# Connect a printer to your computer for Starshipit
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/9171767654799-connect-a-printer-to-your-computer-for-starshipit
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/9171767654799-connect-a-printer-to-your-computer-for-starshipit
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/9171767654799-connect-a-printer-to-your-computer-for-starshipit.md
Updated: 2026-10-21

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Connect a printer to Windows or macOS and check it prints before setting up the Starshipit Desktop App.

Connect your printer to Windows or macOS and check that it prints outside Starshipit. Once it works on your computer, you can select it in the Starshipit Desktop App.

## Before you begin

- Use the computer that will run the Starshipit Desktop App and receive the print jobs.
- Turn on the printer and load the paper or labels you will use.
- Have the correct USB cable, or connect the printer and computer to the same network.
- Follow the manufacturer's setup instructions for your printer model. You may need administrator access to install its driver.
- Check the [label size required by your couriers](/articles/360001921655-choose-a-shipping-label-printer-and-label-size).

## Add the printer to your computer

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1. Connect a USB printer to your computer, or follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect a network printer. Windows may install a USB printer automatically.
2. In Windows 11, open **Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners**.
3. Check whether your printer is already listed. If it is missing, select **Add device**, wait for the list to appear, then select **Add device** beside your printer.
4. Follow any prompts to finish installation. If Windows cannot find the printer, follow Microsoft's [instructions for adding a printer manually](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/printer/add-or-install-a-printer-in-windows).

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1. Connect a USB printer to your Mac, or follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect a network printer.
2. Open **Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners**.
3. If your printer is missing, select **Add Printer, Scanner or Fax**, select the printer, then select **Add**.
4. Follow any prompts for printer software. See Apple's [guide to adding a printer](https://support.apple.com/en-nz/guide/mac-help/mh14004/mac) if it does not appear.

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## Check the paper and print a test

1. Select the printer's paper size and orientation in its driver settings or the application's print dialog. Match them to the stock loaded in the printer.
2. Select this printer by name in the application's print dialog, then print a small document or a manufacturer test label outside Starshipit.
3. Check that the job reaches the correct printer and the output is readable and fits the paper or label.

Keep the printer's name handy when you configure its mapping in the Desktop App.

## Troubleshoot the connection

Resolve a failed external test before configuring Starshipit printing.

| What happened | What to check |
| --- | --- |
| The printer is missing from your computer's printer list | Check that it is on and the USB cable is connected, or that the printer and computer use the same network. Follow the Windows or macOS installation instructions above. |
| The test job does not print | Check the connection, the printer's error display and the manufacturer's driver instructions. Follow [Microsoft's printer troubleshooting](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows-fb830bff-7702-6349-33cd-9443fe987f73) for Windows connection or printing errors. |
| The output is cut off or offset | Match the selected paper size and orientation to the loaded stock, then follow the manufacturer's calibration instructions for your model. |
| The job prints on another printer | Select the intended printer by name and repeat the external test. |

## Set up Starshipit printing

Once the external test succeeds, follow [Understand how Starshipit printing works](/articles/90200000000155-understand-how-starshipit-printing-works) to configure the Starshipit account's machine route and the Desktop App's local printer mapping. If the external test works but a Starshipit job fails, use that guide to check where the job stopped.