Are you wondering how to connect MacBook to printer wirelessly? Then this guide is for you!
With the rapidly changing technology, wireless printers are becoming a necessity in many workplaces; hence you should know how to connect your MacBook to printer wirelessly.
Wireless printing has become the easiest way to decrease the amount of paper you need to buy, effortlessly running from office to office for scanning, printing high-quality images and more.
To connect your MacBook to a printer wirelessly, you can do so via WPS (Wireless Print Server), Bluetooth, or WiFi on the same IP address as your internet router.
In this article, you’ll learn the proper ways to connect your MacBook with any printer wirelessly, and you won’t have to spend money on any more expensive print software cables.
Why You Should Switch to Wireless Printing
The evolution from wired to wireless printing is producing several benefits for people in a variety of industries.
Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a wireless printer:
1. Mobility
Because wires don’t tie down these printers, you can print documents (or anything else) from anywhere. If your business is big on mobility, investing in a wireless printer can greatly benefit.
2. Convenience
Wireless printers provide space-saving solutions for your printing convenience. Further optimizing resources, they allow multiple people to connect to one device.
3. Cost-Effective
Wireless printers are relatively cheaper to acquire and maintain.
Small retailers, including start-ups and pop-ups, have a significant advantage over their larger counterparts when using mPOS systems and wireless printers.
Wireless printers are also multifunctional. Because you can connect them to any device, it’s possible to produce labels and tickets quickly and efficiently.
How to Connect MacBook to Printer Wirelessly – Methods
Before connecting a wireless printer to your Mac, make sure that the OS is updated, and any applications you have installed are updated.
To confirm any updates, go to Apple Menu, About This Mac, then Software Update.
After updating your software now, you can proceed to connect MacBook to the printer wirelessly using the following methods:
Method #1 Add a Printer to MacBook via WPS
Connecting via WPS typically requires you to press the wireless print server button on your printer, followed by the WiFi button on your router. From there, you can easily connect your MacBook to the printer.
Here’s how to connect MacBook to the printer via WPS:
- Click the Apple icon on the top right corner of your screen.
- Select System Preferences.
- Go to Printers and Scanners, then the (+) sign on the list of printers.
- Choose the printer you want to add.
- Select the printer’s driver, then click Add.
The new wireless printer will then be visible in the list of all other printers that you’ve previously added. Check on the Print & Scan window on the left side of your screen to see the list.
For older Mac models, you can find a new printer option called “Add Printer or Scanner” so that you can connect to a network printer quickly.
You may also have to click “Add Printer or Scanner” after clicking the plus sign.
Note: The connection steps can vary depending on which printer and router you have, so check the user manual for specific instructions.
Method #2 Connect MacBook Via IP Address
If you have a lot of documents to print from different MacBooks, it’s a good idea to invest in a printer that can connect to all of the computers.
You can click the numerous MacBooks to single printer wireless via an IP address if you’re in an office setup.
Here is how to connect your MacBook to printer wireless using an IP address:
- Click on the Apple icon on your screen
- Go to System Preferences, then click Printers and Scanners.
- Just below the list of printers, click the (+) sign.
- Click the IP icon, then type your printer’s IP address.
- Name your printer, then choose your ideal print driver. Click Add.
Most wireless printers can be connected to a Mac, provided they are compatible with AirPrint.
The best part about AirPrint is that you don’t need to download any separate drivers for each different printer—you can wirelessly print with WiFi.
If you need to connect your Mac to a printer that doesn’t support AirPrint, you can install the AirPrint software manually.
Note: When you can’t plus sign, check at the bottom of your window and click the Lock icon. Proceed to type your password then make necessary changes in the Print and Scan Menu displayed.
Method #3 Connect MacBook to Bluetooth Printer
Are one of those MacBook Air owners wondering how to connect MacBook air to printer wirelessly?
You can undoubtedly connect a MacBook Air (or any Mac) computer to a Bluetooth-enabled printer and be printing documents even if your printer is on the other part of the house or premises.
Here’s how to make the connection:
- Ensure your printer has Bluetooth connection.
- The Bluetooth button is in the Apple menu. Turn it on.
- Go to Apple Menu, then System Preferences.
- Select Printers and Scanners, then click the plus sign.
- On the Default, tab choose your printing device from the list.
Since all MacBook Air laptops are Bluetooth enabled, perhaps getting a Bluetooth enabled printer is one of the best investments you might make for your home or working premises.
Note: You always have to beware of the Bluetooth range. After connecting, don’t keep the MacBook and the printer too far from each other to avoid interruptions whenever you’re printing copies.
FAQ
Are All Wireless Printers Compatible with Mac?
The short answer is NO. MacBooks will not work with all wireless printers simply because some printers don’t have macOS required drivers or can’t support AirPrint.
My MacBook is not Communicating with my Printer. What do I do?
If you’re running a wireless printer, make sure it’s connected to a router and that the router is set for the same network as your MacBook.
If you have multiple printers in your network, check to ensure you’re connected to the correct printer.
How Can I Get my MacBook to Recognize my Wireless Printer?
The first thing to try is disconnecting the printer and the MacBook from the network, updating the operating system on your Mac, and connecting it all up again.
You should also make sure you have booted your MacBook correctly.
What is the Ideal Printer for a MacBook?
There are a lot of factors that affect whether a printer is a good choice for you, including the number of customers you serve, your printing volume, and other variables.
If you’re starting a business, you’ll have to print documents frequently. Even though there is no single best option, consider getting a HP printer, Canon, Brother or Epson printer.
Read Next: How Do I Register My Printer with Google Cloud Print?
Final Thoughts
There are three main ways to connect your MacBook to a printer wirelessly. You can opt for the WPS connection, IP address connection or bind it to a Bluetooth-enabled printer. Most wireless printers can connect through all three methods, so it shouldn’t be a hassle to make the connection.
When on your MacBook and you want to print, any wireless printer that’s on the same WiFi network as your computer will show up.
So, most of the time, you won’t have to worry about how to connect MacBook to printer wirelessly because it will be detected and listed on your Mac.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.