Introduction
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; it must be compatible with the server Mac. If legacy support is iffy, this may require precedence.
- "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 — choose based on 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. They "work" but may require early replacement!
Age: Late 2009 21.5"/27" iMac — Core 2 Duo
Age: 2010 Mac Mini — Core 2 Duo
Age: 2010 21.5"/27" iMac — Clarkdale i3/i5/i7
RADEON 6630M GPU (2.5/2.7GHz): 2011 Mac Mini — Sandy Bridge i5/i7
RADEON GPU ISSUES (6630M/6670M/6970M) — KNOWN TO FAIL: 2011 21.5"/27" iMac -- Sandy Bridge i5/i7
Mac Mini:
Borderline:
- 2012 (Max OS: Catalina)
- Potential short lifespan
Recommended:
- MLB removal required for RAM upgrade — 2018 (Max OS: Sonoma)
- Footnote 2
Not recommended:
- SOLDERED RAM — 2014 (Max OS: Monterey)
- Lacks 2012/11 quad-core CPU options.
iMac:
- RAM UPGRADE NOTE: MLB must be removed on 21.5" 2012-2019 systems to access modules.
Borderline:
- 2012-2013 (Max OS: Catalina)
- Short lifespan?
- 2014-2015 (Max OS: Big Sur)
- Short lifespan?
Recommended:
- 2017 (Max OS: Ventura)
Not recommended:
- 2019 (Max OS: Sonoma)
- Footnote 1
- RAM SOLDERED (21.5") -- 2020 (Max OS: Sonoma)
- Footnotes 1 and 2
Footnotes:
1: These are "last call" Intel systems (2019/2020 iMac). THERE ARE NO HW FAULTS, but they are often priced as if the seller is high (even on the dumpster fire known as Facebook Marketplace). Get an Apple Silicon Mac at this point!
2: This is a T2 Mac. The SSD is soldered/paired to the motherboard. Look for a Mac with a 1TB SSD or larger!
Tools
Parts
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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.
