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There are various printer errors that users encounter, hindering their ability to print documents seamlessly. It's not just a Windows problem; Mac users also face printer issues, particularly with connections. If your Mac fails to connect to the printer when you need to print something, try implementing the following methods to fix Mac printer connection issues.
Fix Mac Printer Connection Issues
Step one is to check the physical connection between the printer and your Mac or the Wi-Fi signal if your Mac is connected to the printer via AirPrint. Also, ensure there are no error lights or warnings on the printer screen (if applicable).
If your Mac is unreliable in connecting to a specific Wi-Fi printer, you need to take some steps beforehand. First, determine if the printer is within the router's coverage area to reconnect, if necessary, restart the router and printer. Typically, to restart the router and printer, press and hold the power buttons on both devices for a few seconds, then press the button again to turn them back on.
Access printers and scanners on System Preferences
To troubleshoot printer software issues, first click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the Mac screen. Select System Preferences then choose Printers and Scanners from the menu.
Add a printer manually
One of the common reasons for Mac not connecting to a printer is that Mac fails to automatically add the printer correctly. To fix this issue, click on the + icon at the bottom-left corner of the printer list.
Here you will have several options:
- Default: This option will list any printer connected to the Mac. Select your printer from the list; if your printer is not available, choose other options.
- IP: Allows you to connect the printer to your Mac if the printer is connected to the network - simply enter the IP address.
- The Windows option will display printers connected to your Windows computer that you can also connect to from your Mac. You'll need to set up File Sharing for this option to work properly.
Delete and re-add the printer
Navigate to Printers and Scanners in System Preferences by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-right corner of the Mac screen, then click on System Preferences and select Printers and Scanners.
If you see your printer listed but your Mac isn't connecting (such as waiting to print), select your printer, then click the (-) icon to remove the printer.
Next, turn off the printer, disconnect it, and then reconnect. If it's a Wi-Fi printer, simply power it off and on. Your printer will appear in the list. If not, click on the (+) icon in the printer and scanner settings to proceed with adding the printer to your Mac; the steps for adding a printer to a Mac are similar to those on Windows.
Restore printer settings to factory defaults
If you've tried the above methods but the results are still unsatisfactory, try restoring the printer settings to their original factory state. Different printer models have different processes for restoration and setup. Search for how to restore your printer online. Or if you can't find a way to restore your printer, you can try the following steps to restore the printer settings to their original state:
Step 1: Turn off the printer and unplug it for a few seconds.
Step 2: Plug the printer back in.
Step 3: Press and hold the Resume button on the printer.
Restore stable macOS version
Running beta software can cause various issues, including connections with peripheral devices, both wireless and wired. If you're running a macOS beta version and your Mac isn't connecting to the printer, try restoring your Mac to the stable macOS version before the beta. To do this:
Step 1: Back up important files or files you want to keep.
Step 2: Restart macOS in Recovery mode.
Step 3: Choose Restore From Time Machine Backup and select a backup on the connected hard drive. If files are copied to a shared drive, choose Reinstall macOS.
Step 4: Follow the instructions to complete the process of fixing Mac not connecting to the printer by restoring macOS.
For more information on how to restore your Mac, visit the Apple website to find information.
Above, Mytour has just guided you through some ways to fix Mac printer connection issues. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave your comments below the article.
For Windows users, connecting to a printer is not always easy. In many cases, Windows fails to connect to the printer, leaving you confused and unsure how to handle it. If you're experiencing this issue, check out the troubleshooting steps for Windows printer connection issues shared by Mytour.
