3 Ways to Fix Printer Not Showing Up on Mac

Quick Tips

• Check the cable connection and restart your printer.
• Update the macOS version and your printer software.
• If nothing works, reset the printing system.

Fix 1: Add Your Printer via IP Address and Set It to Default

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the menu bar and select System Settings.

Step 2: Click Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax button from the right pane.

Step 3: It will open the Add Printer dialog box. Click on the Host menu icon in the center at the top.

Step 4: Enter your printer’s hostname or IP address to let your Mac detect your printer. Next, click the Add button at the bottom right corner.

Step 5: Go back and click on your printer name. Then, click on Set As Default and select Done to confirm.

Fix 2: Enable Print Sharing on Local Network

Print sharing is useful for non-wireless printers that are connected to your Mac with a cable. For a wireless or AirPrint-compatible printer, you don’t need to share it on the local network.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner and select System Settings.

Step 2: Click on Printers and Scanners from the left menu. Then, click on your printer name from the right pane.

Step 3: Enable the Share this printer on the network toggle. Then, click Done to save your changes.

Fix 3: Disable Wi-Fi Isolation or Segregation on Router

AP Isolation is a great way to prevent unwanted hacking of your wirelessly connected devices. But this also means that it can prevent wireless devices connected to the same Wi-Fi from communicating with each other.

Step 1: Open your web browser and enter the IP address for your router.

You can find the IP address by going to System Settings > Wi-Fi > Details and you will see the router IP address.

Step 2: Sign in to the admin panel of the router and find the option of AP isolation.

Step 3: If the setting is enabled, disable it and restart your router.

Once done, connect your printer again to the network and check if the problem is solved.

Fix 4: Reset the Printing System

Does your printer show on your Mac but can’t print a document? It’s time to reset the printer system for your preferred printer.

Step 1: Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner and select System Settings.

Step 2: Click Printers & Scanners from the left sidebar. Then, select your printer from the right pane.

Step 3: Press the Control key and select the default printer. Select Reset Printing System and try again.