How to Add a Printer on Mac

Adding a printer to your Mac is usually simple, but occasionally things don’t go as expected. Whether you’re setting up a new printer or reconnecting an old one, here’s a quick and effective way to add it manually — starting with Terminal.

🖨️ Step 1: Use Terminal to List Available Printers

🖥️ Step 1: Open the Terminal App

Press Command (⌘) + Space to launch Spotlight Search.
Type Terminal, then press Enter to launch it.

2. Enter this command in Terminal

Copy the following command and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:

Click "Show Command" to reveal

This command shows connected and recognized printers. If your printer appears here, it’s already available. If not, continue with the steps below.

🔧 Step 2: Open System Settings

Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners. Click the + button at the bottom of the printer list to add a new device.

🌐 Step 3: Connect to the Network or USB

Ensure your printer is either:

Connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac
Or plugged in via USB

Your Mac will automatically search for available printers. Select the one you want from the list.

📥 Step 4: Install Printer Drivers (If Needed)

macOS can often install drivers automatically. If prompted, allow your Mac to download and install them. You can also visit the manufacturer’s site for the latest versions if setup fails.

🖨️ Step 5: Print a Test Page

After setup, try printing a test page from any document. This confirms both connection and configuration are working as expected.

🔄 Step 6: Restart Printer and Mac (If Not Detected)

If your printer isn’t showing up, restart both your Mac and the printer. Then go back to Printers & Scanners and try adding the device again.

Note: For older printers, make sure you’ve enabled AirPrint (if supported) or downloaded legacy drivers from the official support page.