You plugged it in, connected over Wi-Fi, or placed it right next to your Mac — but nothing shows up in the list?
This is a common macOS behavior: sometimes macOS doesn’t scan for nearby printers until you force it.
✅ Step 1: Open Terminal
- Press Command (⌘) + Space to open Spotlight Search
- Type Terminal and hit Return
✅ Step 2: Paste This Command
Copy the following line and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:
Terminal
Loading...What does this command do?
This command tells macOS to:
- Enable network-wide printer discovery
- Listen for nearby AirPrint, Bonjour, and USB printers
- Refresh the printer list in real-time
🎉 That’s It — Printer Connected
You’ve now fixed the most common issue: macOS not seeing your printer.
Whether it’s a MacBook Air, Pro, or iMac, this trick works instantly — no driver downloads, no apps.
