Get the right printer software on your Mac

Why it happens

Your Mac needs to know how to talk to your printer. Printers made in the last several years usually support AirPrint, which is built into macOS. Older printers need software from the maker, and if the Mac can't find it, it asks for a driver or picks one that doesn't quite work.

How to fix it

1. Check whether your printer supports AirPrint. It says so on the box, in the manual or on the maker's website.

2. Open System Settings and click Printers & Scanners. Remove your printer so you can add it fresh: on macOS 26, select it, click the minus button and confirm. On macOS 27, select the printer and choose Remove Printer… (Control-click it if you don't see it), then click Remove Printer to confirm.

   Printers & Scanners

3. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, and select your printer in the list.

   Printers & Scanners

4. In the Use menu, choose AirPrint if it's offered, then click Add.

   Printers & Scanners

5. If AirPrint isn't there, download the latest macOS software for your exact model from the printer maker's website and install it. Then add the printer again and choose the maker's software in the Use menu.

6. Print a test page to check it works.

Still not fixed?

1. If there's no Mac software for your model, try Generic PostScript Printer or Generic PCL Printer in the Use menu. Basic printing usually works, though extras such as ink levels may not.

2. If you see 'the software isn't currently available from the Software Update server', your Mac can't download that driver itself. Get it from the printer maker instead.

3. If printing stops with 'filter failed', remove the printer and add it again with AirPrint, or reinstall the maker's latest software.

4. For a network printer that doesn't show in the list, add it by its IP address. Click the IP tab in Add Printer, type the address and choose AirPrint or IPP.

5. If the printer still won't work, contact the printer maker's support. If no printer works on your Mac, contact Apple Support.