Scanner does not appear in Image Capture on macOS

What causes it

• The queue was created with AirPrint only and the model does not support driverless scanning
• The manufacturer's scanner software is not installed
• Local Network permission has not been granted, blocking network scanner discovery
• The scanner is connected through a USB hub that is not passing the device through
• The all-in-one is in a state where scanning is disabled, such as an open cover or a jam

How to fix it, in order

Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.

1. Check the Scan tab on the printer

   Open System Settings › Printers & Scanners, click the device and look for a Scan section or an Open Scanner button. If it is present, scanning is configured and the problem lies in Image Capture rather than in the device setup. If it is missing, the queue does not include scanning support.

2. Grant Local Network permission

   Go to System Settings › Privacy & Security › Local Network and enable Image Capture and any manufacturer scanning utility. On recent macOS versions network scanners are invisible without this. Quit and reopen Image Capture afterwards.

3. Install the manufacturer's scanning software

   Download the full software package for your model, such as HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Canon's utility or Brother's software, rather than a print-only driver. Driverless printing does not guarantee driverless scanning, and many models need the vendor app for scan support.

4. Re-add the printer to pick up scan support

   Remove the device in Printers & Scanners and add it again with the vendor software installed. During Add Printer, check whether the Use menu offers a driver named for your model rather than only AirPrint, since the model-specific choice is what enables scanning.

5. Connect by USB to test

   Plug the all-in-one straight into the Mac with a USB cable, avoiding hubs and using an adapter only if necessary. If the scanner appears over USB but not over the network, the scanning protocol is being blocked on the network rather than being unsupported.

6. Check the device itself is ready to scan

   Look at the printer's panel for jams, open covers or a low-toner condition that puts it into a state where scanning is refused. Some all-in-ones will not scan while an error is displayed, even though the error concerns printing.

7. Reset the printing system if it still hides

   Control-click the printer list in System Settings › Printers & Scanners, choose Reset printing system, then add the device again with the vendor software installed. This clears a queue built without scanning capability.

Frequently asked questions