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macOS⏱ 8 min

How to Connect Printer to Wi-Fi on macOS

Add or re-add a wireless printer and print a test page.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS uses the open IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) and AirPrint standards for Wi-Fi printer communication, which means any AirPrint-compatible printer — and most post-2012 printers are — connects without installing a separate driver. After completing the printer's Wi-Fi setup via its control panel, macOS typically detects it automatically in System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer before you've even searched. For printers that don't show up automatically, clicking the IP tab in the Add Printer dialog and entering the printer's IP address directly bypasses discovery entirely and creates a stable permanent connection.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1On the printer control panel, go to Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password.
  2. 2Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the + button, and select your printer from the list.
  3. 3Print a test page from the printer settings panel to confirm the wireless connection works.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does macOS have a built-in way to connect printer to wi-fi?
Yes. macOS includes a native option to connect printer to wi-fi without installing third-party software. Follow the Quick Steps above for the exact location in the settings menu.
How long does it take to connect printer to wi-fi on macOS?
Most users complete this in about 8 min. Complex cases that require troubleshooting or a restart may take a few extra minutes.
Is it safe to connect printer to wi-fi on macOS?
Yes — this is a standard macOS operation. Follow the steps exactly as written, particularly any warnings shown in red or amber banners at the top of this guide.
What should I do if connect printer to wi-fi doesn't work on macOS?
Follow the Still Not Working section above for targeted fallback steps. As a final resort, install any pending OS updates and restart the device before trying again — most software issues resolve after an update.

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