What you will achieve
Add a USB, network, or AirPrint printer on macOS and print a test page.
macOS discovers AirPrint and IPP printers on network automatically for many home models. USB printers may need vendor driver from Software Update or manufacturer site. Stuck queues after sleep are common — reset printing system before buying new hardware.
1) AirPrint (easiest)
- Connect printer to same Wi‑Fi as Mac.
- System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer.
- Select printer with Bonjour/AirPrint — no driver download.
2) USB printer
Plug in — macOS often adds driver via Software Update. If Generic PostScript appears, download vendor driver from HP/Epson/Canon support.
3) IP printing
Add → IP tab → Line Printer Daemon or IPP; enter printer IP from network config page. Useful when Bonjour blocked across VLANs.
4) Print queue stuck
Open print queue → Delete jobs; reset printing system in Printers & Scanners right-click context if available. Remove and re-add printer.
5) Default and presets
Set default printer in Printers & Scanners. Save paper size and duplex in Presets → Save Current Settings as Preset.
6) Scanner and fax
Many multifunction printers add scan via Image Capture app — install vendor ICA driver if flatbed missing. Fax on all-in-one may need phone line app from vendor, not macOS Fax feature removed years ago.
7) Paper size defaults
US Letter vs A4 — set default in print dialog Presets per printer; European users see misaligned prints when app assumes Letter.
8) macOS upgrade printer wipe
Major macOS upgrade may remove deprecated drivers — re-add printer post upgrade before deadline crunch.
Verify
Test page prints; correct tray and colour; wakes from sleep on network printers.
Additional troubleshooting notes
If steps above do not resolve the issue on the first attempt, reboot once, confirm System Settings → General → Software Update is current, and retry with a second administrator account to rule out profile or keychain corruption in your daily user. Document exact error text from Console.app with timestamp — vague “it still fails” without logs wastes support time. On Apple Silicon, re-test after full shutdown (not just restart) because firmware and Thunderbolt controllers reset only on cold boot. Intel Macs should repeat test in Safe Mode to bypass third-party login items. Before erase or keychain reset, verify Time Machine or clone backup completed — batch 3 guides assume Monterey/Ventura/Sonoma/Sequoia paths in System Settings; search Spotlight for renamed panes if your macOS version labels differ slightly.