When a printer does not appear in the Mac Add Printer window, macOS usually cannot see the printer announcing itself on the network. That is different from an already-added printer showing offline.
Does this affect you?
Use this on recent macOS versions when a Wi-Fi or network printer is powered on but missing from System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer.
Fix network discovery
Most discovery failures are caused by network mismatch or blocked local traffic.
- Confirm the Mac and printer are on the exact same Wi-Fi network.
- Avoid guest Wi-Fi and check 2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz names if your router separates them.
- Disconnect VPN because many VPNs block local devices.
- Restart the printer and, if needed, the router.
- Open Add Printer and wait at least 30 seconds for discovery to populate.
Add it manually by IP address
Manual IP setup skips discovery.
- Find the printer IP address from its network menu or a printed network status page.
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
- Click the IP tab.
- Enter the printer IP address.
- Choose AirPrint if supported, or IPP as a fallback, then add the printer.
More control
Check client isolation
Guest networks and some mesh systems use AP/client isolation, which blocks devices from seeing each other. Put the printer on the main network or disable isolation where appropriate.
Wi-Fi Direct is not your home network
A printer can show a Wi-Fi symbol while broadcasting its own direct network instead of joining your router. Confirm the actual connection mode.
Reset printing system only last
macOS can reset the full printing system, but that removes every saved printer and queue. Use it only after simpler discovery and IP steps fail.
Sources
- Apple Support – Add a Printer on Mac (2025)
- Apple Support – If Your Printer Is Not Found When Adding It on Mac (2025)
- Apple Support – Set Up a Router or Wi-Fi Network for AirPrint (2025)