Confirm the printer and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi, resolve any printer display error, then add it from System Settings › Printers & Scanners. Prefer AirPrint when the printer supports it; reset the Mac printing system only as a last resort.
What this covers
- AirPrint or manufacturer-supported network printers used with macOS
What it does not cover
- ×Printers without macOS/AirPrint support or enterprise print servers
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedCheck printer power, errors and Wi-Fi
ReversibleClear paper, ink or control-panel errors and verify the printer and Mac use the same local network.
Restart printer, Mac and router
ReversibleRestart each device, waiting for the router and printer to reconnect before opening printer settings.
Add the printer again
ReversibleOpen System Settings › Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax, and choose the AirPrint entry when supported.
Reset the printing system last
Reset / data riskOnly after noting every installed printer, use Reset Printing System and add the required printers again.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “Mac cannot find a Wi-Fi printer”
Why can't the Mac find the printer?+
The printer and Mac may be on different networks or the printer is asleep.
Do I need drivers?+
Most printers work through AirPrint.
Is the printer on the same network?+
Confirm both use the same Wi-Fi.
Should I add it by IP?+
Adding the printer by its IP address in Printers & Scanners can work when discovery fails.
Does AirPrint support it?+
Most modern printers do.
Should I reset the printing system?+
As a last step, resetting the printing system removes all printers and lets you add them fresh, which clears corrupted configurations.
Is the printer awake?+
Many printers sleep and drop off the network. Wake it by pressing a button, then refresh the printer list.
Could the printer's Wi-Fi be on another band?+
If your router separates bands, the Mac and printer may be on different networks. Put them on the same one, or check for a router setting that isolates wireless clients.
Should I reinstall the printer driver?+
Some printers need a driver or maker software beyond AirPrint. Install the latest software from the maker and add the printer through it if the built-in list still cannot find it.