Even though the need for printers has reduced in the past decade, the market is flourishing with some premium-quality printers that you can connect with MacBook Air or Windows computers. Before you use a printer, you need to set it up properly to ensure better connectivity and effortless use.
This article will let you learn how to add a printer on a MacBook Air without reading lengthy printer documentation. Here, you’ll find an individual approach to installing different types of printers.
Things to Consider Before Adding Printer
Adding a printer to a MacBook can be an intimidating process if you are not aware of certain important things. Before working on any method, determine which type of printer you want to add, such as monochrome or a printer only.
Also, consider the type of connection and the printer’s manufacturer. Before using any downloaded document for printing, scan it for the virus. The reason is that recently downloaded files having viruses can cause a flickering screen on MacBook, as well as other potential issues.
Connect a Wireless Printer
The printer might be available without setup if the printer and MacBook are already linked to the same WiFi network. If it is not, connect your printer via WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) or BT (Bluetooth) connection. After setting up WPS, follow the process below.
Tap the Apple icon and access System Preferences. Hit Printers and Scanners on new Mac and Print & Scan on old models. Tap the plus sign and hit Add Printer or Scanner. Choose the printer you want to add along with its driver and press Add.
Add a Printer Using A USB
Connecting a printer to a MacBook using a USB cable is even easier than adding it via WiFi. This is the best method for printers lacking networking capabilities. You may need to connect printers having wireless printing capabilities to USB for the setup process.
To add a printer with USB:
- Plug the USB of your printer into your MacBook.
- Tap the Apple icon and reach System Preferences.
- Hit Printers and Scanners and click the ‘+’ sign under the printers list.
- Choose a printer you wish to add and then click the Add button.
Add Printer through IP Address
Before learning how to add a printer on a MacBook Air via IP address, determine the IP address of your printer. Once you know your printer’s IP address, go to System Preferences by tapping the Apple icon.
Now, hit Printers and Scanners. Tap ‘+’ under the list of your printers and hit the IP icon (a blue globe icon). Then, enter your IP address in the Address area. If you want, rename the printer and select the required print driver in the Use section. Now, tap Add.
How to Add a Bluetooth-Enabled Printer?
Just as you use wireless headphones, you can add a Bluetooth-enabled printer to your Mac. But before you connect your printer and start printing, add it to the printer list. Also, be sure that your system is running the recent macOS version.
Switch on your printer and then navigate to System Preferences. Select Printers & Scanners and tap on the plus (+) button. Pick your printer and hit the Add button. To take out the print, tap the Bluetooth icon and Bluetooth Preferences. Then, connect your printer.
Add Printer Requiring a Configuration Profile
Some mobile or WiFi printers need to install a configuration profile. It helps in easily identifying a printer on your network. If you have a profile to install, download or copy it to your system and start its installation.
Tap twice on the profile and open it. Tap Continue if you get a message to install the profile. When a message pops up regarding the confirmation of profile installation, tap the Install button. To add a printer, tap plus and the Default button. Choose your printer and tap Add.
Start Printing Wirelessly
After adding a wireless printer to your list once, your system will automatically identify the printer when it turns on. However, if multiple printers are connected, set your printer as default. You can also set your Mac to select the last printer used.
To print something, hit File and then Print or press Command and P. Adjust the required settings and then tap on the Print button. It will transfer the document to the printer queue. To stop printing, click Printers & Scanners in System Preferences and choose your printer.
The Conclusion
So, that’s all about how to add a printer on a MacBook. Now, instead of reading a 100-page all-jargon book, work on the steps mentioned above. If you properly implement each step, it’ll surely save you time and effort.
If you still don’t purchase a new printer, go with one that doesn’t need manually downloading printer drivers. And, if you’re switching from an old printer, don’t forget to remove the system junk before disconnecting it.