How to Add Printers on Mac and Fix Printer Issues

Many printer related issues on a user’s MacBook, including missing hole punching and stapling options, can often be resolved by removing and reinstalling the printer on the MacBook using the correct configurations. The following steps explain how to add the printer properly so the missing features become available. 

Before you begin, make sure you are connected to the correct network and you are NOT connected to a VPN, otherwise you will not be able to communicate with the printer. 

Note: Use the printer's actual IP address. The screenshots below show an example address.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step 1: Go to Settings and look for Printers and Scanners at the bottom.

Step 2: Remove the existing printer.

Step 3:  Click the Add Printer button, then click on IP.

Step 4:  Add the printer's IP address.

 (You can find the IP on most printers by going to the printer, making sure you are in Home, then clicking on Utility then Device information)

Step 5: For Protocol, choose HP Jetdirect - Socket. Leave the queue field blank unless your environment requires a specific queue name.

Optional: Add the name of the printer as well as where it's located in the Name and Location Section 

Step 6: Select Select Software... from the Use dropdown menu.

Step 7:  Look on the printer to see model name, then select the corresponding software.

Step 8: Click OK, then click ADD.

Step 9: Change Function version to the latest version (most likely Version 4.0).

Step 10: Change Finisher and Punch unit to what you see in the screenshot below.

Step 11: Leave the rest of the options as they originally are then click ok.