# [phone] How to Fix Printer Not Detected on Mac After Update

After updating macOS, many users face a common and frustrating issue: their Mac no longer detects their printer. This issue can stem from changes in system settings, incompatible drivers, broken connections, or macOS security restrictions. If you’re experiencing this problem, don’t panic—this comprehensive 3000-word guide will walk you through all the solutions. For immediate technical assistance, call the toll-free support number **[phone]** (USA).

## 📌 Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Common Causes of Printer Not Being Detected
3. Preliminary Checks
4. Method 1: Check for macOS and Printer Compatibility
5. Method 2: Reconnect the Printer
6. Method 3: Reset the Printing System
7. Method 4: Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
8. Method 5: Add Printer Manually
9. Method 6: Fix USB and Network Issues
10. Method 7: Allow Third-party Printer Permissions
11. Method 8: Use AirPrint or Generic Drivers
12. Method 9: Delete Configuration Files
13. Method 10: Run macOS Troubleshooting Tools
14. Preventive Tips After macOS Update
15. Conclusion and Support Info

## 🖨️ Introduction

Apple’s macOS is known for stability and a user-friendly interface, but like any system, it isn’t immune to problems. After updates (e.g., Ventura, Sonoma, Monterey, etc.), it’s not uncommon for peripherals like printers to stop working. This guide helps Mac users resolve the “Printer Not Detected” issue using proven fixes.

## 🛠️ Common Causes of Printer Not Being Detected After macOS Update

Understanding what causes the issue is the first step toward fixing it:

* **Outdated or incompatible printer drivers**
* **macOS update resets settings or permissions**
* **USB or wireless connectivity changes**
* **Corrupted system configuration files**
* **Blocked third-party software**
* **AirPrint misconfiguration**
* **Incorrect printer sharing settings**

## ✅ Preliminary Checks

Before diving into detailed methods, perform these simple checks:

1. **Restart your Mac and Printer**
2. **Check cables and power**
3. **Make sure the printer is turned on**
4. **Try another USB port or cable**
5. **Verify printer appears on another Mac or PC**

If your printer works elsewhere, the issue lies with your Mac’s configuration.

## 🧰 Method 1: Check for macOS and Printer Compatibility

Apple often drops support for older printers or drivers. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.).
2. Search for your printer model.
3. Look under **"Drivers & Downloads"** for macOS versions.
4. Check if your macOS version is supported.
5. Download the latest driver or utility.

**Tip:** If your printer doesn’t officially support the latest macOS, use **AirPrint** (see Method 8).

## 🔌 Method 2: Reconnect the Printer

Unplug and reconnect:

1. **USB Printer:**

* Disconnect USB cable.
* Wait 10 seconds.
* Reconnect and check **System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.

2. **Wi-Fi Printer:**

* Reconnect printer to Wi-Fi.
* Print a **Network Configuration Page** from printer.
* On Mac, go to **System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer**.
* See if it appears.

3. **Ethernet Printer:**

* Ensure it is on the same network as the Mac.
* Ping the IP address to verify visibility.

## 🧹 Method 3: Reset the Printing System

This resets all printers and scanners:

1. Open **System Settings** (or **System Preferences** in older macOS).
2. Click **Printers & Scanners**.
3. Right-click in the printer list or hold **Control + Click**.
4. Select **"Reset printing system..."**.
5. Confirm the reset.
6. Restart your Mac and add the printer again.

## 🔄 Method 4: Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers

macOS updates often require new drivers:

1. Visit your printer’s manufacturer support site.
2. Download the **latest driver** for your printer and macOS version.
3. Uninstall the old printer software:

* Go to **Applications > Printer Folder > Uninstaller**
4. Reinstall the new driver.
5. Reboot the system.
6. Add printer again via **System Settings**.

## ➕ Method 5: Add Printer Manually

Sometimes printers won’t show up automatically:

1. Go to **System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Click **“+” (Add Printer)**.
3. Select the printer from the list OR choose **IP tab**.
4. Enter the printer’s IP address (find it from printer control panel).
5. Choose appropriate driver or **Generic PostScript**.
6. Click **Add**.

## 🌐 Method 6: Fix USB and Network Issues

1. **Check USB cable or try another one.**
2. **Use another USB port.**
3. **For wireless printers:**

* Reconnect printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
* Restart your router.
* Check signal strength near the printer.
* Use Ethernet if wireless fails.

## 🔒 Method 7: Allow Third-party Printer Permissions

macOS may block third-party kernel extensions (KEXTs) needed by some printers.

1. Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security**.
2. Scroll to the **Security section**.
3. Click **“Allow”** next to any blocked software (e.g., Canon, Epson).
4. Restart Mac.
5. Reinstall the printer software if needed.

## ☁️ Method 8: Use AirPrint or Generic Drivers

Apple supports **AirPrint**—a driverless solution:

1. Open **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Add the printer manually.
3. In the **Use** drop-down, select **AirPrint** or **Generic PostScript Printer**.
4. Click **Add**.

**Note:** Not all features (e.g., scanning) may be available via AirPrint.

## 📁 Method 9: Delete Configuration Files

Corrupt configuration files can block detection:

1. Go to **Finder > Go > Go to Folder**.
2. Type: `/Library/Printers/`
3. Delete the folder named after your printer manufacturer.
4. Next, go to: `/Library/Preferences/`
5. Delete: `com.apple.print.*.plist` files.
6. Empty the Trash and restart your Mac.

Now, try adding the printer again.

## 🧪 Method 10: Run macOS Troubleshooting Tools

Use macOS’s built-in diagnostics:

1. Open **System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select the printer and click **Options & Supplies**.
3. Check for error messages.
4. Open **Console app** (Applications > Utilities > Console).
5. Filter logs with "printer" to find related issues.

Also, try **Apple Diagnostics**:

* Restart Mac while holding **D**.
* Run the hardware test for USB or Wi-Fi interface issues.

## 🧠 Preventive Tips After macOS Update

To avoid future issues:

1. **Wait before upgrading macOS** until your printer’s driver supports it.
2. **Back up system settings** before updating.
3. Regularly **check for firmware updates** on your printer.
4. Keep your **printer connected during macOS updates**, especially if via USB.
5. Periodically clean out **old drivers or printer queues**.

## 📞 Need Help? Call Printer Support [phone] (USA)

If you’re still unable to fix the problem after trying all of the above:

**Call the toll-free technical support line: [phone]**

Get help with:

* Printer driver installations
* Remote troubleshooting
* Firmware and compatibility support
* Network configuration
* Resetting macOS printing system
* AirPrint setup and alternatives

Our trained professionals are available 24/7 to assist all major brands like **HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, Lexmark, Xerox**, and more.

## 🧾 Conclusion

Printers not being detected on Mac after an update can be frustrating, but the problem is usually solvable with the right steps. This guide has outlined **10 effective methods** to restore functionality, whether your issue is driver-related, connectivity-based, or a system misconfiguration.

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get your printer recognized, don’t hesitate to call our expert printer support at **[phone]**.

Your printer should just work—let’s get it there together.

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. The toll-free number [phone] is a printer support helpline for USA-based users needing additional technical assistance.*