This general information isn't specific to any particular AirPrint printer. For detailed steps, check the printer's documentation or contact the printer's manufacturer. All Wi-Fi printers need a properly configured Wi-Fi network and the name (or SSID) and password of that network.
If the printer has a built-in display
Printers with a touchscreen or other built-in display (control panel) generally expect you to use that display to select or enter the name and password of your Wi-Fi network. Check the printer's documentation for details.
If the printer uses Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
If your Wi-Fi router isn't made by Apple, check the router’s documentation for details about how to add a WPS printer.
If your Wi-Fi router is an AirPort Base Station:
- Open AirPort Utility, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
- Select your base station in AirPort Utility, then enter the base station password, if prompted.
- From the menu bar, choose Base Station > Add WPS Printer.
- Select either "First attempt" or "PIN" as the type of WPS connection to allow. Then click Continue.
- If you selected "First attempt," push the WPS button on the printer. When the printer's MAC Address appears in AirPort Utility, click Done.
- If you selected "PIN," enter the printer's PIN number, which should be listed in the printer's documentation. Then click Continue. When the printer's MAC Address appears in AirPort Utility, click Done.
- Quit AirPort Utility.
If the printer can connect to your Mac via USB
You may be able to use a USB connection to set up Wi-Fi printing:
- Connect the printer to your Mac using the appropriate USB cable.
- Install the Mac software that came with the printer, and make sure that it includes a printer setup assistant.
- Use the printer setup assistant to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network. Check the printer's documentation for details.
- Disconnect the USB cable from the printer and Mac. The printer should remain connected to the Wi-Fi network.
If the printer can create an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network
You may be able to use the printer's own ad-hoc Wi-Fi network to set up Wi-Fi printing:
- Install the Mac software that came with the printer, and make sure that it includes a printer setup assistant.
- Make sure that the printer's ad-hoc Wi-Fi network is turned on. Check the printer's documentation for details.
- Open the Wi-Fi menu on your Mac by clicking the Wi-Fi icon
in the menu bar, then select the name of the printer’s ad-hoc Wi-Fi network. While your Mac is on the printer's network, your Mac won't be able to connect to the Internet or other services on your regular Wi-Fi network.
- Use the printer setup assistant to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network. Check the printer's documentation for details. The printer may restart before it connects to the network.
- Return to the Wi-Fi menu on your Mac and switch back to your Wi-Fi network.
Learn more
After the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you're ready to start printing: