The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Fix a Printer Not Showing Up on Mac

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tested on
macOS Sequoia 15.1 - MacBook Air M3
You will need
Active Wi-Fi connection, USB cable (optional), administrative access

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Check physical and network connections

    Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the same local network as your Mac. If using a USB connection, disconnect and reconnect the cable to a different port on your Mac to rule out a faulty connection. If the printer is wireless, confirm that the Wi-Fi indicator light is solid and not blinking.

    Note: Avoid using USB hubs; connect directly to the Mac for troubleshooting.
  2. 1 min

    Open Printers & Scanners settings

    Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. Navigate to the Printers & Scanners menu in the sidebar. Verify if the printer appears in the list, even if it is marked as offline or inactive.

  3. 2 min

    Reset the Mac printing system

    Right-click or Control-click on any printer listed in the Printers & Scanners panel. Select Reset printing system from the context menu and confirm the action. This action removes all printers and scanners from the list and clears your pending print queues.

    Note: You will need to re-add your printers after performing this reset.
  4. 2 min

    Re-add the printer via local network

    Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button, or the plus (+) icon, in the Printers & Scanners window. Select your printer from the displayed list. If it does not appear, click the IP tab and enter your printer's static IP address to manually locate it on the network.

    Note: Find your printer's IP address on the printer's own information display or network configuration page.
  5. 1 min

    Verify software and drivers

    Ensure your printer is using the latest driver by selecting the correct model in the Use menu during the addition process. If the printer requires specific software, download the latest version from the manufacturer's official support page. Restart your Mac to complete the initialization of the printer drivers.

    Note: macOS generally provides AirPrint support; avoid third-party drivers unless AirPrint fails.