The fastest way to add an HP printer to your Mac
The simplest route is to plug your HP printer into power, connect it to your Wi-Fi network using the printer's own screen or buttons, then add it to your Mac through System Settings. Most HP printers connect this way without needing to install anything first — macOS recognizes them automatically. If your printer is older or you run into trouble, you may need to download HP's printer software, but start with the built-in method.
The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. You'll need your Wi-Fi password and the printer to be within range of your network.
Key Takeaways
- Connect your HP printer to Wi-Fi using the printer's touchscreen or control panel before you touch your Mac.
- Go to System Settings, then Printers & Scanners, and click the plus button to add the printer — macOS usually finds it automatically.
- If your printer doesn't appear, restart both the printer and your Mac, then try again.
- Older HP printers may need driver software from HP's website, but most modern models work without it.
- If you're using a USB cable instead of Wi-Fi, plug it in and the printer should appear in Printers & Scanners within seconds.
Connect your HP printer to Wi-Fi first
Before you open System Settings on your Mac, get the printer on your network. Look for a Wi-Fi icon or Settings button on the printer's control panel or touchscreen. Tap it, select your network name from the list, and enter your Wi-Fi password using the printer's buttons or screen.
Some HP printers have a WPS button that lets you connect without typing the password — hold it down and then hold the WPS button on your router within two minutes. Either way, the printer should show a confirmation message or light when it connects. Write down the printer's IP address if it displays one; you may need it later if the Mac doesn't find the printer automatically.
Add the printer through System Settings
On your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Settings. Click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. You should see a list of printers already on your network.
Click the plus button (or the "Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax" button, depending on your macOS version) and wait a few seconds for your HP printer to appear in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Add. macOS will install any drivers it needs automatically, and the printer will be ready to use. The whole step usually takes less than a minute.
What to do if the printer doesn't appear
If your HP printer isn't showing up in the list, first check that it's actually connected to Wi-Fi — look at the printer's screen or control panel to confirm. Then restart the printer by turning it off, waiting ten seconds, and turning it back on.
On your Mac, go back to Printers & Scanners and click the plus button again. If the printer still doesn't appear, restart your Mac and try once more. Most of the time, a restart fixes the connection. If you know the printer's IP address (from the printer's settings menu), you can click "IP" at the top of the printer list and type it in manually to force your Mac to find it.
Using a USB cable instead of Wi-Fi
If you want to connect the printer directly to your Mac with a USB cable, plug the cable into both devices. Your Mac should recognize the printer within a few seconds and add it automatically to Printers & Scanners — you may not need to do anything else.
If the printer doesn't appear after thirty seconds, go to Printers & Scanners, click the plus button, and look for your HP printer in the list. USB connections are often more reliable than Wi-Fi if you're having trouble, though they limit where you can place the printer.
When you need to download HP's printer software
Newer HP printers work fine with just macOS's built-in drivers, but older models sometimes need additional software. If your printer isn't working after you've added it to System Settings — for example, if you can't print or the printer shows as offline — you can download HP's software from HP's support website.
Go to hp.com/support, search for your printer model, and look for the Drivers section. Download the software for your Mac's operating system (check which version you have by clicking the Apple menu and selecting About This Mac). Run the installer and follow the prompts. After installation, restart your Mac and try printing again.
Testing your connection
Once the printer is added, test it by opening any document or photo, clicking File in the menu bar, and selecting Print. Your HP printer should appear in the Printer dropdown. Click it, then click Print. A test page should come out of the printer within a minute.
If the printer appears in the list but nothing prints, go back to Printers & Scanners, click your HP printer, and click "Open Print Queue." If there are stuck jobs in the queue, click the X next to them to cancel them, then try printing again. If the printer still won't print, restart both the printer and your Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install software before I add the printer to my Mac?
No. Start by adding the printer through System Settings without any software. If printing works, you're done. Only download HP's software if the printer doesn't print after you've added it.
Can I use my HP printer with multiple Macs on the same network?
Yes. Each Mac needs to add the printer separately through its own System Settings, but they all connect to the same printer on your Wi-Fi network. You don't need to install software on each one unless you run into problems.
What if my HP printer is very old and won't connect to Wi-Fi?
Older printers may only support USB connection. Plug it directly into your Mac with a USB cable and it should appear in Printers & Scanners automatically. You may need to download drivers from HP's website if it doesn't work right away.
Why does my printer show as offline even though it's on?
Restart the printer first, then restart your Mac. If it still shows offline, go to Printers & Scanners, remove the printer by clicking it and then the minus button, and add it again. Sometimes the connection gets stuck and needs to be reset.
Can I print from my iPhone or iPad to my HP printer on Mac?
Yes, if your printer supports AirPrint. On your iPhone or iPad, open any document, tap Share or Print, and your HP printer should appear in the list. You don't need the Mac to be involved — the iPhone connects directly to the printer over Wi-Fi.