Mac says the software for this device is currently not available
When adding a printer, macOS may say its software is not available. Use AirPrint, a generic driver or the maker's official macOS driver instead.
What this error means
When you add a printer, macOS looks for driver software to go with it, and for some printers it tries to download that software from Apple. This message means no suitable package could be installed: Apple no longer offers it, the manufacturer never released one for your version of macOS, or the download couldn't start. A similar message, saying the software can't be installed because it isn't available from the Software Update server, has the same causes. Many printers made in recent years support AirPrint and don't need any downloaded software at all.
Common causes
- macOS picked a driver package that Apple no longer offers
- The manufacturer hasn't released a driver for your version of macOS
- The printer is too old to support AirPrint
- The Mac couldn't reach the internet or Apple's servers while adding the printer
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for macOS
0 of 6 steps tried
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Add the printer with AirPrint
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners and click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax. Select the printer in the Default list, then open the Use menu and choose AirPrint (or Secure AirPrint, if listed) and click Add. AirPrint uses software already built into macOS, so nothing needs downloading. If the printer isn't listed, use the IP tab, enter its IP address and choose AirPrint as the protocol.
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Check your internet connection and macOS updates
If the printer doesn't support AirPrint, macOS needs the internet to fetch a driver. Check the Mac is online, then open System Settings > General > Software Update and install any updates. Remove the half-added printer if one appears in the list, restart the Mac and try adding it again.
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Install the manufacturer’s macOS driver
Go to the manufacturer's official support website, find your exact model and choose your macOS version. If a driver is listed, download and install it, then add the printer again; if the Use menu doesn't pick it automatically, choose Select Software and pick your model from the list. If the site lists no driver for your macOS version, it usually recommends AirPrint instead.
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Use a generic driver
For many laser printers and some office inkjets, a generic driver gives you basic printing. In the Use menu, choose Generic PostScript Printer for printers that support PostScript, or Generic PCL Printer if that's offered and the printer supports PCL; the printer's specifications say which languages it understands. You lose model-specific features such as ink levels and some tray settings, but everyday printing usually works.
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Install Rosetta if an older driver asks for it
Some older printer drivers were made for Intel Macs. On a Mac with Apple silicon, macOS may offer to install Rosetta when you run one of these installers. Accept Apple's own prompt to install it, then run the driver installer again. Only use installers from the manufacturer's official website.
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Options for older printers without macOS support
If there's no AirPrint, no current driver and no generic option that works, check whether the manufacturer lists a driver for a closely related model or series, since some cover several printers. Otherwise, printing from another device the printer still supports keeps it in use. If you rely on the Mac, a printer with AirPrint is the most future-proof replacement.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Is it safe to download Mac printer drivers from other websites?
No. Use only the manufacturer's official website or software provided through Apple's Software Update. Driver bundles from other sites can be outdated, modified or packaged with unwanted software.
What do I lose by using AirPrint instead of the maker’s driver?
Usually only a few advanced options, which vary by printer. Everyday printing, paper size, color and two-sided printing generally work with AirPrint on printers that support those features.