# [phone] Troubleshooting Printer Connectivity Problems on macOS Big Sur

Printer connectivity problems on macOS Big Sur can be extremely frustrating, especially when you're working under tight deadlines or trying to print essential documents. Apple’s Big Sur update brought several new features, but it also introduced compatibility and connectivity issues for many users with both USB and network printers. If your printer is not working or connecting properly on macOS Big Sur, don’t worry — this guide will walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to get your printer back online.

> 💡 **Need Expert Help Fast? Call Our Toll-Free Printer Support Helpline at [phone] (Available 24/7 in the USA)**

## Table of Contents

1. [Understanding Printer Connectivity Issues on macOS Big Sur](#section1)
2. [Common Printer Connection Problems](#section2)
3. [Initial Checklist Before Troubleshooting](#section3)
4. [Fixing USB Printer Connectivity Issues](#section4)
5. [Fixing Wireless Printer Connectivity Problems](#section5)
6. [Fixing Network Printer Issues](#section6)
7. [Resetting the Printing System](#section7)
8. [Updating Printer Drivers and Firmware](#section8)
9. [Using AirPrint on macOS Big Sur](#section9)
10. [Fixing “Printer Not Responding” Error](#section10)
11. [Contacting Apple or Manufacturer Support](#section11)
12. [Conclusion and Support Contact Info](#section12)

## 1. Understanding Printer Connectivity Issues on macOS Big Sur

macOS Big Sur introduced many architectural changes that improved performance and security. Unfortunately, this also impacted compatibility with older printer drivers and software. Some of the most common problems users face include:

* Printer not recognized by macOS
* “Printer offline” or “not responding” errors
* Wi-Fi or AirPrint printers not appearing in the printer list
* Jobs stuck in the print queue
* Incomplete or garbled printouts

Understanding the root cause is key to resolving connectivity issues. Most printer problems can be traced back to outdated drivers, network misconfigurations, or macOS system changes.

## 2. Common Printer Connection Problems

Here are the typical issues users report after upgrading to macOS Big Sur:

* ❌ USB printer not detected
* ❌ Wireless printer not showing in printer list
* ❌ “Unable to connect to printer” messages
* ❌ Printer stuck in idle or offline mode
* ❌ macOS shows “Filter Failed” when printing
* ❌ Printer driver missing or incompatible
* ❌ AirPrint not functioning

If you’re experiencing any of the above, follow the step-by-step guide below.

## 3. Initial Checklist Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into detailed solutions, go through this quick checklist:

✔ Restart your Mac and printer
✔ Ensure your printer is powered on and not in error state
✔ Check USB cable or wireless connection
✔ Ensure both your Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network
✔ Check for firmware or macOS updates
✔ Disconnect and reconnect all physical connections

If you’ve completed the above and still face issues, continue to the next section.

## 4. Fixing USB Printer Connectivity Issues

USB printers are typically easier to set up, but they can still run into problems.

### Step 1: Check USB Port and Cable

* Try plugging the printer into a different USB port
* Use a different USB cable
* Avoid USB hubs — connect the printer directly to the Mac

### Step 2: Check System Information

Go to **Apple Menu > About This Mac > System Report > USB**
See if the printer is listed under the USB tree. If not, it may be a hardware or driver issue.

### Step 3: Re-add the Printer

1. Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**
2. Select your printer and click the minus **(-)** button to remove it
3. Click the plus **(+)** button and add the printer again

### Step 4: Use Generic Drivers

If your printer driver doesn’t work, try using the “Generic PCL” or “Generic PostScript” option.

> 📞 Still having trouble? Call our printer support team at [phone] for quick diagnosis.

## 5. Fixing Wireless Printer Connectivity Problems

Wireless printers are prone to disconnects and network drops, especially with macOS Big Sur.

### Step 1: Restart Devices

* Turn off your printer, router, and Mac
* Wait for 60 seconds and power them back on

### Step 2: Ensure Same Wi-Fi Network

Make sure both your Mac and printer are connected to the **same** Wi-Fi network. Some routers broadcast 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands separately — check your connection.

### Step 3: Reset Printer Network Settings

Use the printer’s control panel to reset wireless settings and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

### Step 4: Use Printer IP Address

1. Find the printer’s IP from its display panel
2. Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**
3. Click the **+** sign
4. Choose **IP** tab
5. Enter the printer’s IP address and protocol (usually “IPP”)

## 6. Fixing Network Printer Issues

Network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) printers can become unresponsive due to IP conflicts or driver problems.

### Step 1: Ping the Printer

1. Open Terminal
2. Type: `ping [printer IP address]`
3. If it responds, the printer is online. If not, it’s a network issue.

### Step 2: Assign Static IP

Assign a static IP to your printer from your router settings to avoid IP address changes.

### Step 3: Remove and Re-add Printer

Use the **IP address method** (see Section 5) rather than relying on Bonjour auto-discovery.

## 7. Resetting the Printing System

This powerful reset can clear corrupted settings:

1. Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**
2. Right-click on the printer list
3. Choose **Reset Printing System**
4. Reboot and re-add your printer

**Note:** This deletes all printers and scanners from your system.

## 8. Updating Printer Drivers and Firmware

macOS Big Sur dropped support for many legacy drivers. Apple now prefers AirPrint-compatible devices.

### Step 1: Check Manufacturer Website

Visit your printer brand's website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.) and look for Big Sur-compatible drivers.

### Step 2: Use AirPrint

If available, use AirPrint as the driver option when adding your printer.

### Step 3: Install Drivers via Apple

Go to: **[https://support.apple.com/downloads](https://support.apple.com/downloads)** and search for printer drivers for your brand.

## 9. Using AirPrint on macOS Big Sur

AirPrint is Apple's preferred printing method and works with most modern printers.

### Steps to Use AirPrint:

1. Remove the existing printer from Printers & Scanners
2. Re-add the printer, and choose **Use: AirPrint** in the setup dialog
3. Test with a sample print job

If AirPrint doesn't show up, the printer may not be supported.

> Need help setting up AirPrint? Call [phone] to speak with a specialist.

## 10. Fixing “Printer Not Responding” Error

This is one of the most common errors on Big Sur.

### Fix 1: Restart Print Spooler

1. Open **Terminal**
2. Run: `sudo launchctl stop org.cups.cupsd`
3. Then: `sudo launchctl start org.cups.cupsd`

### Fix 2: Delete CUPS Configuration

1. Navigate to `/etc/cups`
2. Backup then delete the `printers.conf` file
3. Restart your Mac and re-add printer

### Fix 3: Check for Permissions

1. Go to **System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy**
2. Ensure your printer software has full disk access or necessary permissions

## 11. Contacting Apple or Manufacturer Support

If nothing works, it may be a compatibility issue. You can:

* Call Apple Support
* Contact your printer’s manufacturer
* Use the **Printer Diagnostic Tool** (if available for your brand)

Or, save yourself the hassle and call our **printer connectivity experts** at:

> 📞 **Toll-Free USA Helpline: [phone]**
> Available 24/7 for HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, and more

## 12. Conclusion and Support Contact Info

Printer connectivity issues on macOS Big Sur can stem from multiple causes, including outdated drivers, broken network connections, or changes introduced by macOS. The good news? Most of these problems can be resolved with structured troubleshooting, as outlined in this guide.

Whether your printer won’t connect, shows up as offline, or simply doesn’t respond, there’s a solution. Start with the basics, update everything, and if you’re still stuck — don’t waste time.

> **☎️ Call Toll-Free [phone] to speak with a U.S.-based printer expert right now.**
> Our team handles HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, and all major printer brands on macOS Big Sur and beyond.