Scanning on Your Mac Not Working?Here's How to Try to Fix It!
If your printer or scanner won't scan to your Mac/Apple computer anymore, try these steps to hopefully get things fixed:
1. Check the Basics First
- Is the printer/scanner powered on?
- Is it connected to your network or directly to your Mac (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB)?
- Is your Mac awake and not in sleep mode?
- Try restarting both the printer/scanner and your Mac to reset the connection.
2. Make Sure Your Mac Is on the Same Network
If using Wi-Fi or Ethernet, your Mac and printer must be connected to the same network name (SSID).
On your Mac:
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar (top right)
- Check which network you're connected to
- For Ethernet: Go to System Settings > Network > Ethernet
On the printer:
- Use the printer's display screen or app to check its network connection
3. Make Sure "Scan to Computer" Is Enabled
On HP and some other brands, this setting can turn off automatically after reboot or power loss.
HP Example:
- Open the HP Smart app on your Mac
- Go to Printer Settings
- Look for "Scan to Computer," then enable it
Other brands like Brother, Canon, or Epson may have similar settings in their own software.
4. Check the Scanner Driver and Software
Your Mac needs the right scanner software installed.
Steps:
- Go to the printer manufacturer's official website
- Search for your printer model
- Download and install the latest full software package or scanner drivers for macOS
- Make sure to download the version compatible with your macOS version
🔗 Avoid downloading from third-party or unofficial sites—always use the manufacturer's website.
5. Use Built-in Mac Scanning Tools (To Test If Scanning Works at All)
Try scanning from macOS to make sure the scanner works.
Using Image Capture:
- Open Image Capture (found in Applications folder)
- Select your scanner from the left sidebar
- Click Scan to test
Using Preview:
- Open Preview
- Go to File > Import from Scanner > [Your Scanner Name]
- Click Scan
If it works here, but "Scan to Mac" from the printer fails, the issue is likely with the printer software or permissions.
6. Check macOS Firewall Settings
Your firewall might be blocking the printer's scan request.
Steps:
- Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall (or System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall on older macOS)
- Click Options or Firewall Options
- Make sure printer/scanner software is allowed to receive incoming connections
- Add your printer software if it's not listed
7. Check File Permissions and Scan Destination
Your printer may be trying to scan to a folder it no longer has permission to write to.
What to do:
- Check the folder your scanner sends files to (often Documents > Scanned Documents or Desktop)
- Right-click the folder > Get Info
- Check Sharing & Permissions section
- Make sure your user account has "Read & Write" access
- If needed, click the lock icon and enter your password to make changes
8. Reset Printing System (Advanced)
If you're having persistent issues, try resetting the printing system.
Steps:
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners (or System Preferences > Printers & Scanners)
- Right-click in the printer list area
- Select Reset printing system
- Confirm and enter your administrator password
- Re-add your printer/scanner
9. Temporarily Disable Security Software
Some third-party antivirus or security software blocks scan-to-Mac traffic. Try turning it off briefly and test scanning again.
🛑 If this works, adjust your security software settings to allow the printer/scanner or contact Pacific Northwest Computers for help.
10. Try a USB Connection (If You're Using Wi-Fi)
To rule out network issues:
- Connect the printer/scanner to your Mac with a USB cable
- Test scanning again using Image Capture or your printer's scan software
11. Check for macOS Updates
Sometimes compatibility issues are resolved with system updates.
Steps:
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update (or System Preferences > Software Update)
- Install any available updates
- Restart your Mac after updating
12. Remove and Reinstall the Printer/Scanner
If all else fails, start fresh.
Steps:
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners (or System Preferences > Printers & Scanners)
- Select your printer/scanner and click the "-" button to remove it
- Restart your Mac
- Reinstall using:
- HP Smart, Brother Mobile Connect, Canon PRINT, etc.
- OR download the setup tool from the manufacturer's website
- OR use System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer or Scanner
Printer & Scanner Manufacturer Support Sites:
https://pnwcomputers.blogspot.com/2025/05/official-printer-scanner-driver.html
Still Not Scanning?
Sometimes "Scan to Mac" errors are caused by:
- A corrupted printer driver
- A misconfigured firewall
- Missing scan software
- Network permission issues
- macOS security restrictions
You may also need to check out and try our Network File & Print Sharing troubleshooting and repair tutorials JUST IN CASE there might be something going on with your local network, or your local machine's network, or file and print sharing settings:
- macOS Network - Troubleshooting (Technical Guide)
- macOS Network - Troubleshooting (Easy Guide)
We can help diagnose and fix the issue quickly, either remotely or onsite, if you are still having issues!
Just let us know!
📞 Pacific Northwest Computers offers remote and onsite support across: Vancouver WA, Battle Ground WA, Camas WA, Washougal WA, Longview WA, Kelso WA, and Portland OR
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