How to Install a Star Bluetooth Printer on MacOS

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Introduction

This application note explains how to install a Star Bluetooth printer on MacOS via the CUPS driver.

Supported Printers: All Star Desktop and Portable Bluetooth Printers
Supported Interfaces: Bluetooth
Supported Environments: MacOS

Before you begin

Important! New installations require three steps: 1) Install the CUPS driver and enable CUPS web interface, 2) Pair the Bluetooth to MacOS and 3) Add the printer to MacOS. These three separate steps are explained below.
Note: If you have already installed the driver, skip to Step #2.

Important! When pairing with MacOS, the printer’s Auto-Connection feature should be set to OFF. If your self-test shows it is ON, follow the below application note to turn it OFF.
How to Turn Auto Connection ON or OFF on Bluetooth Printers

Note: While these instructions were written using the TSP100IIIBi as an example, this document applies to all models indicated above.

1. Install the CUPS Driver

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

1. Click the link above and click “Download”. Select “I Agree” and click “Download”.

2. Locate the downloaded zip folder (commonly located in the Downloads folder). Open the zip folder.

3. Open the newly extracted folder and open the Driver folder. Run the .pkg file.

4. Click “Continue”.

5. Change the Install Location if necessary and click “Install”.

Note: The default save location is Macintosh HD.

6. Log in with your MacOS credentials and click “Install Software”.

7. The installer completes the installation.

8. After the installation is successful click “Close”.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the CUPS driver on MacOS.

Enable CUPS Web Interface

To install a Bluetooth printer or enable a cash drawer, the CUPS Driver Web Interface must be enabled on the Mac device.

1. Open a web browser and type localhost:631 in the address bar. If accessing this page for the first time, the Web Interface will be disabled.

2. On the Mac device, go to Utilities and open “Terminal”.

3. In Terminal, type the following command and tap Enter:

cupsctl WebInterface=yes

4. Return to the browser and reload the page. The CUPS Web Interface will now be enabled.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled the CUPS Web Interface on MacOS.

2. Pair the Bluetooth to MacOS

The printer must first be paired via Bluetooth to the MacOS device.

1. Determine the printer’s Bluetooth Name. Perform a self-test to obtain the printer’s Bluetooth name. Use the following article to do so: Performing a Hardware Self-Test on Star Printers

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

Note: mC-Print series, mPOP, TSP100 series and Portable printers are automatically in pairing mode when powered on. There is no PAIR button for these models.

3. Click the Bluetooth icon and select “Setup new device”. Locate the printer’s Bluetooth name and click “Continue”. The system starts the pairing.

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

4. The printer will now show up under “My Devices”.

Congratulations! You have successfully paired a Star Bluetooth printer to MacOS.

3. Add the Printer to MacOS

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

Note: If prompted, enter your Mac Username and Password to Log In.

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

3. Specify the device Address for the printer as shown below and click “Continue”.

Note: This is found on the self-test.

starbluetooth://<<Bluetooth Address>>
example: starbluetooth://00-11-62-19-3F-60

4. Fill out the following then click “Continue”:

Name – The name of the printer
Description – How the printer will be displayed in the Mac (can be left blank)
Location – Location description (can be left blank)

5. Select “STAR” as the Make. Then click “Continue”.

6. Select the printer model. Then click “Add Printer”.

Note: Use the table below to identify the correct Model to select for your printer.

7. To test, open System Preferences and select “Printers and Scanners”.

8. Highlight the printer and click “Open Print Queue…”.

9. In the top menu bar select Printer and click “Print Test Page”.

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

Printers

Cash Drawers

Scales

Scanners

Peripherals