Despite all the technological advances, you might still need to print documents. Hence, it’s still important to have a printer ready to be used by your Mac. If you make an error on your Mac while printing something, it can be a problem.
There are many reasons that a Mac error might occur while printing. You also have several options. This article will help you to solve Mac errors when printing.
How to fix a printer connection problem
Checking if your printer is connected properly to your Mac is the best way to resolve an error when printing. If you’re still using a printer that connects to your Mac via cable, check if it is firmly connected. Also, make sure the printer is plugged into an electrical outlet. As obvious as it might sound, you should also make sure it’s powered on.
If you use wireless connectivity for your printer, ensure that they are both connected to the same network. Also, make sure that your Wi Fi network is working properly.
Shared printers connected to another Mac should be turned off and the Mac in sleep mode not enabled. Visit System Settings > General > Sharing Use the Mac to make sure Printer sharing This is toggled on.
If your connection appears to be working but you are still experiencing a Mac error when printing, you may need to reboot the printer or your Mac. This is the most common way to fix a Mac error that occurs while printing.
Checking the Printer Queue, and Resuming the Printing Task
Printing errors on Macs can also occur if the print queue is not working properly. Your current printing job could be stalled because a print request has been paused. To fix the problem, restart printing or delete items from the print queue.
- Go to System Settings > Printers and Scanners.
- Select Printer > Printer Queue.
- You can delete items from the queue and resume paused items.
To resolve Mac errors while printing, run macOS Printer Diagnostics
This step may not be applicable to all printers. Some printers may not have this option on your Mac, but it’s definitely worth looking for. Follow these steps to access your printer diagnostics from your Mac.
- Go to System Settings > Printers and Scanners.
- Select the printer that interests you.
- Select Options & Supplies.
This option will allow your Mac to display information about your printer if it has one.
How to Remove and Re-Add Your Printer
If your printer is not working, System Settings > Printers & Scanners If you still have problems printing due to connectivity issues, it is possible to take the printer out and reinstall it manually.
These are the steps you need to take out the printer from your Mac.
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanner.
- Click on the printer to be deleted, and then click Take out the printer.
- Turn on the printer. If it is wired, unplug the cable.
- Go to for instructions on how to re-add your printer. System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer.
- Follow the steps to add the printer.
You can fix the Mac error while printing by updating outmoded drivers
An out-of-date printer drivers is another reason that you might experience Mac errors while printing. Check the App Store to see if your printer driver has been updated. Keep checking for updates. Install any printer-related updates immediately.
Resetting your Printer to Factory Settings
If all else fails, the last resort is to reset your printer to its original settings. Check your printer’s manual for the proper procedures to reset it. These procedures might differ from one printer to the next.
Follow these steps to reset your Mac’s printing system.
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Control-click on the printer > Reset Printing System
You will need to reset the printing settings and then re-add your printers.
That’s it. These troubleshooting tips should help you resolve your Mac error printing issue. You can also leave us a comment with any additional tips.