The fastest way: use AirPrint

If your printer supports AirPrint, you do not need to install anything. AirPrint is built into macOS, and most printers made in the last ten years have it. Your MacBook Air will find the printer automatically when you are on the same Wi-Fi network.

To check if your printer has AirPrint, look in the printer's manual or visit the manufacturer's website and search for your model number plus "AirPrint". If it does, skip to the "Print from your MacBook Air" section below. If it does not, follow the steps in the next section instead.

Key Takeaways

  • AirPrint printers connect automatically over Wi-Fi with no software installation needed — check your printer's manual to see if yours supports it.
  • If your printer does not have AirPrint, download the manufacturer's driver software from their website, not from the App Store.
  • Your MacBook Air and printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network to connect, whether you use AirPrint or a driver.
  • If your printer does not appear in the print menu, restart both your MacBook Air and printer, then check that they are on the same network.

Installing a driver for older or specialty printers

Printers without AirPrint need a driver — software that tells your MacBook Air how to talk to the printer. Do not download from the App Store. Instead, go directly to the printer manufacturer's website: HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Xerox, or whoever made your printer.

Search for your printer model number on the manufacturer's website, then look for a "Downloads" or "Drivers" section. Select macOS as your operating system, then download the driver file. Open the downloaded file and follow the installer's instructions. The installer will ask you to restart your MacBook Air — do this, because the driver will not work until you do.

After restart, your printer should appear in the printer list. If it does not, move to the troubleshooting section below.

Print from your MacBook Air

Open the document or photo you want to print. Press Command + P (hold Command and tap P), or go to the File menu and select Print. A print dialog will open.

In the "Printer" dropdown menu, select your printer's name. If you do not see it, your printer is either off, not on the same Wi-Fi network, or the driver did not install correctly — see the troubleshooting section. Once you select the printer, choose how many copies you want and any other settings, then click Print.

Make sure your printer and MacBook Air are on the same network

Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your MacBook Air, click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of the screen and note which network you are on. Then check your printer's Wi-Fi settings — usually done through buttons on the printer itself or through its own app — and make sure it is on the same network.

If your printer has a small screen, look for a Wi-Fi or Network menu. If it does not, check the printer's manual for instructions on viewing its network status. Some printers print a network status page if you hold down a button for a few seconds — your manual will say which button and how long.

Restart both devices if the printer does not appear

Turn off your printer completely and unplug it from power. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. While the printer is starting up, restart your MacBook Air: click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select Shut Down, wait for it to power off completely, then press the power button to turn it back on.

Once both devices have finished restarting, try printing again. This fixes most connection problems because it clears temporary settings that may have gotten stuck.

Remove and re-add the printer if it still will not connect

On your MacBook Air, click the Apple menu, then System Settings. Click Printers & Scanners on the left side. Find your printer in the list, click it once to select it, then click the minus button (−) below the list. This removes the printer.

Now add it back: click the plus button (+), wait a few seconds for your MacBook Air to search for printers on your network, then select your printer from the list and click Add. Your MacBook Air will install any necessary software automatically. Try printing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my printer with a USB cable instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes. Plug the USB cable into your MacBook Air and the printer. Your MacBook Air will recognize it automatically if it has AirPrint, or will prompt you to install a driver if it does not. USB connection works the same way as Wi-Fi once the printer appears in System Settings.

My printer is on Wi-Fi but does not show up in the printer list. What do I do?

First, confirm both devices are on the same network by checking your printer's network settings and your MacBook Air's Wi-Fi menu. If they match, restart both devices. If the printer still does not appear, download and install the manufacturer's driver from their website, not the App Store, then restart your MacBook Air again.

Do I need to install software if my printer has AirPrint?

No. AirPrint printers work without any driver installation. Your MacBook Air finds them automatically over Wi-Fi. You only need to install software if your printer does not support AirPrint.

Why does my printer print but the colors look wrong?

This is usually a printer settings issue, not a connection problem. Open the print dialog, look for a "Color" or "Quality" option, and adjust it. You can also check your printer's manual for color calibration instructions specific to your model.

Can I print from my iPhone to the same printer?

Yes, if your printer supports AirPrint. iPhone and iPad have AirPrint built in just like MacBook Air. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the document on your iPhone, tap Share or the print icon, select your printer, and tap Print.