HP printers are the most popular devices for their reliability and are widely used in the printing industry. You can use a printer with a Mac for several reasons. Still, one of the most important benefits is the AirPrint feature in macOS, which allows you to print without downloading and installing printer drivers on the system.
If you've recently purchased a printer or need to connect an existing one to your Mac, the process is typically straightforward. With macOS's built-in support for many printers, including HP printer models, setting up a printer should be a very easy process for you. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand 'How to Add HP Printer to Mac'.
Steps to Download HP Printer Driver on Your Computer
Before you move into the steps for connecting your printer to your Mac, you need to download a printer driver onto your computer. It is important to know that you need compatible and correct software to make sure your printer runs smoothly. Here is how you can download a driver:
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On your PC, go to an internet browser and search for HP customer support.
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Here, you have to click on the Software and Drivers tab.
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In the search field, enter your name and the printer model number and hit Enter.
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You will get various driver options; choose one that is compatible with the printer and hit the Download option.
3 Ways to Connect HP Printer to Your Mac
Whether you're using a wired (USB) or wireless connection, macOS usually handles the driver installation automatically, making the process user-friendly. Now, let's walk through how to add HP printer to Mac:
Method 1: Using a USB Cable
This method is one of the most common and easy among all the methods that you can use to connect a printer to a Mac.
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First, locate and open an available USB port on your Mac.
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Open the Mac, go to the browser, visit https://123.hp.com/setup on the website, enter the model number, and search for it.
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Hit the Install HP Smart to download the app from the store.
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Open the app and perform the steps displayed on your screen to set up the printer.
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If the printer does not appear during setup, click the + sign to add it manually.
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Once the printer setup is complete, you can start printing.
Method 2: Through a Wi-Fi Network
If your printer supports wireless printing, then complete the easy steps below to learn "how to setup your printer on a Mac wireless":
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On the printer's control panel, go to the Wireless Setup Wizard or Network Setup.
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Choose the Wi-Fi network from the list and input the password.
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Open System Settings or System Preferences, then hit Printers & Scanners.
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Afterward, press the + button to add a new printer.
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Choose your printer from the list of available options. Click on Add Install Printer Software.
Method 3: With the HP Smart App
With the above two methods, you now know how to add a printer to your Mac. But there is another way to add the printer. The HP Smart app is a free software that allows you to print, scan, and share files and set the printer. So, read the below steps to do so:
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To get started, navigate to the App Store on your device and search for the HP Smart app in the search field.
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Then, hit the Download option to get the app.
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Now, create or sign in to the HP account.
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Open the app and hit the Add Printer option to add your printer.
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Complete the installation process, and after setup, you can print directly from your Mac.
Note: If your printer does not support AirPrint, use Spotlight to search for your device and select the Printers and Scanners option to add it. And make sure that your Mac computer is up to date and has the new software.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With HP Printer on Mac
Even after following the steps for how to add HP printer to Mac you might face a few challenges, which you can solve with these troubleshooting tips below:
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Double-check the connection and make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Mac.
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When using a USB cable, make sure it is properly connected.
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You can restart the router and printer to refresh the connection.
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Verify whether your printer supports AirPrint.
Summary
After reading this blog, you must have understood how to add HP printer to Mac. With the above easy methods, you can easily connect your printer to a Mac and take advantage of printing anything easily, be it documents or photos. Also, you can print wirelessly using the AirPrint feature, which makes the printing and scanning process even easier.
Now, it is up to you which method you are going to use to add your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To add your printer to your Mac, follow the below steps:
Open your Mac, then choose the menu and hit System Settings.
Then, click Printers and Scanners in the sidebar.
After that, choose the printer on the right.
If your printer is not listed, hit Add Printers and Scanners and add the printer.
There can be several reasons your printer does not respond to your Mac. These can include issues with the hardware or software or when your device is not connected to a power source. The printer can also fail when your device, like the computer and printer, is not connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Yes, you can add your device to a Mac with the HP Smart app. First, get the app from the Mac app store and create or log in to your account if you already have one. Then, enable the Bluetooth option on the Mac. Connect the printer to the same network, press the + sign to add the printer, and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup process.
