Let’s be clear: Samsung never released a native ARM64 (M1/M2/M3) driver for the ML-2010. If you try to install the old Samsung installer from 2007, it will fail immediately on macOS 10.15+.
But there are two exclusive workarounds used by vintage printer enthusiasts.
For professionals who absolutely need Samsung’s official features (toner status, proprietary resolution), there is one truly exclusive method: Running macOS Mojave (10.14) inside a virtual machine via UTM or Parallels.
Since the last supported macOS for the native Samsung driver was Mojave (which still supported 32-bit libraries), you can install a VM, share your USB printer, and print from the legacy OS. This is overkill for most users, but it works flawlessly.
Several third-party websites offer Samsung ML-2010 drivers compatible with Mac. Some popular sources include:
When downloading drivers from third-party sources, ensure you:
Before we dive into the driver nightmare, let’s appreciate the hardware. The Samsung ML2010 was released in the era of macOS X Tiger and Leopard. It was a USB-only printer with no Ethernet or Wi-Fi. It boasted 20 pages per minute, 1200 dpi effective output, and a monthly duty cycle of 5,000 pages. For students and small businesses, it was a tank.
But technology moves fast. Samsung sold its printing division to HP in 2017. Consequently, the official Samsung website no longer hosts legacy drivers for older models like the ML2010.
If you see a "Filter failed" error, you need to disable the authentication requirement. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities) and paste:
sudo chmod 777 /var/spool/cups/
Then restart your Mac.
If you have a Windows PC or a network printer setup, you can share the Samsung ML-2010 printer on your network, allowing Mac users to access it through a print server. This method requires:
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
To install the Samsung ML-2010 driver on your Mac:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues during the installation process or while using the Samsung ML-2010 on your Mac, try:
Conclusion
The Samsung ML-2010 is an excellent printer for those seeking a reliable and affordable monochrome laser printer. While finding the right driver for Mac users can be a challenge, the exclusive solutions outlined in this article provide a comprehensive guide to overcome compatibility issues. By following these steps, you can successfully install the Samsung ML-2010 driver on your Mac and enjoy hassle-free printing experiences.
