When you try to add a new printer to your Mac, you may sometimes get an alert that says “An error occurred while trying to add the selected printer“. The error persists even if you restart your machine. Follow the steps below to force your Mac to recognize the printer.
Fix “An Error Occurred While Trying to Add the Selected Printer” on Mac
Quick Checks
Use the checklist below to ensure your Mac and printer are connected properly:
Make sure your Mac and printer are connected to the same network. Many router models support multiple portals. Ensure your printer and Mac are connected to the same portal.
If there are multiple printers connected to the network, disconnect all of them except the printer you want to add.
If you’re using a cable connection, make sure the cable is not faulty. Connect it firmly to your Mac’s port.
Unplug your router and wait for two minutes to get rid of flea power. Meanwhile, restart your Mac and printer. Then power up your router, and check the results.
Delete All Printer Drivers
Launch Finder, click on the Go menu, and select Go to folder.
Enter ~/Library/Printers in the search field.
Delete all your printer drivers (drag them to Trash).
Then, go to System Preferences, and select Printers & Scanners.
Click the plus sign and try to add the problematic printer again.
Remove and re-add your printer from the Printers & Scanners System Preferences.
Set up the Printer With Apple AirPrint
If you own an AirPrint-compatible printer, try to set up the device with AirPrint. To check if your printer is AirPrint-enabled, go to Apple’s support page.
Keep in mind that some printers require a firmware update to become compatible with AirPrint. Before attempting to pair the devices, check for macOS updates as well.
Click on the Apple menu, and go to System Preferences.
Select Printers & Scanners.
If your printer is already on the list, click the minus sign to remove it. Remove all printer queues as well.
After that, click on the plus sign, and select Add printer or scanner.
Select your printer, click on Use, and then select AirPrint.
If you cannot get your printer to work with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, try this troubleshooting tool
Hit the Add button and try to print something.
Reset Printer Settings
If the issue persists, reset the printing system to empty your list of printers, and delete print job information.
Click on the Apple menu, and select System Preferences.
Then click Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer from the list on the left, and then click Reset printing system.
Your list of printers should be empty now. Try to add your printer again and check if the error persists.
Conclusion
If an error occurred while trying to add a printer to your Mac, make sure your devices are connected to the same network. If you’re using a cable connection, connect the cable firmly to your Mac. Additionally, delete your printer drivers, and set up the printer again using Apple AirPrint. If the error persists, reset your printer settings. Did you manage to fix the problem? Let us know in the comments below.
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies — AI and DNA computing in particular.
I had a list of printers till a few days ago now its empty I have added the laser printer but the Epson 8070 inkjet comes up with an error when I try to add it
An error occurred while trying to add the selected device.
successful-ok-ignored-or-substituted-attributes
I don’t know whats changed other than a security update.
I tried your fixes, and nothing works so far. I am trying to reinstall my Canon TR7020a to my MacBook Air. It was working fine until a couple of days ago. I had been scanning quite a bit when it just stopped. I have been connecting with a USB cable. My error message is “An error occurred while trying to add the
selected device.
client-error-request-value-too-long”
An error occurred while trying to add the selected device.
Followed your instructions — no printing system reset came up. Still not connected to printer.
Mine still isn’t working. I still get the error message. I can’t add either of my printers. It seems to be something in my MAC but I don’t know what.
GEN, what was it that worked? I didn’t delete the printer drives because mine aren’t in the same place as this suggests and I didn’t want to cause any more issues.
I had a list of printers till a few days ago now its empty I have added the laser printer but the Epson 8070 inkjet comes up with an error when I try to add it
An error occurred while trying to add the selected device.
successful-ok-ignored-or-substituted-attributes
I don’t know whats changed other than a security update.
I tried your fixes, and nothing works so far. I am trying to reinstall my Canon TR7020a to my MacBook Air. It was working fine until a couple of days ago. I had been scanning quite a bit when it just stopped. I have been connecting with a USB cable. My error message is “An error occurred while trying to add the
selected device.
client-error-request-value-too-long”
An error occurred while trying to add the selected device.
Followed your instructions — no printing system reset came up. Still not connected to printer.
Did everything suggested, still getting the same error message.
Mine still isn’t working. I still get the error message. I can’t add either of my printers. It seems to be something in my MAC but I don’t know what.
GEN, what was it that worked? I didn’t delete the printer drives because mine aren’t in the same place as this suggests and I didn’t want to cause any more issues.
I tried everything for hours! This was the only thing that actually worked. THANK YOU!!