Your scanner or scan button doesn't work on your Mac

Why it happens

Your Mac scans through the same connection it prints through, so a scanner goes missing when the printer drops off the network or the cable is loose. A printer added before its scanner was ready may print fine and still not show the scanner. The scan button on the printer itself usually needs the maker's own app.

How to fix it

1. Open Image Capture. It's in your Applications folder, or press Command-Space and type Image Capture.

   Image Capture

2. Look in the sidebar for your scanner or all-in-one printer. Click it, check the preview appears, then click Scan.

3. Not in the sidebar? Make sure the printer is on and on the same Wi-Fi as your Mac, or plugged straight into the Mac with its USB cable.

4. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the printer and choose Remove Printer. Then click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax and add it again so your Mac picks up the scanner too.

   Printers & Scanners

5. Try scanning from Printers & Scanners: click the printer, click Open Scanner, then click Scan.

   Printers & Scanners

Still not fixed?

1. If the scan button on the printer does nothing, the printer is looking for its maker's app on your Mac. Install the maker's latest Mac software, or start scans from Image Capture on the Mac instead.

2. If the maker's app can't find the scanner, give it Local Network access in Privacy & Security, then reopen it.

   Privacy & Security›Local Network

3. Restart the printer, then your Mac, and check Image Capture again.

4. If the scanner works from another computer but never shows on this Mac, contact Apple Support. If it fails everywhere, contact the printer maker or a repair shop, as the scanner itself may be faulty.