Although it sounds complicated, it is really easy to connect both Wired and Network Printers to Mac. You can find below different methods to Add Printer to MacBook, Mac Mini or iMac.
Connect USB and Wireless Printer to Mac
Similar to other computers, MacBook, Mac Mini or iMac can be connected to wired printers using a USB cable and wireless printers can be connected to Mac over a WiFi Network.
If the Printer that supports Apple’s AirPrint technology, it will readily connect with your Mac and you will be able to print wirelessly, without the need to download and install drivers.
AirPrint is supported by almost all major manufacturers of Printers, as listed on Apple’s AirPrint Support Page.
With this understanding, let us go ahead a take a look at the steps to Add both wired and wireless Printers to Mac.
1. Connect Wireless Printer to Mac Using IP Address
The most common way to Add Wireless Printer to Mac is by using its IP Address, which can be obtained by printing configuration page of your printer.
On most wireless printers, the configuration page can be printed by pressing and holding the Power button for about 10 seconds. If this does not work, try print from the Printer’s Control Panel by going to Menu > Information > Print Configuration.
If your printer is different, check the User Manual to see if it provides a method to print the Configuration page or obtain its IP Address.
1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and select System Preferences in the drop-down menu.
2. On System Preferences screen, click on Printers & Scanners icon.
3. On the next screen, click on the Plus Icon to open Add Printer dialogue box.
Note: You may have to click on the Lock icon and enter your Admin User Name and password to authorize this change.
4. On the next screen, switch to IP tab > enter the IP Address of your Printer and click on the Add button.
Note: Protocol will be automatically selected and you can leave the Queue box blank. If required, you can go with the default name or enter a Name for your Printer.
Location section can be left blank and in the “Use” section you can go with Generic PCL or Generic Post Script Driver, unless you have a different driver file that you want to use.
2. Add USB Printer to Mac
Press the Power button to start the Printer, connect the Printer to Mac and follow the steps below to Add the Printer to Mac.
1. Click on Apple Logo > System Preferences > select Printers & Scanners option on the next screen.
2. On the next screen, click on the Plus Icon to open Add Printer dialogue box.
Note: You may have to click on the Lock icon and enter your Admin User Name and password to authorize this change.
3. On Add Printers screen, make sure you are on the Default tab and select the Printer that you want to Add to Mac.
Once the Printer is selected, click on the Add button to Add the Printer to your MacBook.
3. Add Printer to Mac Using Print Command
Perhaps the easiest way to Add both Wired and Wireless Printers to Mac is by trying to Print something on your computer. If this does not work, try other methods as provided below.
1. Open a Text, Word or PDF File on your MacBook > click on the File tab in top-menu bar and select the Print option.
2. On the Print Command screen, expand More Settings entry > scroll down and click on Print Using System Dialogue option.
3. On the next screen, click on the down Arrow next to the “Printer” field and select Add Printer option in the drop-down menu.
On the next screen, select the Printer that you want to Add and follow the prompts to Add Printer to Mac.
