How To Add Printer To Mac: Simple Setup Guide For Beginners

Setting up a printer on a Mac should be straightforward, but it often turns into a confusing process. Sometimes the printer isn’t detected, the connection fails, or the setup steps don’t seem clear. That’s why many users search for how to add printer to mac and look for a simple, reliable method. Whether you’re connecting a wireless printer, USB device, or a shared network printer, getting it right the first time can save a lot of frustration.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the easiest ways to add and set up a printer on your Mac, along with tips to fix common issues. Make sure to read till the end, because once your printer is ready, tools like UPDF can make your workflow even smoother. You can scan documents directly on your Mac or iOS device and manage them easily in one place.

Part 1. How To Add Printer To Mac

If you’re setting up a new device or trying to fix a connection issue, understanding how to add printer to mac properly can save you a lot of time. In most cases, macOS detects printers automatically, but depending on whether you’re using a wireless, USB, or network printer, the setup steps may vary. I usually follow the methods below to make sure everything connects smoothly.

Method 1: Add Printer Automatically (Recommended)

The easiest way to add a printer is to let macOS detect it automatically. This works for most modern printers connected via Wi-Fi or USB.

1. Turn on your printer and make sure it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
2. On your Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Printers & Scanners.
3. Click the “+” (Add Printer) button.
4. Your Mac will scan for available printers.
5. Select your printer from the list and click Add.

Once added, the printer is ready to use immediately. macOS will usually install the correct driver automatically.

Method 2: Add Printer Manually (If Not Detected)

Sometimes the printer doesn’t show up automatically. In that case, I add it manually.

1. Open Printers & Scanners.
2. Click the “+” button.
3. Switch to the IP tab.
4. Enter the printer’s IP address (you can find this on the printer display or network settings).
5. Choose the correct protocol (usually IPP or AirPrint).
6. Click Add.

This method is especially useful for office or network printers.

Method 3: Add Printer Using USB Connection

If you’re using a wired printer, the process is even simpler.

1. Connect the printer to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Your Mac should detect it automatically.
4. If prompted, click Download & Install to install drivers.

After installation, the printer will appear in your printer list.

Method 4: Add Shared Printer (From Another Mac or Network)

If your printer is shared on a network, you can add it easily.

1. Open Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add Printer.
3. Look under the Default or Windows tab.
4. Select the shared printer.
5. Click Add.

Common Issues And Quick Fixes

Even after following the steps, you might face some issues. Here’s what I usually check:

• Make sure both the Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network
• Restart the printer and your Mac
• Update macOS to ensure compatibility
• Remove and re-add the printer if it’s not responding

So, once you understand how do I add a printer to my mac, the process becomes very straightforward. Whether you’re using wireless, USB, or network printers, macOS provides simple tools to connect them quickly and reliably.

Part 2. Bonus Tip: How To Scan With Your Printer On Mac

Once I’ve set up printing, the next thing I usually need is scanning. Many modern printers come with built-in scanners, and macOS makes it easy to scan documents directly. However, when I need better control over my scanned files—like organizing, converting, or sharing them—I prefer using a tool like UPDF.

UPDF is an all-in-one PDF editor that simplifies document handling. I can scan documents into PDF format on my Mac or mobile device, and then convert them into formats like JPG or PNG if needed. It also supports UPDF Cloud, which lets me sync files across devices. On mobile, I can even connect with Dropbox to keep everything backed up. Once my scans are ready, I can quickly share them via email, a link, or even a QR code.

Step 1: Customize, Preview, And Scan

Once I open the scan feature in UPDF, I first adjust the settings based on my needs. I can choose the scan mode, resolution, and color options depending on whether I’m scanning text documents or images. This customization ensures the output looks clear and professional.

 If the document contains printed text, I can also enable OCR after scanning. This allows UPDF to convert the scanned content into searchable and editable text, which is extremely useful for reports or forms.

Step 2: Select The Scanning Area And Capture

Next, I position the document properly and select the area I want to scan. UPDF detects the edges automatically, but I can fine-tune the selection if needed. Once everything looks right, I proceed with the scan.

The process is quick, and within a few seconds, the document is captured with good clarity.

Step 3: Review And Save As PDF

After scanning, I review the result to make sure everything is clear and aligned. If needed, I can adjust brightness, contrast, or orientation before saving. Once satisfied, I save the document as a PDF.
Saving as PDF keeps the formatting consistent and makes the file easy to share or store.

Step 4: Convert To Other Formats (Optional)

If I need the file in a different format, UPDF makes it easy to convert the scanned PDF into formats like JPG or PNG. This is helpful when I need to upload images or share visuals instead of documents.

Step 5: Share, Sync, Or Generate Link/QR Code

Once the document is ready, I can quickly share it. UPDF allows me to upload the file to UPDF Cloud, sync it across devices, or generate a shareable link or QR code. This makes it easy to send documents without attaching large files manually.

Part 3. Scan On Mobile With UPDF (iOS & Android)

Sometimes I don’t have access to my computer, so I use UPDF on my phone to scan documents on the go. It works smoothly on both iOS and Android, and the workflow is just as simple.

You can download the app from:

• App Store (iOS)
• Google Play (Android)

Step 1. Open UPDF And Start Scanning

Open the UPDF app on your mobile device. On the home screen, tap the “Scan” option under Quick Tools to start scanning your document.

Step 2. Adjust Scan Settings And Capture

Before scanning, I usually adjust the settings for better results. You can enable Auto Capturing and Auto Cropping from the top menu.

Once everything is set, point your camera at the document and tap the capture button to scan.

Step 3. Capture Multiple Pages

If you need to scan more than one page, keep tapping the capture button. After scanning all pages, tap the arrow icon to move to the editing screen.

Step 4. Edit And Adjust Your Scans

Now, I review the scanned pages and make adjustments if needed. You can:

• Rotate pages
• Crop the scan
• Adjust size
• Apply filters (Photo, B&W, Color, Grayscale)

If the scan isn’t perfectly aligned, you can manually adjust the edges and resize the document for better accuracy. This step is especially useful for documents that weren’t captured straight.

Step 5. Organize And Save Scanned Files

After editing, you can organize your scanned pages. Select the pages you want and tap Done to confirm.

You can also add more images, import from photos, or upload files if needed.

Step 6. Convert To PDF And Manage Files

Once everything looks good, convert your scanned images into a PDF. You can also rename, move, or manage your files directly inside UPDF.

Step 7. Save, Upload, And Share

Finally, open the scanned PDF and tap the three-dot button. From here, I usually:

• Save the file locally
• Upload it to UPDF Cloud. This allows you to access the same document on Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android without transferring files manually.
• Send it through email

This makes it easy to access the document from any device.

Part 4. FAQs

Conclusion

Setting up a printer on macOS becomes much easier once you understand the right steps. Whether you’re using a wireless, USB, or network printer, learning how to add printer to mac helps you avoid common setup issues and get printing quickly.

I’ve found that once the connection is properly configured, the process becomes smooth and reliable for everyday tasks. If you’re still unsure, following a clear method for how do I add a printer to my mac can save time and prevent frustration.

Beyond printing, managing your documents efficiently is just as important. That’s why I often use UPDF to scan, edit, convert, and share files across devices. It keeps everything organized and professional. If you want a complete workflow from scanning to sharing, I recommend trying UPDF for your daily document needs.