Recommended Free Tools
To connect a wireless printer to a Mac, first join the printer to the same Wi-Fi network as the Mac. Then open Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners, choose Add Printer, Scanner or Fax, select the printer, and click Add. If the printer supports AirPrint, macOS can usually use it without an extra driver.
How do I connect a wireless printer to my Mac?
Connecting the printer to Wi-Fi and adding it to macOS are separate steps. Follow the printer maker’s instructions to join the printer to your home or office network first; adding a printer in macOS does not necessarily configure its Wi-Fi connection.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Connect the printer to Wi-Fi
If the printer has a display, open its network or wireless settings, choose your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password. Menu names and supported network bands or security options vary by model, so use the printer’s manual for its exact instructions. Apple’s AirPrint Wi-Fi setup guide also describes setup methods such as a USB-connected Mac, the printer’s temporary Wi-Fi network, and WPS when both printer and router support it.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If you use the printer’s own temporary Wi-Fi network, your Mac may disconnect from its usual Wi-Fi and internet during setup. Switch it back to the regular network afterward. A USB cable may be required temporarily for some setup assistants; whether you need an adapter depends on the ports on your Mac.
#1 Best Overall
- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
2. Add the printer in macOS
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
- Open Printers & Scanners.
- Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax.
- Select the printer from the list, then click Add.
Keep the Mac and printer on the same Wi-Fi network. A printer that has just started up may take a minute or two to appear. Apple says macOS uses AirPrint when available; many popular printers support it, but not every wireless model does. See Apple’s printer setup guide for the current steps and connection options.
How do I print over Wi-Fi?
Open the document and choose File > Print. Select the printer from the Printer menu, set any available options, and click Print. If it is not listed, use the add-printer option in the print dialog or add it through Printers & Scanners.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
What if my Mac can’t find the wireless printer?
Work through these checks in order, starting with the network. Apple’s printing troubleshooting guide covers missing printers, software, re-adding a queue, and resetting the printing system.
Check power and Wi-Fi
- Make sure the printer is powered on and has no displayed error that prevents it from connecting.
- Confirm it has joined Wi-Fi and that the Mac is on the same network. A guest network or other network separation may prevent discovery.
- If you just turned on the printer, wait a minute or two, then check the list again.
Reopen the printer list or add by IP
Return to System Settings > Printers & Scanners and try adding the printer again. If it still does not appear, use the IP tab in the add-printer window and enter the printer’s IP address or host name, protocol, and printer software details. This works only if the printer supports a compatible protocol, such as AirPrint, HP Jetdirect (Socket), LPD, or IPP. On a managed network, ask the administrator for the correct address and settings. A generic protocol can provide fewer printer features than the manufacturer’s software.
Rank #3
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
If the printer is added but will not print
Check the printer maker’s current macOS software and firmware guidance. You can remove the queue and add the printer again, choosing different settings or printer software if those options are available.
If the printer does not support AirPrint
Install current macOS software from the printer manufacturer and follow its setup guidance. If AirPrint is absent from the printer’s Use options when adding it, Apple says that printer does not support AirPrint. Wi-Fi capability alone does not guarantee AirPrint compatibility.
Rank #4
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Reset the printing system only as a last resort
If other fixes fail, resetting the printing system removes all printers, completed print jobs, and presets. You will need to add your printers again afterward. Apple documents the reset option in its printing troubleshooting guide; avoid using it as a first troubleshooting step.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Which setup method should I use?
| Route | Best for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Printer control panel | A printer with a display and Wi-Fi controls | Choose the network and enter its password on the printer; menus depend on the model. |
| USB setup assistant | A model whose manufacturer setup process requires a wired connection | Use the appropriate cable and, if needed, an adapter. Disconnect USB after setup if the printer remains connected to Wi-Fi. |
| Printer’s temporary Wi-Fi network or WPS | Models that support those onboarding methods | Follow the printer and router instructions. A temporary printer network can take the Mac offline until it reconnects to the usual Wi-Fi. |
| Automatic discovery with AirPrint | A printer that supports AirPrint and is already on the same Wi-Fi network | Usually requires no extra printer app or driver; add it in Printers & Scanners or select it in the print dialog. |
| Add by IP | A network printer that does not appear automatically | Requires its address or host name, a supported protocol, and the relevant software details; generic protocols may expose fewer features. |
What to check before replacing or buying a printer
Look for an AirPrint-compatible wireless printer and verify compatibility for the exact model and your macOS version. AirPrint can simplify Mac setup, but the feature is model-specific; Apple’s setup documentation does not endorse a particular printer. A USB cable or USB-C adapter is only relevant if the model’s setup method needs a temporary wired connection or your Mac lacks a matching port.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Bluetooth Printer: Portable thermal printer compatible with iPhone, Android phones, iPad and tablet computers via Bluetooth. For smartphones, please download the "Nada Print" App. You can also connect to laptops and computers for printing using a USB-C cable. (Note: Laptops and computers can only be connected via USB and require the installation of a driver first. Bluetooth connection is not supported.)
- No-ink printing: Only supports US Letter and A4 size thermal paper.(Doesn't support regular paper) The no-ink portable thermal printer uses direct thermal technology, requiring no ink, toner or ribbons, making it environmentally friendly, cost-effective and time-saving. The thermal printer package comes with a roll of US Letter thermal printing paper. Note: When installing the paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on APP
- Clear Print: NDYIN N80 portable thermal printer adopts high-definition printing technology, with a 203DPI resolution to provide you with clear printing results. This mobile printer is compatible with roll paper, folded paper and tattoo transfer paper, supporting printing from your mobile phone PDF, Word, pictures and web pages anytime and anywhere. It is recommended to use our NDYIN thermal paper to achieve good printing quality
- Portable wireless printer for travel: The thermal printer is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery, which can print 160 sheets of 8.5" x 11" thermal paper after being fully charged. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and is compact in size. This ink-free portable printer can be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase! It is perfect for business travel, cars, small offices, construction sites, schools and homes. You can print documents, contracts, invoices and boarding passes anytime and anywhere
- The N80 thermal printer has a wide range of uses. The package includes the N80 printer, a roll of US Letter paper(7m/roll), a user manual, a guide card, a type-C soft cable and a type C adapter. Note: The charging adapter is not included. Special thermal paper is required for use; ordinary paper cannot be used. This ink-free portable thermal printer is suitable for various scenarios such as home, school, travel, office, and outdoor, meeting the printing needs of different groups of people. This tattoo template printer is also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, making it an ideal choice for tattoo art
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
