Can't Add Printer, box is empty

I am trying to add a printer to my computer.

I go to the Print and Scan utility, click the '+', and the Add Printer box pops up.

My Default option is empty, grayed out, I can't manually add anything to it.

My other options are Fax, IP, and Windows.

Neither one of my wireless printers are detected on any of these headings. My "Print Sharing" option is enabled. The printer is online, I can print just fine from my PC.

I also tried connecting the printer to my Mac via USB and still it wasn't detected.

All my software is updated, including drivers.

I tried calling Apple and they want me to pay $50 to have my computer print. I have spent four hours online with no success. I am about 5 seconds away from throwing my MacBook Air out the window, or ripping my hair out.

Can somebody help?

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Jun 24, 2012 2:40 PM

Top-ranking reply

Constantin L

Level 1

4 points

Posted on May 7, 2016 2:50 PM

I have Brother MFC-9970CDW printer that "disappeared" for the Printers & Scanners "Add" screen. First I thought it was software update that did it.

However, after reading this post and realizing that Wi-Fi printer might not appear in the list if it is on a different subnet, I remembered that I have a 5GHz Wi-Fi network and regular Wi-Fi network setup on my AirPort. So, since my printer can't connect to 5GHz network I switched my Mac to regular Wi-Fi network and printer came up in the list right away.

Do you guys know if there is a setting where you can have same subnet for standard and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks?

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16 replies

mlf64

Level 1

8 points

Oct 21, 2017 6:35 AM in response to skyblu1212

In my case, I lost the printer because I was connected to work via a VNC. Disconnected VNC, printer appeared again.

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Can't Add Printer, box is empty