5 Tips to Set Up a MacBook With a Print

Whether you need to quickly print a copy of an image or have to manage a significant load of paper documents and keep track of everything, a printer goes a long way.

Regardless if it is a personal possession or a printer in an office, it should not be that hard to set up a smartphone or a computer with it, right?

Well, the process is not as straightforward as some people might think. Especially when it comes to MacBooks.

Apple is known for its specific approach to manufacturing devices, and as such, there are a few problems that get in the way when you want to connect Apple's devices with other peripherals.

Let's take a look at some useful pointers on what you should focus on when trying to set up a Mac with a printer.

#1 – Check Compatibility

First and foremost, make sure that compatibility is there. As already mentioned, connecting Apple's devices with third-party accessories and peripherals, including printers, is a bit problematic.

If you are using a cable, the process should be pretty straightforward, as you do not have to wait that long to determine whether the computer and the printer are compatible.

In the case of wireless printing, it is a bit tricky because it might not be the compatibility standing in the way, but other things, which we will cover in a bit.

Ideally, there should be a manual provided by the printer's manufacturers covering what operating systems/devices the printer is compatible with. If such a manual is not provided and you cannot determine the compatibility or find a solution, looking for an answer on the manufacturer's website or getting in touch with them directly could be good solutions.

#2 – Consider Other Peripheral Interference

The printer might not connect to the MacBook because of interference. At least as far as printing wirelessly goes. 

Similar to how various obstacles jam a Wi-Fi signal, these obstacles may also get in the way of the connection between the Mac and the printer.

Try to move both the printer and the laptop around closer to one another or look for potential interference sources and eliminate them if possible.

#3 – Install Updates

Connecting a MacBook with a peripheral like a printer usually calls for downloading and installing specific drivers and other updates.

The purpose of such updates is to enable the data necessary to accommodate the connection. 

Note, though, that the whole thing might take a while. You may also run into certain issues and have to delete specific files or reinstall them.

Since it is frustrating to modify data on a computer, back up MacBook just in case. Generally, you should have a habit of creating data copies from a computer via cloud storage or external storage accessories. Time Machine is another popular alternative as a data backup means.

Once the updates and all the necessary files, such as drivers, are in place, you should expect fewer problems using a printer via a MacBook.

#4 – Test Printouts 

Generally, once the printer is set up with a computer, it should run smoothly for the most part. 

To be on the safe side, you ought to do test printouts to confirm that things are in order. For example, if you are printing Word documents, it does not mean that the same applies to other formats, such as PDF.

Of course, going through every different available format will require ink and paper, but if you want to be extra certain about the overall state of the printer, take that extra mile. Otherwise, you might run into an issue later and struggle to figure out the solution.

#5 – Ensure There Is Enough Paper and Ink

While this one is not related directly to a MacBook, the step is necessary nonetheless. To avoid experiencing delays, double-check that there is enough ink and paper in the printer.

Buy the two in advance so you can replace the ink and add more paper as soon as you begin to run low on them.