Printer stopped working after a macOS update
Your printer worked until you updated macOS, and now it won't print, says Filter failed or can't be found. Re-add it and reset printing if needed.
Quick fix
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer and click Remove Printer. Then click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, select it again and choose AirPrint in the Use menu. AirPrint doesn't rely on manufacturer drivers that an update may have broken.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- Jobs fail with Filter failed or stay on hold
- The printer shows as offline or can't be found
- The printer maker's app no longer finds the printer
- Scanning stopped working along with printing
Usually caused by
- Manufacturer driver not yet updated for the new macOS
- Queue paused after the update
- Printer app not allowed to access the local network
- Damaged printer settings
Step-by-step fix
Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.
macOS
0 of 7 steps tried
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Restart the Mac and printer
Updates sometimes leave printing services in a bad state. Restart the Mac and turn the printer off and on.
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Resume the queue
In System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer, click Printer Queue and click Resume if it's paused. Read any message under the job; it often says what failed.
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Re-add the printer with AirPrint
Click Remove Printer, then add it again with Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax and pick AirPrint in the Use menu. If AirPrint isn't offered, your printer needs the maker's driver.
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Allow local network access
On macOS 15 Sequoia and later, apps need permission to find devices on your network. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network and turn on access for the printer maker's app.
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Get an updated driver
If you need the maker's driver, check the manufacturer's official support site for a version that lists your macOS. Install it, re-add the printer and choose that driver in the Use menu.
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Check the status in Terminal
Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities) and run the command below. Each printer should be described as idle or enabled; disabled means its queue is paused.
lpstat -p -
Reset the printing system
Control-click in the printer list in Printers & Scanners, choose Reset printing system and enter your password. This clears all printers, jobs and printer settings; add your printer again afterwards.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Try these next
Still stuck? 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
Do I need to download a driver after updating macOS?
Usually not. Most printers made in the last decade support AirPrint, which is built into macOS and updated along with it.
Will resetting the printing system delete my documents?
No. It only removes printers, scanners and waiting print jobs. Your files are untouched.
Why did scanning stop working too?
Scanning often relies on the same manufacturer software as printing, so an outdated package can break both. Many network all-in-one printers can also scan through Image Capture, which is built into macOS.