Printer Showing Offline on Mac? Causes & Easy Fixes

macOS is generally excellent at detecting and setting up printers, but connectivity issues do happen — especially with network printers, older models, or when AirPrint isn’t working as expected. This guide covers all common Mac printer connectivity problems and their solutions.

Method 1: Add a Printer via System Settings

The most straightforward way to connect a printer on macOS.

For macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia:

Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Click the + (Add) button
macOS will search for available printers
Select your printer from the list
Click Add

For macOS Monterey and Earlier:

Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
Click the + button
Select your printer from the list
Click Add

:::info[About AirPrint] Most modern printers support AirPrint, Apple’s built-in printing technology. If your printer supports AirPrint, macOS will add it automatically without needing to download drivers. Look for “AirPrint” in the “Use” or “Kind” field when adding the printer. :::

Problem: Printer Not Found by Mac

If your Mac can’t detect the printer, try these steps in order.

Check 1: Verify the Connection

For USB Printers:

Use a different USB cable — damaged cables are a frequent cause
Try a different USB port — prefer ports directly on the Mac, not through a hub
If using a USB-C to USB-A adapter, make sure it’s an Apple-certified or high-quality adapter
Check that the printer is powered on

For Wireless Printers:

Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac
Print a network configuration page from the printer to verify its IP address
Make sure the printer’s Wi-Fi light is solid (not flashing)

Check 2: Add the Printer by IP Address

If the printer doesn’t appear automatically, add it manually by IP address:

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Click the + button
Click the IP tab (or globe icon)
Enter the printer’s IP address (from the network configuration page)
Set the Protocol to IPP (Internet Printing Protocol)
Set the Queue to leave blank or “ipp/print”
Set Use to AirPrint if available, or Generic PostScript Printer as fallback
Click Add

Check 3: Restart Everything

Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on
Restart your Mac (Apple Menu > Restart)
Restart your Wi-Fi router — unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in
Wait for everything to reconnect, then try adding the printer again

Problem: “Driver Not Available” on Mac

macOS uses AirPrint drivers for most printers, but some older or specialized models need manufacturer drivers.

Solution 1: Install Manufacturer Drivers

Visit your printer manufacturer’s official support website
Enter your printer model number
Download the macOS driver package
Run the installer
Restart your Mac
Go to Printers & Scanners and add the printer — it should now use the manufacturer’s driver

Solution 2: Use a Generic Driver

If manufacturer drivers aren’t available for your macOS version:

Go to Printers & Scanners > click +
Select your printer
In the Use dropdown, change from “AirPrint” to:
- Generic PostScript Printer — for laser printers
- Generic PCL Printer — for some HP laser printers
- Generic PCL Laser Printer — another option for laser printers
Click Add
Test print — basic printing should work, but advanced features may be unavailable

Solution 3: Reset the Printing System

If drivers are corrupted, resetting the printing system can help:

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Right-click (or Control-click) on any printer in the list
Select Reset printing system… from the context menu
Click Reset to confirm — this removes all printers and resets the print system
Restart your Mac
Add your printer again from scratch

:::warning[Note] Resetting the printing system removes ALL printers, print queues, and custom settings. You’ll need to re-add every printer you use. This is a safe operation but requires reconfiguration afterward. :::

Problem: Printer Shows “Offline” on Mac

Fix 1: Check the Print Queue

Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Click your printer
Click Print Queue (or “Open Print Queue”)
If there are stuck jobs, select them and click the Delete (X) button
If the queue is paused, click Resume or the Play button

Fix 2: Delete and Re-add the Printer

Go to Printers & Scanners
Select your printer and click the - (minus) button to remove it
Restart your Mac
Click + to add the printer again

Fix 3: Check the Printer’s IP Address

For network printers, the IP address may have changed:

Print a network configuration page from the printer
Compare the IP address with what’s stored on your Mac
If different, delete the printer and re-add it using the new IP address
Consider setting a static IP on the printer through your router

Problem: Can Print but Can’t Scan

If printing works but scanning doesn’t:

For AirPrint Scanners:

Open Preview > File > Import from Scanner > Your Printer
Or open System Settings > Printers & Scanners > your printer > Scan tab

For Non-AirPrint Scanners:

Download the manufacturer’s scan utility from their website:
- HP: HP Smart
- Canon: Canon IJ Scan Utility
- Epson: Epson Scan 2
- Brother: Brother iPrint&Scan
Install and open the utility
Select your scanner and scan

If Scanner Not Found:

Make sure the printer is connected and powered on
Try connecting via USB instead of Wi-Fi for scanning
Reset the printing system (see above)
Check if the scanner driver is installed (manufacturer’s software)

Problem: Print Jobs Get Stuck in Queue

Fix 1: Cancel All Jobs and Restart

Go to Printers & Scanners > your printer > Print Queue
Select all jobs and delete them
Click the Pause button, then Resume to restart the queue

Fix 2: Clear the Spooler Manually

Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
```
cancel -a
sudo killall cupsd
```
Enter your Mac password when prompted
The printing system will restart automatically
Try printing again

Problem: Wi-Fi Printer Keeps Disconnecting

Fix 1: Set a Static IP

Print a network configuration page to get the printer’s current IP and MAC address
Log into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser)
Find the DHCP reservation or static IP section
Assign a permanent IP address to your printer’s MAC address
Save the settings and restart the router

Fix 2: Update Printer Firmware

Check for firmware updates through the manufacturer’s app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, etc.)
Or visit the manufacturer’s support website for manual firmware updates

Fix 3: Improve Wi-Fi Signal

Move the printer closer to the router
Remove obstacles between the printer and router
Consider a Wi-Fi range extender

Tips for Reliable Mac Printing

Prefer AirPrint-compatible printers when buying new — they work seamlessly with macOS
Keep macOS updated — Apple regularly improves printer compatibility
Install manufacturer software for features like ink level monitoring and scanning
Use static IP addresses for network printers to prevent connection issues
Connect via USB for setup if Wi-Fi setup fails, then switch to wireless later
Reset the printing system as a last resort — it fixes most stubborn issues

:::disclaimer[Disclaimer] This article is provided for informational purposes only. Solve Tech Problems Online is an independent blog and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Apple Inc. or any printer manufacturer. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. The steps above are general recommendations and may vary by macOS version and printer model. Always consult your printer’s official documentation or contact Apple/manufacturer support for specific guidance. We are not responsible for any damage or data loss resulting from the use of this information. :::

#Mac#macOS#printer connectivity#USB printer#wireless printer#Mac troubleshooting

How to Fix Common Printer Connectivity Issues on Mac