By default, when you add a network printer to your Mac, it is assigned a dynamic IP address.
So, if you face printing issues, you can resolve them by changing the printer’s IP address to static.
Here’s how to change your printer’s IP address in macOS:
- Open System Preferences. You can open it from the dock or by clicking on the Apple logo and selecting System Preferences. See the screenshot below:
In macOS Ventura and later, System Preferences are renamed as System Settings.
- Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Select your printer in the left panel, then click Options & Supplies.
- Next to Location, you will see the IP address assigned to your printer. Change the IP address.
The best practice is to change it to this format: 192.168.1.xx
You can choose any two numbers to replace xx as long as another device does not use them on your local network.
- Click on OK.
To check the IP address of all devices connected to your network, do this:
Open Terminal. Not sure how? Click the Launchpad icon in the dock, and type Terminal in search.
Type the following command and press enter:
arp -a
It will display the IP of all devices connected to your local network. So, ensure the IP you want to assign to your printer does not match any other device connected to your network.
