process. Let’s go-
How to Automatically Add a Printer on Mac?
You can easily set up most of the local printers which directly connects through USB cable with Mac’s automatic printer install process. Automatic process deals with local printers including printers that support AirPrint or connects to an Apple AirPort router or even an Apple Time Capsule.
Mac has a strong printer support system as it has inbuilt printer driver updates in its software update service. Although Mac supports various models of printers, we suggest you check from the printer’s manufacturer’s website to check if your printer supports Mac. Mostly the current printers are supported by OS X version.
As discussed above, the means of connecting printer to Mac can be through a USB cable, Apple Time capsule or via AirPort router. The connecting process doesn’t take up more than 15-20 minutes.
Ensure that you don’t install any drivers that come with your printers as Apple updates them automatically. Let’s go through the steps below to add your printer.
1. Update Your System’s Software
Once you have set up your printer, make sure that it has papers, ink and is connected correctly through USB, AirPort router or a Time capsule. Now, follow the steps listed below to update system software.
- Turn on the printer
- In your Apple device, go to the Apple menu
- Choose Software Update
- Head to the Updates tab in the MacApp Store
- OSX checks for updates for the printer you’ve connected and lists in the Updates section (if any)
- You can also see some additional updates in the Updates section; we suggest you update your software quickly
- Now, next to the printer update icon, click the Update Alternatively, you can hit the Update All button to update every software listed in the Updates tab
- Once it is done, reboot your PC and follow the instruction on screen to complete the software update task
In some cases, you don’t have to reboot your PC depending on your printer type. Your system software has now been successfully updated and now let’s find out if your printer is auto-installed on Mac.
2. Check if Your Printer Is Auto-Installed
Printers on Mac will auto-install any necessary drivers and software updates. You can see the printer queue with a printer title on your system as you turn on the printer. Your printer menu is now available with all the application and programs which has printing features.
You can check this printing service is available or not by opening an application and select Print from the File icon. If you can see your printer with its model number, you are all set with your installed printer. You can even share your printer with other users through your network.
Unfortunately, if you can’t see your printer in an application’s Print display, you’ll have to set up your printer manually.
How to Add a Printer Manually to your Mac?
In some cases, the auto-installation process for your printer doesn’t work. It can be due to incompatibility issues with the old model printers. If you are facing the same problem, then try the manual printer installation process. Here’s how-
1. Use the System Preference Tool
Before we start with the installation process, ensure that your printer has ink and papers. It should be connected through a USB cable and turned on.
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu (to the top-left)
- Hit the Printers and Scanners button
- In the preference pane’s printer list, you can see your printer with its model title. Select it and check the Status
- If the Status says “ idle .” You’re good to go with your printer
- However, if you can’t see your printer in the pane’s list, scroll down in the Add in the printer list itself and tap on the (+) icon to add a new printer on your Mac
- Now, in the Add window, choose the Default tab
Here you can see your printer in the list of the connected printers on your Mac. Click on the printer title and check for the printers information fields including its name, location, and driver. Mac auto-selects the driver of your printer.
If you can’t see a correct driver for your printer, Hit the Use ‘drop-down’ options menu and Click on Select Software. Go through all the available printer drivers and choose the perfect one to match your printer. Click on it and tap on the OK button.
Finally, tap on the Add icon to save the changes and complete installation task.
Your printer still doesn’t show up? Try another driver form the list which you think is suitable, or go the manufacturer’s website to install a compatible printer driver. Feel free to drop-down your queries in the comments section below.
Similar articles
Searching for the best iPad gifts for your loved one or yourself? Your iPad is an all-rounder device which can shoot videos, play music, send emails, take pictures and perform all the internet functions.
Do you want to block a website or websites on your Mac computer, but you're not sure how to do it? This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process for blocking a website on your Mac.
In this post, we’ll guide you on how to cancel Apple Music subscription on Apple TV, iPhone or iPad and their troubleshooting steps
If you value the data on your computer, you must take good care of the hard drive. So, let’s have a rundown of ways to check hard drive health on Windows & Mac.
Wi-Fi is one of those greatest achievements of mankind. Hackers or modifiers are generally trying to find a loop hole to get access to your wifi system. When in such a situation, we often ask this question to our self – How do I find my wifi password? Well, you are at the right place.
According to reports Mac computers are no longer safe to virus & malware attacks. Here's how to spot virus attack and get rid of a virus on Mac.