Why do I get an "Authorization Hold" message when I try to print on a MacBook?
Answer
If students put in the wrong credentials the first time, the Mac will save those to their “keychain” and then it’s stuck with the wrong credentials. (Keychain = A locked, encrypted container used to store account names and passwords for apps, servers, AirPort base stations, and websites.)
Essentially, the first time they try to print it comes up with a dialog box to enter username and password. If not sure of the exact wording on it, but it’s something like “please enter your network credentials for this printer” which means it’s asking for their Western email address and password. Students that don’t read that or read it incorrectly will think the Mac is prompting them for the MacBook login password (since Mac is ALWAYS asking for that password), and then those wrong credentials for PaperCut are saved and the student is stuck.
There is a fix, however. If they open the Keychain, search for PaperCut, and delete all entries (there might be 3 or more), then the next time they print it will ask for credentials again and they should put in their Western email/password.
How to view the information stored in a keychain on Mac
Keychain Access lets you view the keys, certificates, passwords, account information, notes, or other information stored in a keychain.
- In the Keychain Access app
on your Mac, if you don’t see a list of keychains, choose Window > Keychain Viewer or press Command-1. - Select the keychain that you want to view.
- To see more information about an item, either double-click it or select it and click the Info button
in the toolbar.
Tip: You can also view your passwords in System Settings and Safari settings. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Passwords in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down); or open Safari, choose Safari > Settings, then click Passwords.
IF fixing the Keychain does not work:
Open up the print queue by clicking the printer icon in the Dock. To the right of the print job, there will be an X button to cancel it, and an Arrow in a Circle button to retry. Click the Arrow in a Circle button, and it might prompt you for username/password. Put in your full email address and password, click the checkbox that says “Save my Credentials” and then click ok. Might be that your credentials were not saved, you changed your password, or the system just wants to make sure there is still a human on the other end.