Why won't my Mac detect my Printer?

Question

Why won't my Mac detect my Printer?

This is a Mac Monterey system. Someone gave me an HP Laserjet P1606. It is a monochrome laser printer. I connected it with a power chord and turned it on, though it has no toner cartridge or paper. My wireless network was supposed to detect it and automatically install a driver. I ended up downloading the driver for this OS and installing it. Having done that, the printer does not appear on this system. It does not appear under System Preferences for me to add it. What went wrong? Am I looking in the wrong place?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Air 11″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Nov 8, 2024 8:51 PM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

152,302 points

Nov 9, 2024 8:39 AM in response to tightpurchaser

I suggest that you first get a replacement toner cartridge. It may be possible that the printer will not operate without one installed. Did you verify that this printer can connect to your local Wi-Fi network?

You an also check with HP Support to see if you can glean any important information about this printer.

FYI ... This printer is AirPrint capable, and as such, should not require printer drivers.

Ref: About AirPrint - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Nov 20, 2024 5:47 AM in response to Tesserax

Tesserax, Thanks for your response. Forgive my late acknowledgment. I just got to it now. Honestly, I forgot that I posted this; and I did not get an email notification. Since that initial post I connected the Laserjet to my network. My Mac Monterey picked it up, but not my Windows 10. For that OS I had to connect the Laserjet to that computer. So, the Laserjet sits on a desk with an Ethernet cord connecting it to my router and a USB cable connecting it to my Windows 10. I have to jump rope to get to the desk whenever the phone rings. As for toner cartridges, whoever has the originals prices them like valuable antiques; so I have to look over prices of remanufactured ones. As for AirPrint, that page where you provided the link does not show my model, which is likely outdated. At this point, I do not know if I will maintain connection if I disconnect those wires that connect to my OSs.

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