Introduzione
If you own an iOS 17 device, some legacy printers may not work as intended. On affected HP models, this primarily affects legacy models (Non-DS) and some early HP DS models (toner DRM) such as the M402/426; and similarly aged enterprise models. This guide shows you how to use Air Printer on an old Mac to make a replacement print server. While this guide was written around an HP printer, this fix can be used regardless of brand; even pre-AirPrint models.
NOTE: While a Windows version is available, the setup process differs from the Mac version and is not covered.
IMPORTANT: TWO COMPATIBILITY CHECKS ARE NEEDED.
- Printer: Check first; must be compatible with the server Mac. This may require precedence if legacy support is iffy.
- "Server" Mac: MUST run the current minimum MacOS version supported by Air Printer, and I do not have a say on when OSes get dropped. Find a Mac that fits your budget and can run a relatively current MacOS release.
General Mac recommendations
Apple Silicon:
- Mac Mini and iMac use the same SoC — the difference is form factor.
Intel:
Macs from 2009-2011 are "not recommended" by default. These max out at High Sierra, and are at higher risk of developer deprecation. These "work", but may require early replacement!
Late 2009 21.5"/27" iMac -- Core 2 Duo
2010 Mac Mini -- Core 2 Duo
2010 21.5"/27" iMac -- Clarkdale i3/i5/i7
2011 Mac Mini -- Sandy Bridge i5/i7, 2.5/2.7GHz Radeon 6630M configuration may have GPU issues
2011 21.5"/27" iMac -- Sandy Bridge i5/i7, Radeon 6630M/6670M/6970M KNOWN TO FAIL!
Mac Mini:
Borderline:
- 2012 (Max OS: Catalina)
- Potential short lifespan
Recommended:
- RAM upgrade requires MLB removal -- 2018 (Max OS: Sonoma)
- Footnote 2
Not recommended:
- SOLDERED RAM -- 2014 (Max OS: Monterey)
- Lacks 2012/11 quad-core CPU options.
iMac:
- RAM upgrade requires MLB removal on the 21.5" 2012-2019 iMac.
Borderline:
- 2012-2013 (Max OS: Catalina)
- Potential short lifespan
- 2014-2015 (Max OS: Big Sur)
- Potential short lifespan
Recommended:
- 2017 (Max OS: Ventura)
Not recommended:
- 2019 (Max OS: Sonoma)
- Footnote 1
- 21.5" RAM SOLDERED -- 2020 (Max OS: Sonoma)
- Footnotes 1 and 2
Footnotes:
1: The 2019/2020 iMacs are 5-year-old "last call" Intel systems. They DO NOT have fatal HW problems but are often priced as if the seller is high (even on dumpster fires like Facebook Marketplace). Look at Apple Silicon instead!
2: This is a T2 Mac. The SSD is soldered/paired to the motherboard. Look for a Mac with a 1TB SSD or larger!
Strumenti
Ricambi
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Go to the Air Printer website and download the application to your Mac. Your "server" Mac MUST SUPPORT the minimum OS compatible with Air Printer (currently MacOS High Sierra/10.13).
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Copy the application to your "server" Mac. It can be placed in the Applications folder or another preferred location.
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Click on Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.... This will let you add the printer to the Mac.
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Add the printer from the printer list.
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Verify the printer is now installed and functions correctly.
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Click on +. This will let you add the printer to the Mac.
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Add the printer from the printer list.
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Verify the printer is now installed and functions correctly.
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Make sure the printer is configured on your Mac first.
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Click on the + icon in Air Printer and select the printer you want to add from the drop-down menu. Once the printer is added, your printer should work over AirPrint.
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Select the affected printer to add it to Air Printer.
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After the Mac setup is done, look for Air Printer @ [computer name] to select your printer on your affected iOS device.
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Ignore this printer, it will reproduce the same issue. THIS PRINTER CANNOT BE HIDDEN.
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IF you have other printers that are unaffected and work as intended on the list (such as my 2 Lexmark laser printers), use the stock firmware.
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Select the affected printer, and click on the gear icon.
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Click on Configure, and enter the Air Printer EWS. Enter your admin password.
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Click on Options, and select Simulate More Trays. If your printer errors out with this enabled, change this to Disabled. Click Save changes to save your changes.
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Following this installation, your legacy printer should now print from phones/tablets reliably.