How to Add a Printer to Mac

Adding a printer to your Mac is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Whether you are using a wireless, wired, or network printer, this guide will walk you through the process to ensure you can start printing effortlessly from your Mac.

Connecting Your Printer to the Same Network

Ensure your printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. This is crucial for wireless printers. For wired printers, simply connect the printer to your Mac using a USB cable.

Accessing System Preferences

Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Alternatively, you can find System Preferences in the Dock or use Spotlight to search for it.

Navigating to Printers & Scanners

In System Preferences, click on “Printers & Scanners.” This option is usually found in the sidebar or by scrolling down the System Preferences window.

Adding a New Printer

Click the “+” button at the bottom of the Printers & Scanners window to add a new printer.

  • If your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network, it should appear in the list of available printers.
  • Select your printer from the list and click “Add.” macOS will automatically download and install the necessary printer drivers.

Manually Adding a Printer (If Not Detected Automatically)

If your printer does not appear in the list, you may need to add it manually:

  • Click the “+” button again and select the “IP” option.
  • Enter the IP address of your printer. You can find the IP address in your printer’s settings, usually under “Network Information” or “Wireless Information.”
  • Click the “Add” button to complete the setup.
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Configuring Network Printers

For network printers, especially those connected to a Windows server:

  • Drag “Advanced” to the toolbar and select it.
  • Fill in the fields as follows:
    • Type: Windows printer via spools
    • Device: Another Device
    • URL: smb://[printer URL], e.g., smb://prt01win16pr/AU%20Print
  • Enter your credentials when prompted: Use the format ALFRED.EDU[username] and your email password.

Installing Specific Drivers (Optional)

For optimal performance, consider installing the specific driver for your printer:

  • Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., business.toshiba.com) and navigate to the drivers section.
  • Search for your printer model and download the Mac OS X driver.
  • Install the driver according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Testing Your Printer

Perform a test print to ensure everything is set up correctly:

  • Open a document or any printable file and select “Print” from the File menu.
  • Choose your newly added printer from the list of available printers and click “Print.”

Managing Printer Credentials

If you encounter issues with printer credentials:

  • Open Keychain Access by clicking the magnifying glass in the top right corner of your Mac screen and typing “Keychain Access.”
  • Search for the printer entry in Keychain Access and delete it if necessary.
  • Try to print again and enter your new credentials when prompted.

By following these steps, you should be able to add and set up your printer on your Mac efficiently, ensuring you can print documents, photos, and more with ease.