Mac OS · macOS

Fix a Printer Not Working on Mac

Source-checked About 10 minutes

Answer

Check power, paper, ink, network or USB connectivity, resume the queue, update printer software, then remove and add the printer again.

Guide steps4 steps
  1. Check the printer first
  2. Clear the queue
  3. Update and reconnect
  4. Reset only as a last resort
  5. If it still does not work

Check the printer first

Resolve paper, ink, cover, or device error lights and confirm the Mac and printer use the same network or a working USB cable.

Clear the queue

Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, open the print queue, resume paused jobs, and delete only stuck jobs.

Update and reconnect

Install macOS updates and printer firmware, restart both devices, then remove and add the printer again.

Reset only as a last resort

Resetting the printing system removes all printers and presets; use it only after simpler checks.

Video walkthrough

If it does not work

  • If “Fix a Printer Not Working on Mac” remains unresolved, identify the first numbered step that produces a different result and preserve that screen, file, log, or message. Recheck the specific account, permission, storage, connection, source-media, or hardware prerequisite above, then follow only the matching Apple Support recovery path; do not combine unrelated resets, bypasses, unofficial installers, or third-party repair tools.
Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.

Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.

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