Printing on macOS® and iOS®
“Have you checked the cables?”
“Did you turn it off and on again?”
These are the two most frequent (and exasperated) questions IT professionals ask users on a daily basis. Sometimes, several times a day. And they’re usually about printing.
Why is it so hard to get printers to work correctly? It’s not rocket science. Even though most modern printers have more on-board memory than the spaceship that put mankind on the moon.
Here at Pacifitec, there is no exasperation because we know that it’s actually really confusing for the non-expert to set up and maintain printer connectivity in the home office, while traveling, or at school what with all the WiFi connections, varying protocols, and downright incomprehensible interfaces that seemingly change on a daily basis.
It’s as if every printer company intentionally makes their ink, their apps, and their interfaces proprietary just to lock you into their wonky ecosystems once you (finally) have everything set up just so!
So how do you do it? Like actually set up a printer?
Assuming you’ve already followed the unpacking and physical set-up instructions including adding ink/toner and paper and everything is ready to connect, including cables and power, here are two step-by-steps for desktop and mobile:
macOS (iMac, MacBooks including Pro & Air, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro)
Go to System Preferences on your macOS device and see if it’s already added under Printers & Scanners. If it’s there and the light is green, then select it and you’re ready to print!
If it’s not automatically detected by AirPrint, then make sure you’ve downloaded the proper updates from your manufacturer. This may require you to navigate to a separate website to look for specific drivers via their support pages. It may also be appropriate at this time to download their macOS apps so you can more thoroughly manage your hardware beyond just printing as some devices are also scanners (and even still fax machines).
If you are setting up an AirPrint-capable printer via WiFi connection, then you must make sure both the printer and computer are logged into the same WiFi network. If the devices are on the same network, you should see the desired printer populate the list within 60 seconds or so. If you can print at this stage, then you’re done!
If you have no WiFi connectivity, then connect the appropriate cable (which may or may not be included from the manufacturer) from the printer to the computer if you wish to temporarily or permanently establish a wired connection; these cables come in a variety of configurations and may require adapters, dongles, or hubs depending on your hardware. Your printer should populate this list within moments. If so, and the green indicator light is on in the printer list window, then you may attempt printing.
When the printer shows up in the list at the left of the window you may also select it for configuration prior to printing. For example, you can rename it, create presets, and other customizations.
If you still don’t see it, then click the “+” button on the printer window list and manually add the printer at this time following the manufacturers troubleshooting steps which may or may not utilize their apps or other drivers and downloads.
If after all that you still do not see your printer, then you may need Pacifitec support. Good thing we’re always here for you 24/7/365.
iOS (iPhone, iPad, and other mobile AirPrint-ready devices)
Confirm both your already-set-up printer and mobile device are logged into the same WiFi network. AirPrint will not work if they both are not on the same network.
Go to the app you wish to print from on your mobile device and select its sharing button. It can be either an arrow, a sharebox, or a dot-menu. A menu of options will appear. Scroll down the menu until you find the print option with the printer icon next to it. NOTE: not all apps support AirPrint via WiFi, but most Apple native apps do including Safari, Photos, Mail and more.
Select the printer from the list, then select quantity of pages, copies, etc, and tap “Print”, usually at the top right corner. If you successfully print, then you’re done!
If you are setting up an non-AirPrint-capable printer, then you may need to download their iOS app from your printer’s manufacturer and use it as the interface via WiFi for your print job. If you can print after configuring settings via their app, then you’re done!
If you have no WiFi connectivity, then you may hardwire the connection via the appropriate cable (which may or may not be included from the manufacturer) whether you wish to temporarily or permanently establish a wired connection; these cables come in a variety of configurations and may require adapters, dongles, or hubs depending on your hardware. Mobile devices may need a specific type of connection called a USB OTG cable. Your printer should show up immediately after connecting the appropriate cable. If so, then you may attempt printing, but note that removing the cable at anytime during the process or after could interrupt your ability to successfully print.
If you still do not see your printer, then you may need Pacifitec support. Good thing we’re always here for you 24/7/365.
Now that you’re all set-up… maybe you don’t need to print that thing after all! Here’s a couple of helpful articles on how to send files via iCloud and AirDrop.