How Do You Add a Printer to a Mac? Wi-Fi, IP and Windows Printers
To add a printer to a Mac (2022), open System Preferences, go to Printers & Scanners, click the plus button, then use the Default, IP or Windows tab depending on your printer type and click Add.
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In brief
AI summaryAs of May 2022, adding a printer to a Mac starts in System Preferences under Printers & Scanners, where a plus button below the printer list adds a new printer.
On a Mac in May 2022, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printer is added from the Default tab, a network printer by IP address from the IP tab, and a Windows-shared printer from the Windows tab.
For a Mac IP printer you enter an Address, choose a Protocol such as AirPrint or Internet Printing Protocol and optionally a Queue name, then pick software from the Use list and select Add.
Contents6 sections
To add a printer to a Mac, open System Preferences, go to Printers & Scanners, click the plus button and choose your printer type. Whether you have just bought your first Mac or found a great deal on a printer, you will want to connect the two. Printing PDFs, images or documents from a Mac is easy, but you are stuck until you add a printer. Make sure you follow your printer's instructions for any setup needed before adding it to your Mac, such as connecting to your local network or setting up Bluetooth. Here is how to add a printer to your Mac.
How Do You Add a Printer to a Mac? 2022
Like most settings in macOS, you will find the settings for adding a printer in System Preferences.
- Select the Apple icon and choose System Preferences, or select the System Preferences icon in your Dock.
- On the main screen, open Printers & Scanners. You will see the connected printers listed on the left. So if you plug a USB printer into your Mac, you should see it already listed and ready to use.
If you do not see the printer you need, select the plus sign button below the list to add it.
- You can then add a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printer, a network printer using an IP address, or a printer connected to Windows. Choose one of the sections below based on your printer type.
Add a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Printer
If you have a printer connected to your home network or via Bluetooth, you can add it to your list in a few steps.
- Select the Default tab at the top of the Add Printer window.
- Select the printer from the list or use the Search box at the top to find it.
- Enter a name for the printer and, optionally, a location.
Open the Use drop-down box to select the software for your printer, or choose Select Software to find it in the list.
- Select Add.
Add a Network Printer With an IP Address
If you have a network printer but it does not appear in the list of available options, you can add it using its IP address.
- Select the IP tab at the top of the Add Printer window.
- Enter the following details for the printer:
Address: Enter the IP address or host name for the printer.
Protocol: Choose the protocol your printer supports, such as AirPrint, Internet Printing Protocol or another option.
Queue: If you have a queue name for your printer, enter it here. If not, ask your network administrator or leave it blank.
- As with the printer types above, enter a name and (optionally) a location, then choose the software from the Use drop-down list.
- Select Add.
Add a Printer Connected to Windows
If you plan to use a printer connected to a Windows computer, make sure the printer is set up for sharing. If necessary, get the workgroup name along with the user name and password.
- Select the Windows tab at the top of the Add Printer window.
- Select Workgroup on the left, then select the relevant name for the print server on the right. If prompted, enter the user name and password.
- Enter a name, optionally add a location, and then select the correct software from the Use drop-down list.
- Select Add.
Finish Setting Up the Printer
After you successfully add your printer to the list, it should be ready to use. However, you can make further settings if you like.
To set the default printer and paper size, use the drop-down lists at the bottom of the Printers & Scanners window.
For additional settings, double-click the printer in the list and then select Options & Supplies. You can view options for checking supply levels, using general printer features and accessing the printer's web page. The settings may vary depending on your specific printer.
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Frequently asked questions
Questions answered in this article
How Do You Add a Printer to a Mac? 2022
Like most settings in macOS, you will find the settings for adding a printer in System Preferences. If you do not see the printer you need, select the plus sign button below the list to add it. If you have a printer connected to your home network or via Bluetooth, you can add it to your list in a few steps. Open the Use drop-down box to select the software for your printer, or choose Select Software to find it in the list.
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