How to Set Up A Wireless Printer on A Mac Computer?

Setting up a wireless printer on a Mac computer is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Make sure your printer is compatible: Check if your printer supports wireless connectivity. Refer to the printer's manual or visit the manufacturer's website to verify compatibility with Mac systems.
2. Connect your printer: Ensure that your printer is plugged in and turned on. Connect it to the wireless network by following the printer's instruction manual or using the built-in display on the printer.
3. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your Mac screen and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
4. Select "Printers & Scanners": In the System Preferences window, locate and click on the "Printers & Scanners" icon.
5. Add a new printer: In the Printers & Scanners window, click on the "+" button located below the list of printers on the left-hand side.
6. Add your printer: A new window will appear. Your Mac will automatically search for available printers on the network. If your printer is detected, select it from the list. If not, click on the "Add Printer or Scanner" option and follow the prompts.
7. Install printer software (if required): Some printers may require specific software or drivers to be installed on your Mac. If prompted, click on "Download and Install" or follow any provided instructions to complete the installation process.
8. Print a test page: Once the printer is added successfully, you can choose to print a test page to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Click on the "Printers & Scanners" icon again, select your printer, and click on the "Print Test Page" button.
9. Print wirelessly: Now that your wireless printer is set up, you can print wirelessly from any application on your Mac. Simply select the print option, choose your wireless printer, configure any desired print settings, and click on "Print."

Remember to keep your printer and Mac connected to the same Wi-Fi network for seamless printing. In case you encounter any issues or need more specific instructions, refer to the printer's manual or consult the manufacturer's customer support.

Best Wireless Printers of 2024

1

Rating is 5 out of 5

Brother HLL2305W Compact Mono Laser Single Function Printer with Wireless and Mobile Device Printing

• Brother HL-L2305W Mono Laser Single Function Printer with Wireless and Mobile Device Printing
• Print more, wait less, get more done. Fast print speed of up to 24 pages per minute delivers increased efficiency so you can print more, wait less and have more time to focus on other things.
• Multiple printing options meet a variety of needs. The generous 250-sheet capacity adjustable paper tray easily handles letter and legal sizes paper and helps improve efficiency with less refills. The manual feed slot offers professional prints on a variety of papers and sizes including card stock, envelopes, and more.
• Mobile printing made simple. Enjoy easy, reliable, wireless printing from your desktop, laptop, smartphone and tablet¹ so you can print from virtually anywhere. This wireless budget-friendly printer is perfect for on-the-go individuals and families allowing them to print from virtually anywhere.
• Flexible connection options let you connect your way. Choose from the built-in wireless network interface to enable sharing with multiple users on your network or connect locally to a single computer via the USB interface.

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2

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black, Medium

• Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing ― High-capacity ink tanks mean no more tiny, expensive ink cartridges; Epson’s exclusive EcoFit ink bottles make filling easy and worry-free
• Dramatic Savings on Replacement Ink ― Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges (1) – that’s enough to print up to 4,500 pages black/7,500 color (2), equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges (3)
• Stress-Free Printing — Up to 2 years of ink in the box (4) – and with every replacement ink set – for fewer out of ink frustrations
• Zero Cartridge Waste – By using an EcoTank printer, you can help reduce the amount of cartridge waste ending up in landfills
• Impressive Print Quality ― Unique Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology produces sharp text – plus impressive color photos and graphics – on virtually any paper type
• Built-in Scanner & Copier ― High-resolution flatbed scanner and a color display for easy document copying and navigation
• Modern Connectivity ― Features wireless, plus hands-free voice-activated printing (5). Easily print from your smart device (6) using AirPrint or the intuitive Epson Smart Panel App (7)
• Designed for Reliability ― Worry-free 2-year limited warranty with registration (8), including full unit replacement
• Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.

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3

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

JADENS Portable Printers Wireless for Travel, Support 8.5" X 11" US Letter, Bluetooth Thermal Printer Compatible with iOS, Android & Laptop, Inkless Mobile Printer for Office, Home, School

• Cost-Effective, Ink-Free Printing: The mobile phone printers offers an economical solution for everyday printing needs, eliminating the need for ink, toner, and ribbons. Print recipes, forms, letters, assignments, study materials, and travel documents hassle-free with advanced thermal technology. Each thermal paper costs only $0.07, resulting in substantial savings of hundreds of dollars per year. Perfect for home, small office, and school use.
• Easy Portability for On-the-Go Printing: Take printing wherever you need it with our mobile bluetooth printer. Whether it's in your car, backpack, or during business trips, JADENS portable printers wireless is your reliable companion for emergency scenarios, contracts, office documents, inventory lists, business checks, shipping labels, boarding passes, and more.
• Effortless Setup via Bluetooth or USB: Our mobile sticker printer easily connects to smart devices with iOS & Android systems via Bluetooth, and also functions as a compact printer for laptops and computers. Setup takes just 5 minutes from unboxing, making it a breeze to get started. (Note: For smartphone printing, please download the app in advance. For laptops, install the driver first.)
• Crisp Printing Quality & Long Battery Life: Experience crystal-clear printing with our portable travel printer, featuring 2 built-in 2600mAh batteries for continuous printing of up to 3 hours and 360 sheets on a single charge. With a remarkable 90 days standby time, this wireless printer is a must-have for businessmen and students on the move.
• Adjustable Paper Sizes & Reliable After-Sale Support: Print documents ranging from 2 to 8.5 inches in size, accommodating various needs. We are committed to providing exceptional after-sale service, offering lifetime tech support via phone and email. Whether you have inquiries before or after using our portable wireless printer, our dedicated team is here to assist you promptly and effectively.

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4

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

HP DeskJet 4155e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, copy, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for home, Instant Ink with HP+,white

• PERFECT FOR HOME – Best for printing basic color documents like recipes, forms and travel documents. Print speeds up to 8.5 pages per minute in black or 5.5 pages per minute in color..Operating temperature range : 41 to 104°F / 5 to 40°C
• KEY FEATURES – Print, copy and scan in color, auto document feeder, mobile fax, mobile and wireless printing
• INCLUDES FREE HP+ SMART FEATURES – Upgrade free to HP+ during setup to get advanced features for mobile printing, security, automatic updates and more. HP+ only works with an HP account, internet connection and Original HP Ink for the life of the printer.
• CONNECTIVITY – Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues. Also includes USB 2.0 port.
• HP SMART APP – Simple, step-by-step guided setup. Print, scan, and copy everyday documents from your phone—from anywhere. Get advanced features with HP+ in the Smart app including mobile fax and advanced scanning features such as multi-item recognition.
• 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED WITH HP+ – Print up to 700 pages a month and get ink delivered only when you need it. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled, and you'll save up to 50% on ink.
• This printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures.

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5

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

HP DeskJet 4133e All-in-One Printer with Bonus 6 Months of Instant Ink,White

• FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Best for home printing, including basic color documents like recipes, forms and travel documents. Print speeds up to 8.5 pages per minute in black or 5.5 pages per minute in color.
• KEY FEATURES – Print, copy and scan in color, auto document feeder, mobile fax, mobile and wireless printing
• INCLUDES FREE HP+ SMART FEATURES – Upgrade free to HP+ during setup to get advanced features for mobile printing, security, automatic updates and more. HP+ only works with an HP account, internet connection and Original HP Ink for the life of the printer
• CONNECTIVITY – Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues. Also includes USB 2.0 port.
• HP SMART APP – Simple, step-by-step guided setup. Print, scan, and copy everyday documents from your phone—from anywhere. Get advanced features with HP+ in the Smart app including mobile fax and advanced scanning features such as multi-item recognition
• 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED WITH HP+ – Print up to 700 pages a month and get ink delivered only when you need it. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled, and you'll save up to 50% on ink.
• This printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures. More at hp.com/learn/ds.

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6

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer with bonus 6 free months Instant Ink with HP+ (1K7K3A), Gray

• Sold as 1 Each.
• KEY FEATURES: Fast color print, copy, scan, fax, two-sided printing, mobile and wireless printing, and an automatic document feeder.
• NEVER RUN OUT OF INK : Enroll in Print Plans built on Instant Ink to get ink
• GET UP TO $150 OF ADDED VALUE WITH HP+: With 6 months of ink delivered by Print Plans built on Instant Ink, an extended 2-year HP warranty, and advanced HP Smart app features . Choose HP+ at printer setup to activate benefits. HP+ requires an HP account, connection to the internet, and exclusive use of Original HP ink cartridges to operate.
• Print up to 700 pages a month free when you activate your trial of Print Plans built on Instant Ink. After 6 months, continue with Print Plans or purchase Original HP 910 ink cartridges. Cancel or change any time.

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7

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer. for Home Use, Print, Scan and Copy, Black

• Wireless 3-in-1: Print | Copy | Scan
• Integrated Ink Tanks - Up to 6,000 pages BW / 7,700 pages Color included!
• Black 11 ipm / Color 6 ipm
• 100-Sheet Rear Tray
• Single-sided Printing
• Print from your favorite mobile devices using the free Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service
• Intuitive, Easy to Use 1.35” Square LCD Screen
• “Keyed Nozzle” Design Only Fits and Fills the Correct Color Ink Tank
• ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver
• Peace of Mind With 1-Year Limited Warranty

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8

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Canon PIXMA TR8620a - All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier|Scanner|Fax|Auto Document Feeder | Photo, Document | Airprint (R), Android, Black, Works with Alexa

• Never run out of ink. Connect your printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low. Alexa can even place a smart reorder from Amazon on your behalf, if you enroll in smart reorders
• Enrolling in Smart Reorders with Alexa ensures that you never have too much or too little ink supplies. No subscription needed.
• Wireless 4-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan | Fax)
• 15 / 10 ipm Print Speed
• 200 Sheet Capacity (100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed)
• Auto 2-Sided Printing
• 1,000 Page Duty Cycle
• Micro SD Slot,ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver
• 1 Year Warranty
• Print with your voice. Just say “Alexa, discover my printer"

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How to check the printer status on a Mac when using wireless printing?

To check the printer status on a Mac when using wireless printing, follow these steps:

1. Open the "System Preferences" on your Mac. You can access it by clicking on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and selecting "System Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
2. In the System Preferences window, find and click on the "Printers & Scanners" option.
3. In the Printers & Scanners window, you will see a list of installed printers on the left side. Select the wireless printer you want to check the status for.
4. Once the printer is selected, you should see its current status next to "Status" on the right side of the window. The status can be something like "Ready" or "Idle."

Additionally, you can click on the "Options & Supplies" button below the list of printers. In the new window that appears, you can navigate to the "Supply Levels" tab to check the ink or toner levels for your wireless printer.

By following these steps, you can easily check the printer status and ink/toner levels on your Mac when using wireless printing.

What is Google Cloud Print and can it be used on a Mac for wireless printing?

Google Cloud Print is a service provided by Google that enables wireless printing from any compatible device to any connected printer, regardless of location. It allows you to print documents and photos securely over the internet.

While Google Cloud Print is compatible with various platforms and devices, including Mac, as of December 31, 2020, Google has announced the end of support for Google Cloud Print. Therefore, it is no longer a viable option for wireless printing on Mac or any other device. Google recommends finding alternative printing solutions for Mac users.

What is the difference between a wired and wireless printer on a Mac?

The difference between a wired and wireless printer on a Mac lies in how they connect to your computer and the network.

Wired Printer:

• A wired printer is connected to your Mac using a physical USB cable.
• The printer needs to be in close proximity to your Mac, as the cable has a limited length.
• It directly communicates with your computer and requires a specific USB port on your Mac.
• No additional setup is required apart from connecting the USB cable.
• It can be more reliable and faster than wireless printing since the connection is direct.

Wireless Printer:

• A wireless printer can connect to your Mac over a Wi-Fi network.
• It offers the flexibility to place the printer anywhere within the Wi-Fi range.
• You need to set up the printer to connect to your Wi-Fi network, either by entering the network details on the printer's control panel or using a setup software.
• Once connected, your Mac can discover and print to the wireless printer without any physical connection.
• It allows multiple devices within the same network to print wirelessly, such as laptops, smartphones, or other computers.
• Wireless printing may be slower compared to a wired connection, depending on the network speed and distance between devices.

In summary, the main difference between a wired and wireless printer on a Mac is in the way they connect to your computer and the network – wired printers use a USB cable for direct connection, while wireless printers connect over Wi-Fi without physical cables.

What are the security considerations for setting up a wireless printer on a Mac?

When setting up a wireless printer on a Mac, there are several security considerations to keep in mind:

1. Secure your wireless network: Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is properly secured with a strong, unique password and using encryption like WPA2. This will prevent unauthorized access to your network, including your printer.
2. Enable printer security features: Most wireless printers come with security features such as built-in firewalls and encryption. Ensure that these features are enabled to protect your printer from external threats.
3. Update printer firmware: Regularly check for and install firmware updates for your printer. Manufacturers release updates to fix vulnerabilities and address security issues. Keep your printer firmware up to date to ensure it has the latest security patches.
4. Use a strong password: When configuring the printer settings, set a strong and unique password. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords to prevent unauthorized access to your printer's administration interface.
5. Disable unnecessary services: Some printers may have additional services enabled by default, such as remote printing or cloud connectivity. Disable any services you don't require to minimize potential attack vectors.
6. Separate guest network: If your home network has a guest network feature, consider connecting your wireless printer to it. This helps isolate your printer from your primary network, limiting access and potential threats from devices on the guest network.
7. Firewall configuration: Check your Mac's firewall settings and configure them to allow necessary printer connections while blocking unauthorized access attempts.
8. Printer sharing permissions: If you are planning to share your printer with other devices or users on your network, be cautious in granting the appropriate access permissions. Restrict printer access to trusted devices and users only.
9. Printer placement: Place your wireless printer in a secure location within your home or office to prevent physical access by unauthorized individuals.
10. Secure print jobs: If you frequently print sensitive or confidential documents, consider enabling secure printing features provided by your printer. This ensures the documents are not printed until you enter a PIN or authentication code directly on the printer.

By following these security considerations, you can protect your wireless printer and maintain the integrity of your network when using it on a Mac.

How to enable or disable printer sharing on a Mac for wireless printing?

To enable or disable printer sharing on a Mac for wireless printing, follow these steps:

1. Connect your printer to your Mac using a USB cable or ensure that it is connected to your local network.
2. Open the Apple menu by clicking on the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the screen and select "System Preferences".
3. In the System Preferences window, click on the "Printers & Scanners" option.
4. Make sure your printer is listed on the left-hand side of the Printers & Scanners window. If it is not listed, click on the "+" button and select your printer from the available options.
5. Once your printer is listed, select it from the left-hand side and check the box next to "Share this printer on the network."
6. If you want to password-protect your shared printer, click on the "Sharing Preferences" button below the list of printers.
7. In the Sharing Preferences window, check the box next to "Printer Sharing" and then select which users or groups are allowed to print to your shared printer.

To disable printer sharing, simply uncheck the "Share this printer on the network" option or if you have password-protected sharing, uncheck the "Printer Sharing" option in the Sharing Preferences window.

Note: Make sure that all devices that need to access the printer are connected to the same local network in order to wirelessly print.

How to share a wireless printer between multiple Mac computers?

To share a wireless printer between multiple Mac computers, you can follow these steps:

1. Ensure that your wireless printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Refer to your printer's manual on how to connect it to your network.
2. On the Mac that is directly connected to the printer (the one that will act as the printer host), go to "System Preferences" from the Apple menu.
3. In the "System Preferences" window, click on "Printers & Scanners".
4. Click on the "+" button to add a new printer.
5. If your printer appears in the list of available printers, select it and click on "Add". If your printer does not appear, click on "IP" at the top of the window.
6. Enter the IP address of your printer in the "Address" field. You can find the IP address by printing a network configuration page from your printer or checking your router's settings.
7. The "Protocol" field should typically be set to "Line Printer Daemon - LPD". If it's not, select LPD from the drop-down menu.
8. In the "Queue" field, enter the name of the printer queue as given by the printer manufacturer or set by yourself during the setup process.
9. In the "Use" field, select the appropriate printer software for your printer from the list. You can usually find the correct driver software from the printer manufacturer's website.
10. Click on "Add" to add the printer.
11. On the other Mac computers, go to "System Preferences" and then to "Printers & Scanners" as before.
12. Click on "+" to add a new printer.
13. In the list of available printers, select the printer that is already connected to the network (hosted by the Mac computer you previously set up).
14. Click on "Add".
15. The printer should now be added to the printer list on each Mac computer, allowing you to print wirelessly from any of them.

Note: Make sure the Mac computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer for successful printing.