Adding a printer to a Mac is straightforward in most cases, but the exact steps vary depending on whether you're connecting via USB, Wi-Fi, or a shared network printer. This guide covers every connection method for macOS Ventura and later.
USB Connection
Connect the printer to your Mac with a USB cable and power it on. macOS will usually detect the printer automatically and download the required driver through Software Update. Once complete, the printer appears in System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Wi-Fi Connection
Your printer and Mac must be on the same Wi-Fi network. On the printer, complete the wireless setup (see your printer's manual or our brand-specific setup guides). Then on your Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer. Select your printer from the list.
AirPrint
If your printer supports AirPrint (most modern printers do), you don't need to install any drivers. The printer will appear automatically in the Add Printer dialog once it's on the same network as your Mac. AirPrint handles driver management automatically.
Shared Network Printer
If a printer is shared from another Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer → scroll down to find printers shared on your local network. Select it and click Add.
Manually Adding a Printer
If auto-detection fails, click the IP tab in the Add Printer dialog. Enter the printer's IP address (found in the printer's network settings menu), select the appropriate protocol (usually IPP or LPD), and select the correct driver from the list.
Troubleshooting
If your printer won't appear, check that both devices are on the same subnet, that the printer's firewall isn't blocking communication, and that you have the correct driver installed. Resetting the printing system (right-click in the Printers & Scanners list) resolves many persistent issues.