OS X Yosemite: Set up a scanner

Set up a scanner

You can add a scanner to the list of devices in Printers & Scanners preferences.

If you’ve already set up a printer that includes a scanner, you may be able to use its scanner features without any additional work. Select the printer in the list at the left, then click Scan.

  1. Before setting up your scanner, choose Apple menu > App Store, then click Updates to make sure OS X has the latest information about scanner software it can download from Apple.

    If you have a multifunction AirPrint printer and scanner, no software is installed, so you don’t need to check for software updates.

  2. Follow the instructions that came with the scanner to unpack it and connect it to your Mac.

    If your Mac has a single USB-C port, and you want to connect a USB scanner, use a multiport adapter. Connect the scanner, then connect a USB-C cable to a power supply to prolong battery life of your Mac. For more information about USB-C, see About USB-C.

    Important:   Don’t install software that came with the scanner. OS X downloads the latest scanner software automatically.
  3. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners.

  4. If you don’t see your scanner in the list at the left, click Add . If a pop-up menu appears, choose Add Printer or Scanner.

  5. Select your scanner, then click Add.

    If your scanner isn’t in the list, see the documentation that came with the scanner to find out how to scan with it.

Last Modified: Sep 23, 2015
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