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Mac doesn't see the printer. How to connect printers to a MacBook. Connect the printer via USB cable

Many MacBook users are faced with the need to resolve the issue of how to connect a printer to their MacBook. In general, any Apple laptop has software that allows you to connect any model of printing device to your Mac. Solving this problem as a whole is quite simple, but keep in mind that the instructions often contain some differences in the methods of setting up different models of such devices.

The easiest way to connect your printer to your MacBook and install all the software it needs is to use a USB cable.

  • First, you will need to download the latest driver for your printer and install it on your MacBook. You can find suitable software on the official website of the device manufacturer in the support section. There you need to select the series and model of the device, or use a special search. Next, select the OS version installed on your laptop and download the recommended drivers.
  • After downloading the required software, begin installing it. Once this process is complete, connect your device using a cable to the USB port of your MacBook.
  • After the printer connects to the Mac, click on the “System Preferences” button and find the section with printers and scanners. There you need to click on the button in the form of a plus sign, which is usually located on the left side of the window.
  • In the list that appears, you need to find your device, then click on “Add” - usually such a “manual” approach is not required in this matter, because After installing the appropriate drivers and connecting the printer to the MacBook, the printing device is automatically detected by the operating system.
  • After completing this step, be sure to try using the device connected to the laptop and printing a few test documents.

Connection via local network

  • If you plan to connect to the printer via a local network using a MacBook, you can access the device via a wireless network or Ethernet. In any case, first of all, make sure that your laptop is part of the same workgroup with other PCs. To do this, right-click on the computer icon, which is usually located on the desktop and go to its properties. In the list of various parameters, find the name of the working group and remember it.
  • In the next step, you will need to find a section in your MacBook's System Preferences called "Network" and go there.
  • Find and click on “Advanced”, then go to the “Wins” section. Pay attention to the “Working group” field - if the value given there does not match the name in paragraph 2, then change it and save the change made.
  • Install the latest drivers for your device and click on “Printers and Scanners” in your computer’s system settings.
  • Click on the plus sign image and open the “Windows” tab, on the left side of which the name of the workgroup will be displayed - select it.
  • Next, indicate your MacBook and, by clicking on the name of the device, click on “Select driver”.
  • The next step is to open the “Other” section - there you will have to select the driver that you installed earlier. After this, make a test print of any document.

It should be added that by connecting to the printer via a local network, you can share (allow) access to any resource on your laptop for other users.

For example, you can separately create a specially shared folder where all the documents that are needed for the work of all users of the local network will be sent.

Briefly about what to do if the MacBook does not see the printer

If you are faced with the fact that your laptop does not display new hardware, then one of the reasons for this problem may be due to a breakdown of the device. To make sure of this, try connecting the office equipment to another PC to check its functionality.

Another reason may be that the USB port is faulty - in this case, just try connecting the cord to a different port. In addition, be sure to check whether the installed drivers match your printer model. It is possible that you made a mistake when searching for the optimal version. A problem with the cord is also a possible source of trouble, so check it for external signs of damage or simply try another cord that is in working order.

The fact that many modern devices come with operating systems is unlikely to require convincing. Even a small child has this information. However, among users there is a category that is absolutely confident that computers, laptops and other modern gadgets are equipped only with an operating system such as Windows. It is this misconception that leads to stupor after purchasing a MacBook. A person does not understand what a new device is, the system installed on it, how it works. Moreover, it is difficult for him to figure out how to install a printer without a disk on such an OS.

You can easily connect and set up a printer to your MacBook.

We hasten to assure you that your panic is unfounded. Everything is not as complicated as wild imagination might portray in the minds of ignorant users. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the recommendations on how to connect a printer to a MacBook.

The process of connecting peripheral devices to a MacBook is not accompanied by difficulties, although they may seem difficult to those who have been an active user of modern gadgets with the Windows operating system for a long time. The interface of these operating systems is completely different, so it is important to learn how to navigate the new menu options. To facilitate this process of “adaptation” to the new operating system, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the algorithm for connecting a printer to a MacBook.

Via USB

If you have the ability to connect a printer to your device using a USB cable, consider yourself very lucky because it makes everything much easier.

So, connect the USB cable to your MacBook and then to your printer. Now, in the Dock panel located at the bottom of the screen, find the “System Preferences” option and go to this menu. In the window that opens, you will find the “Printers and Scanners” parameter, which is important for us. Of course, we not only needed to find this parameter, but also enter it.

A new window will display those peripheral devices that you have previously connected to your MacBook. Of course, if this is your first time trying to set up printer access, you won't find anything in this window. Accordingly, if you decide to connect a specific printer to your MacBook, click on the button with a plus sign.

A window will open in which you will be asked to indicate which specific device you want to connect. To ensure your printer operates correctly, you will need to download and install the appropriate software immediately. Let you be glad that you don’t need to worry about this, you just need to follow all the recommendations that will appear on the screen.

In particular, the system will ask you to connect to the Internet if you forgot to do so earlier. After connecting to the network, the system will automatically find all the necessary drivers and install them all. Once this process is complete, the printer will be completely ready to print.

Connecting a shared device

If you have a printer that is connected directly to your computer, we do not recommend that you every time unplug the USB cable from your PC and insert it into your MacBook to follow the path we described above. You can do things a little differently. Initially, make changes to the settings of your printing device connected to your PC, making it accessible over the network.

After that, go back to “System Settings”, go to “Printers and Scanners”, but now notice that there are four tabs at the top. At this moment you need to go to the fourth “Windows” tab.

Wait a short amount of time to allow your device to scan the network. After this, information regarding:

  • name of the available working group;
  • PC name;
  • available network printer.

Now we just have to take care of the printer software. At the bottom, find the “Use” option, click on it to open a drop-down list.

Now, do not allow any haste, since several options will be offered, among which we will have to choose only one; accordingly, in order to make the right choice, we need to understand their distinctive features and purpose. Selecting the PostScript Shared Printer option is recommended only in the most exceptional cases when you have no other option.

ADVICE. If your device has software downloaded in advance from official sources for your printer, you should use the “Other” option.

The developers strongly recommend choosing the “Select Software” option in cases where the drivers have already been previously installed on MAC OS. You can also select an option such as “Shared PCL Printer,” which was developed specifically by Hewlett-Packard.

After selecting the desired option, you will need to click on the “Add” button. Now you can try making a test print of the document. Just keep in mind that the system will ask you to enter your PC name and password for your account. To eliminate constant such requests, after entering the requested information, check the checkbox next to the “Remember...” option.

Connecting a network device

You can connect a printer that is assigned an IP address on your network. To do this, the initial steps will be identical to those described above. Only after the plus sign is pressed, four tabs will appear in the window; this time you will need to go to the third “IP” tab. Now you will need to enter the IP address of the desired printer. If you don’t know it, it doesn’t matter, just go to the settings of the device itself and select the “Print network settings” option.

The next fields that you are asked to fill out are “Protocol”, “Queue”. Despite the fact that the system prompted you to fill them out, you can ignore this request and leave these lines empty.

At the bottom you will again need to select the appropriate software. The principle of choice remains unchanged. After making these changes, click the Continue button. After a few minutes, you will be convinced that the printing device has been added to your MacBook, so you will be able to print from now on.

So, you could use a clear example to see that there is nothing complicated when connecting a printer to a MacBook, that you can successfully print without limiting yourself in any way.

Any MacBook or iMac has software that allows you to use a printer from almost any brand. Installing it is very simple, but often there are differences in the instructions, because not only different manufacturers, but also different models may have differences in setup methods.

Connecting equipment directly

The first step will simplify and speed up the installation of the printer: download updated drivers for your device model from the manufacturer’s website. If there is no update, most likely the firmware is enough to work. Turn on the printer and connect one end of the USB to it. The second one needs to be installed on the MacBook. In Mac, click on the “System Preferences” => “Print and Scan” button. There you can make sure whether you installed the device correctly or not. If you are not sure that the computer sees the device and you managed to connect it, open any file that can be printed, in the “File” menu, click “Print” (hot keys – “Comand-P”). Your printer should appear in the pop-up window in the corresponding menu. If it doesn't appear, try adding it manually.

Network printers

To install the device, repeat the initial step from the first description. The printer can be accessed via Ethernet or wireless network. To add a printer to the hardware network that a specific computer uses:

  • Go to “Finder” => “Utilities” => “Go”, then double-click on the printer setup program. Click the “Add” button and select the desired name.
  • The “System Settings” button, and then “Print and Scan”. There we click on “+” to add a new printer. Then double-click on his name.
Printing process

If you succeeded in connecting the equipment, then the time has come for the main work process. Open the file you want to print. Follow the path “File => Print => ...(Printer name is selected from the menu)”. We determine the orientation of the document and other options available in the menu at our discretion (set the paper type, for example). After setting, click on “Print”.

    1. If the printer sends you “light signals”, most likely there were errors in the operation. It is worth consulting with specialists and finding out the causes of the problems.
    2. The device does not print sent files, what should I do? There is no need to sound the alarm right away. Cancel the job and turn off the device. Half a minute after turning off completely, try turning on the printer again and resuming the task.
    3. When printing files onto paper of a non-standard size, be sure to indicate this before printing. It is very simple to install paper and start printing, but if you break this rule, you will damage both the printer and the object being processed.
    4. Setting the photo quality to high is a very useful feature. However, when printing something of minor importance, you can reduce the resolution.

You press the print button, but time passes and the process still hasn’t started? At the same time, the check tells you that the problem does not concern any specific document, but is systemic. There are several reasons for this, as well as their resolutions.

1. Check the Print dialog box.

If the document fails to print, press the “Command-P” function again. You will most likely see an exclamation point icon next to the printer name in the Print dialog box. This signal indicates the presence of some kind of problem and is accompanied by a message explaining what exactly the problem has arisen and how to fix it.

First, check Is the correct printer selected?: Sending a document to the wrong printer is almost the most common. It occurs if you use your laptop in different places, including the printing function. The laptop simply remembers the last of the devices, which may not be present at the moment. The fix is ​​very simple. Select your printer from the pop-up menu in the print dialog box and try printing your document again.

Another possible reason for a printer not working could be previously suspended printing.

If printing was indeed previously paused, you will see an appropriate error message. After clicking the Resume button, try printing again. If it doesn’t work, check if there are any documents in the print queue (see below).

2. Check the print queue

If it was not possible to send a document for printing, the “Queued to print” icon will appear on the monitor, which, in fact, indicates that the document has been queued. To find out more information about the reasons, click on this icon.

If the icon is not displayed, go to Apple menu > System Preferences. Then click “to scan and print”, select your printer from the list, and then click “open print queue”.

Resume paused printing. Pausing printing can occur for several reasons. The first is technical, for example due to a paper jam. The second is that you yourself paused printing by pressing pause (seeing that you were printing the wrong document or deciding that something was wrong with the printer or there was no paper) and forgot about it. This may cause the printer to not print until you resume printing. In this case, click the Resume button.

Get rid of old print jobs: they can also slow down the printer. The document that appears on the list may no longer exist. Remove it from the queue - click on the “x” next to the progress bar, below the document title.

Connection problem. If, when checking the print queue, you receive a message that there is a “message” problem with the printer or it is not connected, proceed to the next step.

3. Check the printer itself

First, check for paper availability. Look into the manual or automatic paper feed compartment for printing, depending on which one you choose to use. There may be a piece of paper stuck there.

Make sure the printer is turned on. Check whether the device is connected to the network and whether the printer is connected via special cords to the computer or whether a wireless connection is established.

Turn the printer on and off. Preferably completely, even from the outlet. And turn it on again after a few minutes. If the error message in the print queue indicates a “communication” problem, this should help.

Check the cartridge. There may not be enough toner in it. Some models of inkjet printers refuse to print if there is insufficient ink. At the same time, if you use only black ink when printing, the device may decide that there is also no color ink and refuse to complete the task. So you may have to purchase or refill a cartridge.

Using the “Print Queue” you can check the ink supply level or try printing a test page. To do this, select “Printer” from the menu to see all the options. For diagnostics, click the “Settings” button in the “Print Queue” window. If the printer contains additional utilities (helper programs), you will find them in this section.

4. Check for printer software updates

Software updates are often carried out using OS X Software Update. To do this, select Apple menu > Software Update. If it shows that there is an update for your printer, install it. If not, you can easily find it on the company’s website. Download it and install it.

If you're having problems with your printer after upgrading to a new version of OS X, it's unlikely that the software is causing your printing problems. However, it's still worth a try, as the update process may fix the problem if the printing software has been corrupted in some way.

5. Remove and reinstall the printer

Go to Apple menu > System Preferences. Select “Print & Scan”. Select your printer from the list on the left. Click the minus sign (-) button at the bottom of the list. This will remove it from the list of printers. To add the device again, click on the plus sign (+). In theory, you should see among the

your added printers that you just deleted. If so, add it back. If not, click “Add a printer or scanner.” In theory, you will see a list of default printers. Find and choose yours. Click the add button.

Use an IP address. Network printers sometimes require additional steps. Select “Add a printer or scanner.” When the window opens, click the IP button at the top. Enter the printer's IP address. To find out how to find it, see the “Errors and Corrections” section, column “Tips” > how to find out the IP address of your printer.

Avoid sharing the printer. If you see your printer in use listed with an @ icon, such as CannonMP990 @ MacBook Pro, that means you are being offered a connection through an additional computer. Try to avoid this. And choose an alternative connection path. Otherwise, you will only be able to print when this additional device is connected, even if the attempt to re-add the printer is successful.

6. Check the error log

If you have reached this point and the error remains unresolved, look at the error log. To do this, return to the “Print Queue” item, select “Printer”> Error Log. After this, the application opens - the error_log file, which lists the possible causes of the problem. This is not the most convenient way, but sometimes it works. Thus, there were cases when the error sheet indicated that the cartridge was installed incorrectly. To correct the situation, it was only necessary to remove it and install it properly.

7. Reboot the printing system

Go to the “Print and Scan” menu. Right-click the printer name to bring up the context menu. From the list provided, select “Reset printing system.”+

After this, a message will be displayed that further steps will lead to the deletion of all existing printers, scanners, faxes and held jobs. Essentially, this action will completely clean your computer and return it to the same level as when you first unboxed your laptop. The prospect is not happy. But this may be the last solution if all the previous ones did not lead to a solution to the problem.

To ensure not only the safety of working with the printer, but also to protect your Mac, we recommend purchasing a case for macbook air 13 from itrade.

Let's try to figure out how to organize printing from Windows to a printer installed on a system with UNIX / Linux / Mac OS X. Standard printing subsystem for UNIX called CUPS(Common UNIX Printing System). One of the ways to organize network printing on a CUPS printer is to open public access to it (share) using Samba. However, in this article we will not consider this method, because... Despite the fact that this method is “native” for Windows clients, it is not always advisable to deploy and configure Samba if, in addition to organizing a print server, there is no other need for it (most likely you will have to solve a number of problems, mainly, of course, related with authorization).

The preferred method for connecting a Windows client to a CUPS print server on a UNIX-like operating system is the IPP ( InternetPrintingProtocol) , used in CUPS as the basis for job and queue management. IPP is a standard protocol based on HTTP that allows print management, supports authentication and encryption (SSL), access control, and allows the use of port forwarding and tunneling. Compared to Samba, CUPS print server configuration via IPP is simpler and less error prone.

In Windows, native support for IPP appeared only in Windows 2000.

So, suppose we have a computer with OS X Lion on which a CUPS server with a Canon printer is deployed, network access to which is open (in this example, access is open to everyone without login/password authorization).

Getting the address of the print queue on the CUPS server

Let's assume that the address of our OS X computer (and therefore our print server) is 192.168.11.211, by default the CUPS server uses TCP port 631. In the address bar of the browser, go to the address, and then to the tab Printers. The tab will display a list of all printers installed on the OS X system and available to us. The name of each printer is a link, the address of which is the address of the printer's print queue in the CUPS system.

This way we find out (and immediately copy it to the clipboard) that the queue address of the printer we are interested in in the CUPS system is
http:// 192.168.11.211:631/printers/Canon_iP4000_series

Support for IPP/CUPS printing on Windows

To enable IPP printing support in Windows, you must install the appropriate role. As a rule, support for Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) is already installed in Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7. If not, in Windows 7 you can install the IPP client through the Control Panel. Go to Control Panel ->Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off. In the window that appears, expand the branch Print and Document Services, check the option Internet Printing Client and click OK, after which the IPP printing support client will be installed (in Windows 2008/2008 R2 a separate function with the same name is installed).

Installing and configuring a network CUPS printer in Windows

We will install and configure the IPP printer in Windows 7 (the procedure in other versions of Windows is similar, note that in this case we are setting up a network printer, and not a local one as described in the article). Go to the Printer Control Panel ( Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers) and create a new network printer (Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer). An automatic search for printers will start, but most likely the printer you need will not be found, so click on the button The printer what I wont isn’t listed.

In field Select a shared printer by name Paste the printer print queue address you copied earlier and click Next.

Windows will try to connect to the printer, and it’s not certain that it will be successful, it depends on many factors and it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to sort them all out. From practice, we note that if the process of connecting to the printer takes a long time (more than 3-5 minutes), try checking the availability of the CUPS server by going to the same address using any browser, and try connecting the printer again.

If the connection is successful, the system will prompt you to install the printer driver. Let's pause a bit at this point. The CUPS system accepts print files from clients that are common PostScript documents. The PostScript print language is supported by Windows out of the box, the main problem is that the name of the standard PS driver is Microsoft Publisher Color Printer(funny disguise, isn't it), but on some systems the naming MS Publisher Imagesetter may be used.

So, we select the driver, for which we go to the section Generic, select MS Publisher Color Printer and click OK (if the system has a “native” printer driver, still select MS Publisher!).


If everything went well (and usually there are no problems at this stage), then a typical procedure for setting up the printer follows (name, description, whether it needs to be shared). Click Next and try to print a test print page. As a rule, a test print page is printed without any difficulties on a printer connected to a Unix-like client.
In some cases, it is worth trying to install a native printer driver, although it is still preferable to first make sure that print jobs are output correctly with a simple PS driver. But you should understand that in reality the driver installed in the CUPS system is used for printing, and the PostScript driver installed in Windows just generates a PS file and transfers it to the server.

Note. Don't forget to check that between the OS X and Windows machine, port 631 is not blocked by the firewall.

So, we figured out how to set up printing in Windows 7 to a printer installed in Mac OS X (the procedure is similar in UNIX/Linux).



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