Connect Canon MX870 printer to new macbook air 12.1

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Level 1

5 points

Connect Canon MX870 printer to new macbook air 12.1

I can't download the drivers for Canon MX870 or connect it to new macbook air. It won't download when connected with USB port drive either. Says 12.1 is not allowable. How to connect to printer, scanner drivers? welcome help as no apple support available...this is new laptop, crazy it is harder to get this set up

Posted on Jan 1, 2022 3:11 PM

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Answer 1

Jack-19

Level 8

46,008 points

Jan 2, 2022 9:19 AM in response to soccermomdc

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.

The Canon MX870 is an older printer without AirPrint compatibility. You can try to connect it via. USB and follow these steps, Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - Apple Support, however, you may need a newer printer.

If you do need a new printer, the third-party units Apple sells would be worth strong consideration: Printers & Scanners - Mac Accessories - Apple. You can then follow these setup steps: Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - Apple Support.

Jack

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Answer 2

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

23,395 points

Jan 3, 2022 1:33 AM in response to soccermomdc

Hello,

As you may have discovered, the latest supported operating system for a printer driver (Ver. 11.7.1.0) from the Canon web sites appears to be OS X 10.11 El Capitan.

https://www.canon-europe.com/support/consumer_products/products/fax__multifunctionals/inkjet/pixma_mx_series/pixma_mx870.html?type=drivers&language=en&os=os%20x%2010.11%20(el%20capitan)

https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/details/printers/s https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1928?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Even though the driver update date is September 9, 2021, Canon apparently has chosen not to support newer operating system versions. This does not automatically rule out any use with a later OS version, but that would be entirely experimental. However, macOS 12 Monterey is special, so do not expect it to work there.

There is a Canon Printer Drivers v3.4 for macOS download at https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1928?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US . A Canon MX870 series version 16.10.0.0 driver is mentioned in the referenced article. However, the same here: "Not compatible with macOS v12 and newer" under System Requirements. Anything else would be experimental.

As always, make sure that you have backup copies of all important files (documents, photos, et cetera).

If necessary: Reset the printing system on your Mac to solve a problem – Apple Support (UK)

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