How to set up and configure a network printer using Bonjour/mDNS discovery on macOS for your small office

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to set up and configure a network printer using Bonjour/mDNS discovery on macOS for your small office. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Network printers that support Bonjour (also known as mDNS or multicast DNS) are designed to be discovered automatically by macOS without you needing to know the printer's IP address. This makes them ideal for small offices where multiple Macs need to print to the same device. This guide walks you through setting up a Bonjour printer on macOS, verifying the connection, and resolving common issues if your Mac cannot find the printer on the network.

Before You Begin

Confirm the following before starting the setup:

• The printer is powered on, has paper loaded, and is showing no error lights.
• The printer is connected to your office network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (not USB).
• Your Mac is connected to the same network as the printer, on the same subnet.
• You know the network name (SSID) and that your Mac is on it.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Make sure the printer and Mac are on the same network.
2. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
3. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax….
4. Select the printer from the Bonjour or Default list.
5. Click Add and print a test page.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Confirm the Printer Is Broadcasting Bonjour

Most modern network printers broadcast Bonjour by default. Check the printer's control panel or built-in web interface (open a browser and type the printer's IP address) and confirm that:

• Bonjour/mDNS is enabled.
• The printer has a valid IP address on your office network.
• The Bonjour service name is something recognisable (for example, HP-LaserJet-Office).

If you are unsure of the printer's IP address, print a network configuration or settings page directly from the printer's menu — the IP address is usually listed under the Network or TCP/IP section.

Step 2: Verify Your Mac Is on the Same Network

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Confirm the highlighted network matches the network your printer is connected to.
3. Open System Settings > Network and check that the connection shows Connected with a green dot.

Step 3: Add the Printer in macOS

1. Open System Settings (from the Apple menu or Spotlight).
2. Click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar.
3. Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax… button on the right.
4. The Add window will open and begin searching for nearby printers.
5. Look under the Default tab — Bonjour printers appear here with a small globe icon next to their name.
6. Select your printer from the list.
7. Confirm the Use dropdown shows the correct driver (macOS usually selects this automatically). If not, choose Select Software… and pick the closest match.
8. Click Add.

Step 4: Print a Test Page

1. With the printer selected in Printers & Scanners, scroll down and click Print Test Page.
2. Confirm the test page prints successfully and the output is clean.

If the test page prints, your Mac is now configured to use the network printer.

Troubleshooting

The Printer Does Not Appear in the Add Window

If Bonjour discovery fails, try the following in order:

1. Wait 30 seconds — Bonjour can take a moment to populate the list.
2. Quit and reopen System Settings, then try again.
3. Restart the printer by powering it off, waiting 10 seconds, and powering it back on.
4. Restart your Mac.
5. Confirm the printer's IP address responds to a ping. Open Terminal and run ping <printer-ip>. You should see replies.

If pinging the printer works but Bonjour still cannot find it, the printer's mDNS service may be blocked. Add the printer manually using its IP address:

1. In the Add window, click the IP tab at the top.
2. Set Protocol to IPP or LPD (IPP is preferred where supported).
3. Enter the printer's IP address in the Address field.
4. Give the printer a friendly name in the Queue field if required (often blank for IPP).
5. Choose the correct driver from the Use dropdown.
6. Click Add.

The Printer Appears But Will Not Print

• Confirm the printer is not in Paused or Offline state. In Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Control-click) the printer and ensure there is no tick next to Pause Printing or Use Offline.
• Delete the printer and add it again.
• Clear the print queue by right-clicking the printer in Printers & Scanners and choosing Reset Printing System…. This removes all printers, so you will need to add yours back afterwards.
• Check for macOS printer driver updates via System Settings > Software Update.

macOS Firewall Is Blocking Bonjour

The macOS application firewall can sometimes block incoming mDNS traffic.

1. Open System Settings > Network > Firewall.
2. If the firewall is on, click Options.
3. Ensure mDNSResponder or Bonjour is set to Allow incoming connections.
4. If you cannot find it, temporarily turn the firewall off to test, then re-enable it once printing is working.

Network Equipment Is Blocking Multicast Traffic

Bonjour relies on multicast, which some routers, switches, and access points can filter — particularly across VLANs or guest networks.

• Confirm both the Mac and printer are on the same SSID and subnet.
• Check that AP Isolation, Client Isolation, or Wireless Isolation is disabled on your access point.
• If your office uses multiple VLANs, ask your network administrator to confirm mDNS is being relayed between them (sometimes called Bonjour Reflector or mDNS Repeater).

Still Cannot Get the Printer Working

If you have worked through the steps above and the printer still will not respond:

• Try printing from another Mac on the same network to confirm the printer itself is healthy.
• Update the printer's firmware via the manufacturer's web interface.
• Download and install the latest full-feature driver from the printer manufacturer's website rather than relying on AirPrint or generic drivers.
• Check the printer's event log for errors such as paper jams, low toner, or offline status, and resolve them before retrying.
• Test the printer from a Windows or mobile device on the same network to confirm the printer itself is functioning correctly.
• If the issue persists across multiple devices, contact your network administrator or ISP for further investigation.

Still Having Issues?