How to Install a Bluetooth Printer on macOS

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Introduction

This article provides instructions for installing a Star Micronics Bluetooth printer on macOS using the CUPS driver.

Supported Printers: Star Desktop and Portable Bluetooth Printers
Supported Interfaces: Bluetooth
Supported Environments: macOS

Before You Begin

Ensure the printer is powered on and has paper loaded.
Ensure Auto Connection is set to OFF before pairing the printer with macOS. If needed, see How to Change Auto Connection on Desktop Bluetooth Printers.
Have the printer’s Bluetooth name and address available. If needed, print a self-test to locate this information.

This installation consists of three steps:

1. Install the CUPS Driver and Enable the CUPS Web Interface
2. Pair the Printer with macOS
3. Add the Printer to macOS

If the CUPS driver is already installed and the CUPS Web Interface is enabled, skip to Pair the Printer with macOS.

1. Install the CUPS Driver

The most current version of the CUPS driver can be found HERE

NOTE: If you are using macOS 27, Rosetta 2 may be required to install the CUPS driver. If you experience an issue when opening or installing the driver package, see How to Install Rosetta 2 on macOS for instructions.

1. Click the link above and click Download. Select I Agree, then click Download.

2. Locate the downloaded ZIP file, commonly found in the Downloads folder, and open it.

3. Open the extracted folder, then open the Driver folder. Run the .pkg file.

4. Click Continue.

5. Click Install.

6. Enter your Mac credentials, then click Install Software.

7. Wait for the installation to complete.

8. Click Close.

Enable CUPS Web Interface

The CUPS Web Interface is required to add a Bluetooth printer, enable a cash drawer and configure additional settings on macOS, such as paper size and print density.

1. Open a web browser and enter localhost:631 in the address bar. If the CUPS Web Interface is disabled, continue to the next step.

NOTE: If prompted, enter your Mac username and password.

2. Open Finder, select Applications and open Utilities.

3. Open Terminal.

4. Enter the following command in Terminal and press Return:

cupsctl WebInterface=yes

5. Return to the browser and reload the page. The CUPS Web Interface is now enabled.

2. Pair the Printer with macOS

1. Identify the printer’s Bluetooth name. If needed, print a self-test to locate this information.

2. Hold the PAIR button on the back of the printer to put it in pairing mode.

NOTE: mC-Print, mPOP, TSP100 and portable printers automatically enter pairing mode when powered on and do not have a PAIR button.

3. On the Mac, select the Apple menu and click System Settings.

4. Select Bluetooth in the sidebar and ensure Bluetooth is turned ON.

5. Locate the printer’s Bluetooth name under Nearby Devices, then click Connect.

NOTE: Portable printers require a PIN. The default PIN is 1234.

6. Once connected, the printer appears under My Devices.

3. Add the Printer to macOS

1. Open a web browser and enter localhost:631 in the address bar. Click Add Printer.

NOTE: If prompted, enter your Mac username and password.

2. Select LPD/LPR Host or Printer, then click Continue.

3. Enter the printer’s Bluetooth address using the following format, then click Continue:

Format:
starbluetooth://<<Bluetooth Address>>

Example:
starbluetooth://XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX

4. Enter the following information, then click Continue:

Name: Enter a name for the printer.
Description: Enter a description for the printer (optional).
Location: Enter the printer’s location (optional).

5. Select STAR from the Make list, then click Continue.

6. Select the appropriate printer model, then click Add Printer.

NOTE: Use the table below to identify the correct model to select for your printer.

7. To test the printer, select the Apple menu, then click System Settings.

8. Select Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. Select the printer, then click Printer Queue.

9. In Print Centre, select Printer from the menu bar, then click Print Test Page.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed a Star Bluetooth printer on macOS.

Printers

Cash Drawers

Scales

Scanners

Peripherals