How to fix 'Filter Failed' printer error on Mac

If your printer gives you a "Filter Failed" error when you send a print job from your Mac, you're not alone. This issue affects printers from Epson, Canon, HP, and many other brands. Luckily, fixing this error is as easy as resetting the macOS printing system and installing updated drivers.

What causes the printer error "Filter Failed"?

The most common culprit for a print job receiving an error saying "Stopped - Filter Failed" or similar is a damaged or incompatible printer driver. This usually happens when you install or upgrade to a newer version of macOS.

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In that case, your current printer driver may be so incompatible that attempting to print from any application will result in an error or cause the application to quit.

Steps to fix "Filter Failed" printer error in macOS

To fix the infamous "Filter Failed" printer error, you first need to reset the printing system, which will clear the print queue as well as clear your printer and preset settings. Next, you should download the latest driver compatible with your operating system and add the printer again.

1. Reset the macOS printing system

To reset the printing system, go to Apple menu > System Settings from the menu bar and select Printers & Scanners from the sidebar. Then, Control -click your printer on the right and select Reset Printing System .

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Confirm the operation by selecting Reset (you may need to enter your admin password). Restart your Mac and visit this section again to confirm there are no devices listed under Printers .

Note : You should also manually move the remaining driver files from ~/Library/Printers/ and ~/Library/Printers/PPDs/Contents/Resources/ to Trash. Click Go > Go to Folder from the menu bar to go to these folders.

2. Reinstall the driver and add the printer again

Start by downloading the latest printer software from the manufacturer's support site. However, if your printer supports AirPrint, you can safely skip this step.

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To add a printer to your Mac, connect the printer to your computer, turn it on, then go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners . Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button on the right, select the Default tab , select your device from the Printers list , and click Add .

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Once the printer driver is reinstalled and the printer is re-added, you will be able to print documents on your Mac from Microsoft Word, Preview, and other applications without "Filter Failed" errors.

3. Other common printer error fixes you should try

Apple's macOS printing support page offers some general fixes that can be helpful when troubleshooting printer problems, including the following tips:

1. Verify that the printer has enough ink
2. Check the connection and USB cable
3. Turn off the Print dialog box extension
4. Try printing from another application
5. Restart your Mac and printer

Sometimes, problems like this can occur after installing a new macOS update. However, with these steps, you can fix the "Filter Failed" error and get your printer working again within minutes.

Since macOS no longer includes built-in printer drivers, make sure your next printer supports Apple's AirPrint technology, which allows you to print without downloading or installing drivers.

David Pac

Update 06 December 2023