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    1 min read 4 stepsMarch 31, 2026Verified March 2026

    How to Connect a Printer to a Mac

    Mac makes connecting a printer straightforward — here's how to set up a USB or wireless printer on macOS.

    At a Glance

    Category
    How-To Guides
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    1 min read
    Steps
    4
    Topics covered
    printer
    mac
    connect
    setup
    beginner

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Connect the printer
    2. 2.Add the printer on your Mac
    3. 3.Install any required software
    4. 4.Print a test page
    1

    Connect the printer

    ~15s
    Plug your printer into a power outlet and turn it on. Connect it to your Mac using a USB cable, or connect it to your Wi-Fi network using the printer's screen.
    2

    Add the printer on your Mac

    ~15s
    Go to System Settings, then Printers and Scanners. Click the "+" button to add a printer. Your Mac should find it automatically.

    Quick Tip

    If the printer is on Wi-Fi, make sure it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.

    3

    Install any required software

    ~15s
    Your Mac may download the printer driver automatically. If prompted, click Install. AirPrint-compatible printers work without any extra software.
    4

    Print a test page

    ~15s
    Open any document, press Cmd+P, select your printer, and click Print to test it.

    Warning

    If the printer does not appear, restart both the printer and your Mac and try again.

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    How to Connect a Printer to a Windows PC

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