How to Add a Wireless Network Printer on Mac
Adding a wireless printer to macOS is straightforward when you prepare the network, pick the right driver, and know when to add by IP. This guide walks you through Wi-Fi setup, adding the printer with AirPrint or manufacturer drivers, and fixing common discovery problems so your Mac sees the printer every time.
Prepare the Printer
Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi first. On the printer panel, run the wireless setup wizard or press the WPS button if your router supports it. Use 2.4 GHz for widest compatibility. Print a network status sheet and note the IP address. Clear any error messages on the printer—macOS will not add it if it's in an error state.
Check Mac Network Basics
Ensure your Mac is on the same Wi-Fi network (and subnet) as the printer. Turn off VPN or private relay temporarily; both can block Bonjour discovery. If you use a mesh system, connect to the main node during setup. Avoid guest networks with client isolation.
Add with AirPrint (Default)
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the + button, and wait a few seconds. If the printer appears with AirPrint listed, select it and click Add. AirPrint works well for most modern printers and requires no extra software. Print a test page to confirm.
Add with Manufacturer Drivers
If you need advanced features (maintenance tools, fax, color profiles), install the printer maker's driver first. Download it from HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, or your brand's site, then go back to Printers & Scanners, click +, select the printer, and choose the manufacturer driver from the Use dropdown. This preserves utilities AirPrint may omit.
Add by IP (When Discovery Fails)
If the printer does not appear, click IP in the Add Printer window. Enter the IP from your status sheet, set Protocol to IPP (or LPD if your printer requires it), and choose the appropriate driver in Use. Adding by IP bypasses Bonjour, useful on segmented or controlled networks.
Fix “No Printers Found”
Power-cycle the printer and router, then toggle Wi-Fi on your Mac. Disable VPN and ensure you're on 2.4 GHz if the printer is 2.4 GHz only. If using a mesh, connect the printer to the main node. Check that the printer has a valid IP and that client isolation is off. If you recently changed the Wi-Fi password, reconnect the printer before trying again on the Mac.
Handle Duplicate or Offline Entries
In Printers & Scanners, remove old duplicate entries with the minus button. Re-add the printer using AirPrint or by IP. If the printer shows offline intermittently, reserve its IP in your router so the Mac always talks to the same address.
Scanning Setup
After adding the printer, open Preview or Image Capture to test scanning. If scanning fails, ensure you installed the full manufacturer driver; AirPrint supports scanning for many models, but some features need the vendor driver. For multifunction devices, check that the scan function is ready on the printer (ADF clear, lid closed).
Print Queue Management
If jobs get stuck, open the print queue from Printers & Scanners and cancel pending items. Delete and re-add the printer if the queue keeps stalling. Keep VPN off while you troubleshoot so local traffic reaches the printer unblocked.
Advanced Network Tips
If you run VLANs or managed switches, ensure mDNS/Bonjour is allowed between your Mac and printer. On mesh systems, disable client isolation and, if possible, bind the printer to the nearest node. For routers with band steering, keep the printer and Mac on the same band (often 2.4 GHz) during setup. Create a DHCP reservation for the printer to prevent IP changes that can break saved queues.\n
Quick Checklist
- Connect the printer to Wi-Fi and note its IP address.
- Join the same network on your Mac; disable VPN/private relay during setup.
- Add via AirPrint first; if you need more features, pick the manufacturer driver.
- Add by IP if the printer doesn't show up.
- Reserve the IP in your router to prevent offline issues.
- Test print and scan; clear duplicate entries if queues stall.
Follow these steps and your Mac will add and keep a wireless printer connected, ready for both printing and scanning without repeated setup.