Upgrading your macOS can bring exciting new features, improved performance, and better security. But sometimes, those updates come with unexpected problems—such as your printer no longer working. Whether it’s a missing driver, an unresponsive device, or incomplete print jobs, printer compatibility issues after a macOS update are a common frustration for Mac users.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to fix those issues and get your printer running again—whether you’re using an HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, or other major brand. We’ll walk you through the causes of the problem, how to troubleshoot step by step, and how to prevent future compatibility issues.
Understanding Printer Compatibility After macOS Updates
Why printers stop working after macOS upgrades:-
When Apple releases a new version of macOS—like macOS Ventura, Sonoma, or future updates—it often modifies how the system handles external hardware, particularly drivers and security permissions. That’s good for performance and protection but can result in problems for connected devices like printers.
Common causes of printer problems after macOS updates include:
- Outdated printer drivers
- Removed or incompatible software
- New system security policies blocking access
- AirPrint misconfigurations
- Removed or altered printer queues
If your printer was working perfectly before the update and suddenly stopped, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
Step 1: Confirm That the Printer Is Still Recognized by macOS
Check for missing printers in System Settings:-
The first thing you should do is check if your Mac still detects the printer:
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Look for your printer in the list
- If it’s missing, or greyed out, macOS may have uninstalled the driver during the update
Try clicking the + icon to re-add your printer manually. If it doesn’t appear, you may need to reinstall the driver or re-establish the connection.
Step 2: Reinstall or Update the Printer Driver
Get the latest macOS-compatible drivers from the manufacturer:-
Most printers require specific drivers to work correctly. When Apple updates macOS, old drivers may no longer function properly.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Go to your printer manufacturer’s official website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson, Brother)
- Navigate to the Support or Downloads section
- Search for your exact printer model
- Select your macOS version (make sure it’s the one you just updated to)
- Download and install the latest driver or software package
After installing the new driver, restart your Mac and try printing again. Many manufacturers now bundle print drivers with setup utilities that auto-detect your device.
Step 3: Reset the Printing System
Clear corrupt settings and start fresh:-
Resetting the printing system on macOS will remove all printers, scanners, and related settings. This is often a reliable way to fix persistent compatibility problems.
To reset:
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Right-click or Control-click in the printer list
- Select “Reset printing system…”
- Confirm the reset
Once complete:
- Re-add your printer using the “+” button
- macOS will either install a generic driver or allow you to choose the proper one
- You may also be prompted to allow access via System Extensions or Privacy settings
Step 4: Allow Printer Software Through macOS Security Settings
Fix blocked or quarantined printer extensions:-
macOS has increasingly strict security protocols that can block non-Apple software—especially kernel extensions (kexts) or low-level printer drivers.
To allow your printer software:
- After installing the driver, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security
- If you see a message like “System software from [Manufacturer] was blocked,” click Allow
- You may need to unlock the panel with your admin password
- Restart your Mac to apply the changes
Without completing this step, your printer might appear installed but not function correctly.
Step 5: Use AirPrint for Basic Printing Support
Bypass manufacturer drivers with Apple’s built-in printing protocol:-
If your printer supports AirPrint, you may not need to install drivers at all.
AirPrint is Apple’s built-in, driverless printing solution supported by most modern printers.
To set up your printer using AirPrint:
- Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Click “+” to add a new printer
- Select the printer from the list
- macOS should automatically select “AirPrint” under the “Use” dropdown menu
Using AirPrint is especially helpful for Canon, HP, Epson, and Brother printers, many of which are AirPrint-compatible out of the box.
Step 6: Check macOS Printer Queue and Clear Jobs
Fix stuck print jobs and frozen queues:-
A macOS update can cause existing print jobs to hang, preventing new tasks from completing.
To clear the queue:
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners
- Click on your printer, then click “Open Print Queue”
- Cancel or delete all pending print jobs
- Restart your printer and try again
This can resolve issues where the printer appears online but nothing prints.
Step 7: Use Manufacturer Utility Software for Recovery
Tools to auto-detect and fix post-update issues:-
Major printer brands offer macOS utilities that simplify setup and repair:
- HP Easy Start
- Canon IJ Network Tool
- Epson Printer Utility
- Brother Printer Setup Utility
Download the appropriate tool from your manufacturer’s support page. These utilities can:
- Detect network printers
- Reinstall correct drivers
- Update printer firmware
- Fix broken connections after macOS updates
Using these utilities often resolves issues faster than manual troubleshooting.
Step 8: Manually Add Printer by IP Address
Use advanced setup for networked printers:-
If your printer is on the network but not appearing in the printer list, try adding it via IP:
- Go to Printers & Scanners > Add Printer
- Click the IP tab
- Enter your printer’s IP address (check your printer’s settings or print a network report)
- Set protocol to Line Printer Daemon – LPD or IPP
- In the “Use” dropdown, select your printer model or choose Generic PostScript Printer
This method is particularly helpful for enterprise or older printers that don’t support AirPrint.
Step 9: Verify Printer Firmware Compatibility
Some printers require firmware updates to work with macOS:-
Printer hardware itself may need a firmware update to communicate correctly with macOS.
To check:
- Visit your printer manufacturer’s website
- Look for firmware updates alongside drivers
- Follow instructions carefully to update via USB or over-the-air
Be sure not to interrupt power or connectivity during a firmware update, as it may damage the device.
Step 10: Reinstall macOS Printer Drivers via Apple Software Update
Get Apple-certified printer drivers automatically:-
Apple maintains a list of third-party printer drivers on their macOS Software Update service.
To access:
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update
- Click More Info if updates are available
- Look for any printer software updates
- Install and reboot your Mac
Apple’s update server will install the most compatible version of the driver for your macOS version, especially for popular brands.
Step 11: Roll Back macOS (Only as Last Resort)
Revert to a previous macOS if nothing works:-
If your printer is essential and all fixes fail, you may consider rolling back to your previous version of macOS.
WARNING: This is a last resort and should be done only if:
- Your printer is mission-critical
- The manufacturer has not yet released a compatible driver
- You have a Time Machine backup from before the update
To roll back:
- Boot into macOS Recovery (Cmd + R)
- Choose Restore from Time Machine Backup
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Keep in mind this will revert your entire system—not just the printer settings.
Prevent Future Compatibility Issues
Be proactive before your next macOS update:-
You can minimize the chance of printer problems in the future with these tips:
- Check driver support before updating macOS
- Visit your printer manufacturer’s website and confirm compatibility
- Delay macOS updates by a few weeks to allow manufacturers time to update drivers
- Use Time Machine to create a backup before updating
- Enable AirPrint printers where possible for seamless compatibility
By staying ahead of updates and monitoring compatibility, you’ll avoid unexpected downtime.
Conclusion: Restore Printing Functionality After macOS Update
When your printer stops working after a macOS update, it’s often due to driver conflicts, security settings, or missing configurations. Fortunately, there are multiple solutions—from updating drivers and using AirPrint to resetting the printing system and adjusting permissions.
Summary of Key Fixes:
- Reinstall or update printer drivers for your new macOS version
- Reset the printing system and re-add your printer
- Allow blocked software in Privacy & Security
- Use AirPrint if your printer supports it
- Clear print queues and use setup utilities from the manufacturer
- Add network printers manually via IP if necessary
- Install firmware updates for enhanced compatibility
- Revert macOS only if absolutely necessary
Following these steps will help you fix printer compatibility issues after macOS updates—and make future updates less stressful.
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