If you have a printer on your Mac, it can be very confusing when you try to add or remove it. This article will show you how to uninstall a printer, reinstall a printer, or even connect a printer that is Bluetooth-enabled.

Add or remove a printer

If you need to remove or add a printer from a Mac computer, you need to make sure that you do it right the first time. Leaving a printer in place can cause problems later on, and can also lead to corruption of your computer’s files.

Before deleting a printer from a Mac, you need to remove the drivers and other related software that have been installed with the printer. This is important to ensure that the printer will not conflict with other drivers, which can lead to damage to the computer system.

icon of old apple macintosh printer

Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash

Fortunately, removing a printer from a Mac is not that difficult, but it does require a bit of effort. You will need to follow several steps, and you will need to use the proper uninstaller.

To uninstall a printer, you will need to go to the “System Preferences” window. You will need to select Printers & Scanners. There may be some text prompting you to enter user credentials.

Delete a printer from a list of printers

If you want to delete a printer from a list of printers on a mac, there are two options. The first is a manual process and the other is a software solution.

Manually uninstalling a printer is not always an option because it may cause technical issues. This is because the printer may not be compatible with the macOS. You can also remove a printer by using the System Preferences window.

However, this method requires you to access the MacOS System Preferences and to have administrative privileges. Otherwise, you will have to use a command line tool.

The System Preferences window should open when you plug a printer into your computer. This will show you a Printers & Scanners panel. There may be text prompting you to enter your credentials.

The “System Preferences” window will have a silver icon with a gear. It will contain a section on administrative users. In the left pane, you will see the printer’s properties.

Completely uninstall a printer

If you have a printer that is no longer compatible with your Mac, or if you have a printer that is causing issues, you will need to uninstall it from your Mac. Failing to uninstall a printer can lead to a variety of technical issues, and can lead to problems with drivers.

You may be able to remove a printer on your Mac by using the manufacturer’s uninstaller. These files are generally available from the manufacturer’s website. However, if you are not comfortable using their uninstaller, there are a number of other ways to do so.

apple old printer

Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

The easiest way to uninstall a printer is to use a third-party tool. Such programs can scan and delete any files associated with printers, including drivers. Many of these tools will also clean up your Mac, making it faster and easier to use.

You can also delete a printer manually. For this, select your printer, and then click the minus button. Next, move all related driver software to the Trash bin. Once all the files are moved, clear the Trash. This will delete the driver and the cache.

Connect a printer that’s Bluetooth-enabled

If you want to connect a printer that’s Bluetooth-enabled to a Mac, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. You’ll need to update your Mac software, and download the latest driver for your printer.

Once you have your printer and Mac connected, you’ll need to pair the two devices. This can be done by using the Bluetooth connection on the printer or by connecting the printer to the Mac via a USB cable.

Before pairing a printer with a Bluetooth connection, you’ll need to make sure that the printer and the Mac are on the same wireless network. Then you’ll need to choose the protocol and enter your printer’s IP address. Depending on the model of your printer, you may need to install software or use an app to pair your printer.

After you’ve completed the first two steps, you’ll need to turn on your printer. You’ll also need to make sure that the Bluetooth option is enabled in your System Preferences.