# [phone] How to Fix ‘Printer Not Found’ Errors on MacOS

Printers have become essential for both home and office use, but nothing is more frustrating than encountering a **‘Printer Not Found’** error when using a **Mac**. This problem is especially common after software updates, changes to network configurations, or when connecting to new printers. Fortunately, there are effective solutions available that can restore your printer's functionality quickly.

This comprehensive guide explores **why macOS might not detect a printer**, along with **step-by-step fixes** that resolve these issues. Whether you are dealing with a wired or wireless printer, this article provides solutions that will help you get back to printing without headaches. If you prefer expert help, feel free to call **toll-free: [phone] (USA)**.

## 🔍 Common Causes of the ‘Printer Not Found’ Error on macOS

Before we delve into solutions, it's important to understand the underlying causes:

1. **Outdated macOS or Printer Drivers**
2. **Misconfigured Printer Settings**
3. **Faulty or Loose USB Connection (for wired printers)**
4. **Wi-Fi or Network Issues (for wireless printers)**
5. **Permissions or Firewall Restrictions**
6. **Corrupt Printer Configuration Files**
7. **macOS Updates Breaking Compatibility**
8. **AirPrint not functioning properly**

Each of these issues can prevent macOS from communicating with your printer. Now, let's explore how to fix them.

## 🛠️ Section 1: Basic Checks Before Troubleshooting

Start with these quick steps to rule out simple problems:

### ✅ 1. Ensure Printer Is Turned On

* Check power cables and buttons.
* Ensure no error codes or warning lights are displayed.

### ✅ 2. Check Printer Connectivity

* **Wired Printer:** Make sure the USB cable is securely connected to both the Mac and printer.
* **Wireless Printer:** Confirm the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.

### ✅ 3. Restart Everything

* **Restart your printer, Mac, and Wi-Fi router.**
* Sometimes, a simple reboot clears temporary glitches.

If the printer still isn’t found, move on to advanced steps.

## 🔧 Section 2: macOS Troubleshooting Steps

### 📍 Step 1: Use System Settings to Add the Printer

1. Go to **Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Look for your printer in the list. If it’s not there, click the **‘+’ button**.
3. Wait for the printer to appear in the Add Printer list.
4. Select it and click **Add**.

If the printer doesn’t appear, continue to the next step.

### 📍 Step 2: Reset Printing System

Resetting the printing system clears out all printers and resets the print configuration.

1. Open **System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
2. **Right-click (or Control-click)** on the printer list.
3. Select **“Reset printing system…”**.
4. Confirm the reset and restart your Mac.
5. Try re-adding your printer again.

### 📍 Step 3: Install or Update Printer Drivers

Many printers require specific drivers to function with macOS.

#### 🔄 Automatically Update:

* Navigate to **System Settings > General > Software Update**.
* Install any pending updates.

#### 📥 Manually Download Drivers:

1. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website (HP, Epson, Canon, etc.).
2. Download the latest driver for your printer model and macOS version.
3. Install it and restart your Mac.

After updating drivers, try adding your printer again.

### 📍 Step 4: Check for AirPrint Compatibility

macOS uses **AirPrint** to support many printers natively.

To check:

* Go to [Apple’s list of AirPrint-enabled printers](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201311).
* If your printer supports AirPrint, it should appear without needing drivers.

If it doesn’t, download the specific driver from the manufacturer’s website.

## 🌐 Section 3: Fix Wireless Printer Not Found

Wireless printers can be trickier due to network dependencies.

### 📶 Step 1: Ensure Same Wi-Fi Network

* Both Mac and printer **must** be on the **same Wi-Fi network**.
* Use the printer's control panel to confirm Wi-Fi status.

### 📶 Step 2: Reconnect Printer to Wi-Fi

* Use the printer’s setup menu to re-enter your Wi-Fi credentials.
* On some models, you can use **WPS pairing** by pressing the WPS button on your router.

### 📶 Step 3: Ping Printer’s IP Address

1. Get your printer's IP address from its settings menu.
2. Open **Terminal** on your Mac.
3. Type: `ping [printer IP]` and press Enter.

* Example: `ping 192.168.1.45`
4. If you get a response, your Mac sees the printer.

* If not, there's a network configuration issue.

## 🔌 Section 4: Fix USB Printer Not Found

### ⚙️ Step 1: Use a Different USB Port or Cable

* Switch to another USB port on your Mac.
* Try a different USB cable if available.

### ⚙️ Step 2: Use a Powered USB Hub (if needed)

Some Mac models don’t provide enough power to external USB devices directly. A **powered USB hub** can help.

## 🧹 Section 5: Remove Corrupted Printer Files

Sometimes printer preference files become corrupt.

### 🗂️ Delete Printer Preference Files:

1. Open **Finder > Go > Go to Folder**.
2. Type: `~/Library/Printers/` and press Enter.
3. Delete all contents of this folder.
4. Also delete the following files:

* `~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.print.PrintCenter.plist`
* `/Library/Preferences/org.cups.printers.plist`
5. Restart your Mac and try adding the printer again.

## 🛡️ Section 6: Check macOS Security Settings

macOS security and firewall settings can block printer detection.

### 🔒 Firewall Check:

1. Go to **System Settings > Network > Firewall**.
2. If enabled, click **Options**.
3. Ensure the **‘Block all incoming connections’** option is **disabled**.
4. Add exceptions for printer apps or services.

### 🔐 Allow Printer in Privacy Settings:

1. Open **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access**.
2. Ensure your printer management software is enabled.

## 🧪 Section 7: Use Terminal for Advanced Diagnostics

### 📋 List Available Printers via Terminal

1. Open **Terminal**.
2. Type: `lpstat -p -d`
3. This command lists all installed printers and the default printer.

If your printer is missing, it's likely not installed properly.

## 🔁 Section 8: Reinstall Printer Completely

Sometimes the best solution is to remove and reinstall the printer setup.

### 🔄 Remove Printer:

1. Go to **Printers & Scanners** in System Settings.
2. Select the printer and click **‘-’** to remove it.

### ➕ Add Printer Again:

1. Click **‘+’**, wait for the printer to appear.
2. Select and install it.

Use IP printing if discovery fails:

* Choose **IP tab**, and enter the printer’s IP address.
* Use LPD or IPP protocol, depending on what your printer supports.

## ☁️ Section 9: Use iCloud and AirPrint Alternatives

If AirPrint isn't working:

### 💡 Use Apple’s Continuity Features

* With **iCloud syncing**, you can print from iPhone or iPad to your printer if it’s accessible there.

### 🖨️ Third-Party Print Software

Try apps like:

* **Printopia**
* **HandyPrint**
* **Printer Pro**

These apps allow legacy printers to work over Wi-Fi or via shared printing.

## 📞 Toll-Free Support: [phone] (USA)

If these steps don’t resolve your issue, professional help may be needed. Our certified printer support experts can:

* Diagnose macOS-printer compatibility issues
* Set up wireless and USB printers
* Reinstall drivers or printer firmware
* Resolve printer queue and error code problems

📱 **Call now at [phone]** for **free diagnostic support in the USA**.

## 📚 Section 10: Prevent Future ‘Printer Not Found’ Errors

To avoid repeating the issue, follow these best practices:

### ✔️ Keep macOS and Printer Drivers Updated

* Schedule regular software checks for both your Mac and printer.

### ✔️ Use Reliable USB Cables and Network Connections

* Avoid using third-party, non-certified accessories.

### ✔️ Assign Static IP to Wireless Printers

* Prevent IP changes that can break connections.

### ✔️ Avoid Unnecessary macOS Beta Updates

* Beta releases often introduce bugs that break peripheral compatibility.

## 📝 Conclusion

The **‘Printer Not Found’ error on macOS** is frustrating but usually solvable with the right steps. This guide walked you through everything from basic restarts to in-depth Terminal diagnostics, helping you restore your printer’s functionality. Whether your issue is driver-related, network-based, or hardware-specific, you now have a complete toolbox of solutions.

Still facing trouble? Don’t stress.

👉 **Call [phone]** — Toll-Free Printer Support for Mac Users (USA)
Available 24/7 to provide **expert assistance**.