Allow Blocked Printer Drivers in macOS Security Settings (Ventura & Sonoma Guide)

macOS Ventura and Sonoma include strict security protections that may block third-party printer drivers during installation.
When this happens, the printer won’t appear correctly or features like scanning, duplex printing, or ink monitoring may fail.

This guide explains how to allow blocked printer drivers safely using macOS Security Settings.

For deeper insight on drivers and operating system compatibility, read:
👉 Complete Printer Driver Guide 2025

Why macOS Blocks Printer Drivers

Apple uses Gatekeeper and system integrity protection to prevent:

• Unsigned or modified driver packages

• Outdated kernel or extension-based drivers

• Software downloaded outside trusted developer certificates

Because of this, some older or enterprise printer drivers require manual approval before they can run.

Signs Your Printer Driver Is Blocked

You may notice:

• Message: “System software from developer was blocked”

• Printer installs but cannot print or scan

• Driver package installs but doesn’t appear in Printers & Scanners

These usually indicate the driver is waiting for security approval.

How to Allow Blocked Printer Drivers on macOS

Step 1 — Install the Driver Normally

1. Download the official macOS driver from the printer manufacturer.

2. Open the .dmg or .pkg installer and complete installation.

3. If blocked, macOS will show a security warning.

Do not bypass security using unknown sources—only use official drivers.

If issues continue, see:
👉 Printer Not Responding After Driver Update

Step 2 — Open Privacy & Security Settings

1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings.

2. Select Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

3. Scroll to the Security section.

You may see a message like:

“System software from developer ‘XXXX’ was blocked from loading.”

Step 3 — Allow the Blocked Driver

1. Click Allow next to the blocked developer message.

2. Enter your administrator password if prompted.

3. Restart your Mac to apply the change.

After restart, the driver becomes trusted and active.

Step 4 — Add the Printer Again

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.

2. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.

3. Choose your printer and ensure the correct driver name appears (not AirPrint if advanced features are needed).

4. Click Add and print a test page.

If “Allow” Button Does Not Appear

Try these fixes:

Reinstall the Driver

• Delete the printer from Printers & Scanners

• Re-run the official installer

• Immediately check Privacy & Security

The allow option only appears for a short time after blocking.

Common Printer Driver Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Check macOS Compatibility

Older drivers using kernel extensions (kext) may not work on Ventura or Sonoma.
Look for:

• Updated universal driver packages

• AirPrint or manufacturer apps instead of legacy drivers

Use AirPrint as an Alternative

If no updated driver exists:

• Add printer using AirPrint

• Basic printing will work, though advanced utilities may be missing

Security Tips When Allowing Drivers

To stay safe:

• Download drivers only from official manufacturer websites

• Avoid modified or third-party driver bundles

• Keep macOS updated for newest security certificates

Allowing unknown drivers can expose the system to malware or instability, so always verify the developer.

Conclusion

Blocked printer drivers in macOS Ventura and Sonoma are usually caused by Apple’s security protections, not printer failure.

To fix the issue:

1. Install the official driver

2. Open Privacy & Security

3. Click Allow for the blocked developer

4. Restart and re-add the printer

Once approved, your printer should work with full features and stable performance.