Share a Scanner Over a Local Network on macOS 13

Sharing a scanner over a local network in macOS 13 Ventura allows multiple computers on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network to digitize documents without moving cables. By using the native sharing tools built into macOS, you can quickly turn a USB-connected scanner or a multifunction printer into a shared network resource accessible by other Mac computers.

Prerequisites

Ensure the scanner is connected directly to the host Mac via USB, powered on, and recognized by the system. Both the host Mac and the client Macs must be connected to the same local network.

Step 1: Enable Scanner Sharing on the Host Mac

  1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Settings.
  2. In the sidebar, select General, then click Sharing on the right side.
  3. Locate Scanner Sharing in the list of services.
  4. Click the Info (i) button next to Scanner Sharing.
  5. Check the box next to the scanner you want to share.
  6. Under the Everyone permission setting, set access to Can scan (or add specific network users by clicking the Add (+) button if you prefer restricted access).
  7. Click Done, then toggle the switch next to Scanner Sharing to the On position.

Step 2: Access the Shared Scanner from Another Mac

  1. On the client Mac, open the Apple menu () and select System Settings.
  2. Select Printers & Scanners from the sidebar.
  3. Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax... button.
  4. Select the shared scanner from the list. It will appear with its connection type listed as Bonjour Scanner or Shared.
  5. Click Add to complete the setup.

Alternatively, you can open the built-in Image Capture application on the client Mac. The shared device will automatically appear in the left sidebar under the Shared section, allowing you to scan directly without manually adding the device in System Settings.