How to Fix a Network Printer that Won’t Respond to Mac

Getting “Unable to verify the printer on your network” error on your Mac when sending a print command to your network printer?

Sometimes a simple restart is all you need to fix this issue in macOS. So, restart everything, the printer, Mac and router.

Here’s the sequence to follow:

1. Turn off the router, and unplug it from power source.
2. Turn off the printer, and unplug it from power source.
3. Press and hold the Power button on router for 5-7 seconds to reset its cache. Don’t connect it to power source yet.
4. Repeat the 3rd step for printer as well.
5. Turn off your Mac.
6. Now, turn On the router.
7. Next, turn On the printer, and then your Mac.

If you are still having trouble, check your Wi-Fi network, clear the printer queue, update printer drivers, and remove and re-add the printer.

You may not have to try all of them; follow them until you find a solution that works for you.

Check your Network

The network status is the first thing to check when your Mac cannot communicate with the network printer.

If your printer is connected to the network through Wi-Fi, ensure it’s online. Also, both your Mac and printer should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Another common cause could be weak Wi-Fi signals. Try moving your printer close to the WiFi router and check again.

If your Mac is still not connecting to the printer, disconnect it from the Wi-Fi and then connect again.

Clear Printing Queue

A long printing queue can cause your printer to become unresponsive. Here’s how to clear it:

1. Click on Apple Logo and select System Preferences.

You can also open it by clicking on the Settings icon in the dock.

2. Click on Printers & Scanners.
3. Select your printer and click Open Print Queue.

4. Now, you will see a list of all the pending print tasks. Select each one and click on the “x” icon next to it to close it.

If your printer is still unresponsive after clearing its print queue, restart it.

Update your Printer Driver

To update your printer driver:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Click on Updates in the left panel.
3. If any update is available for your printer, install it.

Remove and Re-Add the Printer

If none of the above works, remove the printer from your Mac and manually add it again.

Here’s how to remove it:

1. Open System Preferences by clicking on the Settings icon in the dock.
2. Click on Printers & Scanners.

3. Select the printer you are having trouble with and then click on the “–“ icon. See the screenshot below:

4. Once the printer is removed, turn it off for a few minutes.
5. If it is connected via Ethernet cable to the router, disconnect it. After 3 minutes, turn it On again.
6. Now, click on the + icon, and a new wizard will open.
7. Select your printer and click on the Add button to add it.

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If none of the above works, try changing your printer IP address.

If you have any questions about this guide, please feel free to ask me!