In this guide, you will learn exactly how to enable and set up ‘AirPrint on Mac’, even if you have never done it before.
How to Enable AirPrint on Mac, MacBook, MacBook Pro?
To enable and set up ‘AirPrint on Mac’, connect your Mac and AirPrint-compatible printer to the same WiFi network, open ‘System Settings’ or ‘System Preferences’, go to ‘Printers and Scanners’, click ‘Add Printer’, select your AirPrint printer, and ensure ‘AirPrint’ is selected as the driver. Once added, you can print wirelessly from any app using the ‘Print’ option.
Now, let us go step by step and get your setup working smoothly.
Step 1: Check AirPrint Compatibility
The first thing you want to confirm is whether your printer supports ‘AirPrint’. Not all printers do, especially older models.
You can usually find this information in your printer’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Many modern printers from brands like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother support AirPrint by default.
If your printer does not support AirPrint, you can still print from your Mac, but you will need to install drivers manually instead of using AirPrint.
Step 2: Connect Your Printer to WiFi
Your printer must be connected to the same WiFi network as your Mac. This is essential because ‘AirPrint works over a shared network’.
Most printers have a small display where you can access ‘Wireless Settings’ or ‘Network Settings’. From there, choose your WiFi network and enter the password.
If your printer does not have a display, you may need to use a setup app provided by the manufacturer or temporarily connect it using USB to configure the network.
Once connected, keep your printer turned on and connected to WiFi.
Step 3: Connect Your Mac to the Same Network
Now check your Mac’s connection. Click on the WiFi icon in the top menu bar and make sure it is connected to the same network as your printer.
This step is simple but often overlooked. If your Mac and printer are on different networks, ‘AirPrint will not detect the printer’.
If you are using a dual-band router, make sure both devices are on the same band, such as 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, depending on your setup.
Step 4: Open Printers and Scanners Settings
Next, go to your Mac’s system settings.
On newer macOS versions, click on ‘System Settings’ and scroll down to ‘Printers and Scanners’. On older versions, open ‘System Preferences’ and then click ‘Printers and Scanners’.
This is where you will manage all your printing devices.
Step 5: Add Your AirPrint Printer
Inside the ‘Printers and Scanners’ section, look for the ‘+’ button. Click it to add a new printer.
Your Mac will automatically start searching for available printers on the network. After a few seconds, your AirPrint-compatible printer should appear in the list.
Click on your printer name to select it.
In the ‘Use’ or ‘Driver’ field, make sure it says ‘AirPrint’. This ensures you are using Apple’s wireless printing system instead of a different driver.
Then click ‘Add’.
Step 6: Verify Printer Setup
Once the printer is added, it will appear in your printer list.
Click on it and check if the status shows ‘Idle’ or ‘Ready’. This means your Mac is successfully connected to the printer.
If the status shows ‘Offline’, double-check your network connection and ensure the printer is powered on.
Step 7: Print a Test Page
Now comes the fun part. Let us test if everything works.
Open any document or image on your Mac. It could be a PDF, a Word file, or even a webpage.
Press ‘Command + P’ or click ‘File’ and then ‘Print’.
In the print dialog box, select your AirPrint printer from the list. Adjust any settings you want, such as the number of copies or paper size.
Click ‘Print’.
If everything is set up correctly, your printer should start printing within a few seconds.
Step 8: Customize Print Settings
AirPrint supports several useful features that you can customize directly from your Mac.
You can choose options like ‘Color or Black and White’, ‘Double-Sided Printing’, and ‘Paper Size’.
Some advanced printers also allow you to adjust quality settings or select different trays.
Exploring these options helps you get the best results, depending on what you are printing.
Step 9: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things do not work the first time perfectly. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them.
If your printer does not appear, restart both your Mac and printer. This often refreshes the network connection.
If printing is slow or stuck, cancel the print job and try again.
If the printer shows offline, ensure both devices are on the same WiFi network and that your router is working properly.
You can also remove the printer from ‘Printers and Scanners’ and add it again.
Step 10: Keep Your System Updated
Keeping your macOS updated ensures the best compatibility with AirPrint devices.
Go to ‘System Settings’, then ‘General’, and click on ‘Software Update’. Install any available updates.
Printer firmware updates are also important. Check your printer manufacturer’s app or website for updates.
Updated systems reduce bugs and improve performance.
Faqs
What is ‘AirPrint’ on Mac?
‘AirPrint’ is a wireless printing feature built into macOS that allows you to print directly to compatible printers without installing drivers.
Do I need to install drivers for AirPrint?
No, ‘AirPrint does not require additional drivers’. It works automatically with supported printers.
Why is my AirPrint printer not showing up?
This usually happens if your Mac and printer are not on the same WiFi network or if the printer is turned off. Restarting both devices often fixes the issue.
Can I use AirPrint without WiFi?
No, AirPrint requires a network connection. Both devices must be connected to the same WiFi network.
Is AirPrint available on all Macs?
Yes, most modern Macs support AirPrint as long as they are running a recent version of macOS.
Can I print from any app using AirPrint?
Yes, most apps that support printing will work with AirPrint through the standard ‘Print’ option.