The fastest way to add a printer on Mac

Most printers connect to your Mac through System Settings without any extra software. Open System Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, click the plus button, select your printer from the list, and click Add. That's it for most modern printers — they'll work immediately.

If your printer doesn't appear in that list, it's usually because it's not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac, or the printer needs a driver. A driver is software that tells your Mac how to talk to that specific printer model. Some printers come with a driver on a disc or download page; others don't need one at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Open System Settings, select Printers & Scanners, and click the plus button to see printers your Mac can find on the network.
  • If your printer doesn't appear, check that it's powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and on the same network as your Mac.
  • Some printers need a driver downloaded from the manufacturer's website before macOS can recognize them.
  • Once added, your printer appears in the print dialog of any app — you don't need to add it again for each program.

Step 1: Open System Settings and find Printers & Scanners

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. On the left sidebar, scroll down and click Printers & Scanners. You'll see a list of any printers already added to your Mac, and a plus button below the list.

If Printers & Scanners doesn't appear in the sidebar, your Mac is running an older version of macOS. On macOS Monterey or earlier, go to System Preferences instead of System Settings, then click Printers & Scanners in the same way.

Step 2: Click the plus button and wait for your printer to appear

Click the plus button below the printer list. Your Mac will search for printers on your network for about 30 seconds. If your printer is on and connected to Wi-Fi, it should appear in the popup window. Select it and click Add.

Your Mac may ask you to choose a printer model or driver during this step. If it does, select the model that matches your printer exactly — the model number is usually on the front or back of the printer. Click Add again, and macOS will download the driver automatically if it needs one.

What to do if your printer doesn't appear in the list

First, check that your printer is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Look at the printer's screen or lights — most printers show a Wi-Fi icon when they're connected. If the icon is off or shows an X, reconnect the printer to your network using the printer's menu or buttons.

Next, make sure your printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. If your home has a guest network, your printer and Mac need to be on the main network, not the guest one. Check your Mac's Wi-Fi menu (top-right corner) and your printer's network settings to confirm they match.

If your printer still doesn't appear, it may need a driver. Go to the printer manufacturer's website, search for your printer model, and download the driver for Mac. Run the installer and restart your Mac, then try adding the printer again.

Using your printer after it's added

Once your printer is added, it appears automatically in the print dialog of any app. Open a document or photo, press Command+P (or go to File > Print), and your printer's name will be in the dropdown menu at the top. Select it and click Print.

If you have multiple printers, you can set one as your default by going back to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, right-clicking the printer you want to use most often, and selecting Set as Default Printer. Your Mac will use that printer unless you choose a different one in the print dialog.

Removing a printer you no longer use

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer you want to remove, and click the minus button below the list. The printer is removed from your Mac immediately, but you can add it again later if you need to.

Removing a printer from your Mac doesn't affect the printer itself or any other computer it's connected to — it only stops your Mac from being able to print to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install software from the printer's disc or website?

Not usually. Most modern printers work with just the driver that macOS downloads automatically. Check the printer manufacturer's website only if your printer doesn't appear in the list after you've confirmed it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.

Can I print to a printer that's not on my Wi-Fi?

Yes, if it's connected to your Mac with a USB cable. Plug the cable in, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the plus button, and your Mac will find the printer. USB printers usually don't need a separate driver.

Why does my printer appear in the list but won't print?

Restart both your printer and your Mac. Turn off the printer, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on, then restart your Mac. If it still won't print, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer, and add it again.

Can I print from my iPhone or iPad to a printer I added on my Mac?

Yes, if your printer supports AirPrint. When you print from an iPhone or iPad, swipe up to open Control Center, tap Print, and your AirPrint-compatible printers will appear. You don't need to add them separately on iOS — they work automatically on the same Wi-Fi network.