The printers can easily be connected to your Mac either through a USB cable or wirelessly. These wireless printers are connected to an Apple Time Capsule or an Apple AirPort router. Additionally, there are also printers that support the technology of AirPrint. Apple treats these AirPrint compatible printers as locally connected printers even when they are connected to your network. Due to this reason, the setup process is more or less the same for all printers.
Effective Procedure for How to Install Printer on Mac:
For the version of Mac OS X Maverick and the version after it, the basic steps are the same. Mac supports a huge range of printer models. If you are having the latest printer, then there is a great chance that it will be supported by your Mac.
However, to confirm this, you can visit the site of the manufacturer and check the compatibility of your printer model. After that, the connection methods can be by using a USB cable, AirPlay, Apple Time Capsule, or AirPort router.
The process of installation will take 15 minutes or less. The support system for Mac’s printer is very strong. The macOS and OS X includes many drivers for the printers. Moreover, the Mac OS also updates these printers drivers when they are updating its software. Since it already includes the drivers for the printers, you will not need to install any additional drivers.
How to Install a Printer on a Mac in Step-by-Step Manner?
Now, let us see the procedure for how to install printer on Mac in a step-by-step manner:-
Step 1
You have to begin by putting the toner or ink and loading paper on the printer. Then, connect the printer with your Time Capsule, AirPort Router, or Mac.
Step 2
Now, switch on your printer.
Step 3
Click the icon for Apple Store to open the Apple Store. You can also use the Apple menu to open the Apple Store.
Step 4
From the left panel of the Mac App Store, you have to click on the “Updates” option. Then, the Mac will search for any update for the system software that will contain updates for the printer drivers. A notification will appear in the section of the update if it finds any update.
However, if you do not see any notification, it means that there is no update available currently and your drivers are up-to-date.
Step 5
So, if you see that an update is available, you have to click on the “Update” option.
Step 6
After that, you have to follow the instructions on the screen to successfully perform the software update. Then, you may have to restart the Mac if you see the prompt to restart your computer.
When you have completed this process, it means that all your drivers are up to date. However, this process might not be necessary as most of the printers automatically install the required drivers. Now, when you switch on the printer, you will find out that the queue for the printer has been created already. The name of the printer will also be assigned and will be made available to the apps that will need the services for the printing.
You can check if the printer has been automatically installed by selecting the “Print” option on any document. Then, if the list of printers comes on the screen, it means the printer is connected to your computer. However, if you fail to connect your printer to the Mac, then you can try another way.
How to Install a Printer on a Mac Manually?
When the method for connecting your Mac with the printer fails, then you can try to connect the printer manually. Follow the given steps to manually connect your Mac to the printer:-
Step 1
Click on the “System Preferences’ icon to open it. You will find this option in the Dock. You will also be able to find it in the Apple menu.
Step 2
After that, click on the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
Step 3
In the printer list, in the sidebar of the preference pane, if you see that your printer is listed, you have to check its status by highlighting it. If you see that the option says “idle”, it means that the printer is being detected by your Mac when it is not on use.
Step 4
However, if the name of the printer is not on the list, then you have to select the (+) button. You will find this option below the list of printers. You will be able to add a printer using this option.
Step 5
Now, in the “Add” window, you have to select the “Default” tab.
Step 6
After that, the name of the printer will be on the printer list, which contains the name of all the printers which your Mac is connected to. Then, select the Printer name. Also, select the field located below the Add-window.
Step 7
Mac can select the driver automatically. So, when Mac finds the appropriate printer driver, then the name of the driver is displayed.
Step 8
However, if no driver is found by Mac, then, select the “Use” option from the drop-down menu. From the drop-down menu, you have to select the `Select Software”. Check this list and see if you can find the driver that matches your printer’s name.
If you are unable to find the drive, then you have to select any available generic driver. After selecting, you have to press the “OK” option.
Step 9
Then, select the “Add” option. After this, the installation process will be completed.
So, this is how to install a printer on Mac manually.
Final Words
Hope that you understood the process for how to install a printer on a Mac from the above-discussed process. You can start by performing the automatic method first and if it fails, then you can try the manual method. Connecting your Mac to a printer is very easy.