Printer Problems With macOS Catalina: Fixes

If you’re having printer problems after updating to macOS Catalina, the fix usually involves resetting the printing system, updating printer drivers, or reinstalling the printer. These steps resolve most connection, driver, and queue issues that Catalina introduced with its stricter security and driver requirements.

Why Catalina Broke So Many Printers

macOS Catalina (10.15) was a major shift because it was the first version to require all software, including printer drivers, to be 64-bit. Older 32-bit drivers simply stopped working. Apple also changed how the system communicates with printers, moving more responsibility to built-in AirPrint and IPP drivers. If your printer manufacturer hadn’t released a 64-bit driver by the time you upgraded, your printer would appear connected but fail to print, show “offline,” or produce errors like “Filter failed.”

Additionally, Catalina’s enhanced security means the system may block a driver or helper tool until you explicitly grant permission in System Preferences → Security & Privacy. Many users see a prompt to allow a downloaded driver, but if they miss it, the printer stays broken even after a successful install.

First Steps: Restart and Reconnect

Before diving into deeper fixes, try the simplest ones. A surprising number of Catalina printer issues are temporary glitches.

Turn the printer off and unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
Restart your Mac (Apple menu → Restart). This clears stuck print queues and re-initializes USB connections.
If using USB, try a different port on the Mac, preferably directly on the machine rather than a hub.
If using Wi-Fi, make sure the printer and Mac are on the same network (check both for the same router/SSID).
Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners, select the printer, and click “Reset printing system…” (you’ll need to re-add printers afterward). This clears corrupted queues and settings.

Update the Printer Driver

The most common root cause is an outdated or incompatible driver. Here’s how to get the right one:

Go to the printer manufacturer’s support website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Xerox).
Search for your exact model number, then look for drivers for macOS 10.15 Catalina. Download the latest full driver package (not just a “scan only” utility).
Run the installer and follow the prompts. If macOS blocks it, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General and click “Open Anyway” next to the blocked message.
After installation, restart your Mac.
Re-add the printer in System Preferences → Printers & Scanners: click the + button, select your printer, and choose the new driver from the “Use” drop-down if it isn’t auto-selected.

If no Catalina-specific driver exists, try using the built-in AirPrint driver. In the “Use” drop-down, select “Secure AirPrint” or “AirPrint” instead of the manufacturer’s driver. Many printers work fine with this generic driver, even if they aren’t AirPrint-certified.

Clear the Print Queue and Reset Printing System

A stuck print queue is another frequent culprit. If a job is stuck, it can block all subsequent jobs.

Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer and click “Open Print Queue…”
If there are jobs listed, click the “X” on each to cancel them, or click “Resume” if the queue is paused.
If the queue won’t clear, go back to the printer list, right-click (or Control-click) the printer and choose “Reset printing system…” This removes all printers and settings. You’ll need to re-add your printer afterward.

After resetting, re-add the printer by clicking the + button. If it doesn’t appear automatically, try “IP” tab and enter the printer’s IP address (you can find it on the printer’s display or in its network settings).

Check Permissions and Security Settings

Catalina’s security can silently block printer drivers. Here’s what to check:

System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy tab → “Files and Folders” or “Full Disk Access” (for some scanning utilities). Make sure your printer software is listed and checked.
If you see a message about a system extension being blocked, go to Security & Privacy → General and click “Allow” if available.
For network printers, ensure your Mac’s firewall isn’t blocking incoming connections: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall → Firewall Options, and make sure “Block all incoming connections” is unchecked.

Common Catalina-Specific Error Messages

Users often encounter these specific errors. Here’s what they mean and how to fix them:

“Filter failed” – Usually a driver or spooler issue. Update the driver, or switch to AirPrint driver. Also try clearing the queue.
“Printer is offline” – Check the printer’s network connection, and in Printers & Scanners, right-click the printer and select “Reset printing system,” then re-add it.
“Cannot connect to printer” – For network printers, verify the IP address is correct and that the printer is on the same subnet. Try pinging the printer’s IP from Terminal (ping 192.168.1.50). If it responds, re-add via IP.
“The printer driver is not available” – This appears when macOS can’t find a compatible driver. Install the manufacturer’s Catalina driver or choose AirPrint in the “Use” menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my printer stop working after Catalina update?

Most likely because the old driver was 32-bit and Catalina only supports 64-bit apps. The system can’t load the old driver, so the printer appears connected but won’t print. Updating to a 64-bit driver or using AirPrint fixes it.

Can I use an old printer with Catalina?

Yes, if the manufacturer provides a 64-bit driver or if the printer supports AirPrint or IPP. Many older printers work with the generic AirPrint driver, but some very old models may have no compatible driver at all. Check the manufacturer’s website for Catalina support.

How do I force quit a stuck print job on Catalina?

Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners, select your printer, click “Open Print Queue,” then click the “X” next to the stuck job. If that fails, restart your Mac, then immediately open the queue and cancel the job before it retries.

What is “Reset printing system” and will it delete my drivers?

It removes all printers, scanners, and their settings from your Mac, but it does not delete the driver software from your hard drive. After resetting, you’ll need to re-add your printers. It’s a safe troubleshooting step.

Why does my printer show “Driver is available on the App Store”?

That message appears when macOS can’t find a locally installed driver and suggests downloading one from the App Store. You can either click that link to install it, or download the full driver from the manufacturer’s website, which is often more up-to-date.

Is there a way to downgrade from Catalina to fix printing?

Yes, you can downgrade to Mojave if you have a Time Machine backup, but it’s a drastic step. Try driver updates and resets first. If you do downgrade, back up your data and follow Apple’s official instructions for reinstalling macOS.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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