Printer Troubleshooting, How to Fix a Printer That Is Not Printing

Start with the simplest checks and work towards the more involved ones. That way, you rule out quick fixes before you spend time or money on a repair.

What should you do when your printer will not print?

A printer that will not print usually has a stuck print queue, a connection fault or a setting that points jobs to the wrong device. Work through these steps in order.

1. Check the printer screen or lights for an error, such as an open cover or empty tray.
2. Confirm your computer is sending the job to the correct printer, not an older copy of it.
3. Open the print queue and cancel any stuck jobs.
4. Restart the printer, then restart the computer.
5. Print a test page from the printer menu to see if the printer itself works.

If the test page prints, the fault is likely on the computer side. On the other hand, a failed test page points to the printer itself.

Why is my printer printing blank pages?

A printer that feeds paper but prints nothing usually has no ink or toner reaching the page. The cause is often simple, such as sealing tape left on a new cartridge, an empty colour that stops the whole job, or nozzles that have dried shut after weeks without use.

1. Check the ink or toner levels in the printer menu or the maker’s app.
2. Take out any new cartridge and remove every strip of protective tape.
3. Reseat each cartridge until it clicks, then close the cover fully.
4. Run one nozzle check on an inkjet to see which colours are missing.
5. Print a test page from the printer menu, not from your computer.
6. If the test page prints but documents do not, check the document for white text or a blank first page.

A laser printer that prints blank pages after a new toner goes in often still has the transport seal in place, so check the cartridge for a pull tab. If an inkjet still prints blank after two cleaning cycles, leave it for an hour so the ink can soak through, then try again before you consider a new print head.

How do you clear and prevent paper jams?

Paper jams usually come from worn rollers, the wrong paper or a small scrap left behind from an earlier jam. Always switch the printer off before you reach inside.

1. Turn the printer off and unplug it.
2. Open each access door and pull the paper out slowly in the direction it travels.
3. Look for torn pieces, since even a small scrap can cause repeat jams.
4. Fan a fresh stack of dry paper and load it neatly under the guide marks.
5. Wipe the pickup rollers with a lint free cloth dampened with water.

On a laser printer, be careful near the fuser, because it can stay very hot after use. Similarly, never force a jammed sheet out, as that can break gears or sensors.

How do you fix poor print quality?

Poor print quality usually means clogged nozzles on an inkjet, or low toner and a worn drum on a laser. Often, a few simple settings changes help too.

• Run one nozzle check and one cleaning cycle on an inkjet, then print again.
• Avoid running cleaning cycle after cleaning cycle, since each one uses a lot of ink.
• Gently rock a laser toner cartridge side to side to spread the toner evenly.
• Match the paper type setting to the paper in the tray.
• Run the print head alignment tool after you change cartridges.

If streaks stay after cleaning, the print head may be damaged or blocked beyond a routine clean. In that case, a technician can test the head before you buy new parts.

Why is my printer offline, and how do you fix WiFi problems?

Most printer WiFi problems happen after a router change, a power cut or a sleep mode that drops the connection. Reconnecting the printer usually fixes it.

Windows and macOS mark a printer as offline when they cannot reach it, even if the printer itself is switched on and showing no error. Our step by step guide on how to fix a printer that shows offline covers the Windows and Mac settings in more detail.

1. Restart the router, then the printer, then the computer, in that order.
2. Print a network status page to confirm the printer has joined your WiFi.
3. Make sure the computer and printer are on the same network, not a guest network.
4. Remove the printer from your computer and add it again.
5. Install the current driver from the maker, whether that is HP, Canon, Epson or Brother.

For USB printers, try another cable and another port. Also keep the printer away from thick walls or metal cabinets if the signal keeps dropping.

What do printer error messages mean?

Error messages are the printer telling you which part or sensor has a problem. Write down the exact code, since it narrows the fault down quickly.

• Paper jam errors with no paper inside often point to a dirty or faulty sensor.
• Carriage errors usually mean something is blocking the print head path.
• Ink pad or maintenance messages mean internal parts need service.
• Fuser errors on laser printers generally need a technician.
• General service or system errors can mean a board or firmware fault.

Turning the printer off for a minute can clear a temporary error. Still, an error that returns straight away usually needs a closer look.

Regular light use and simple care prevent most printer faults. In particular, inkjets benefit from printing something every week to keep the nozzles clear.

• Print a page at least once a week on an inkjet.
• Store paper flat in a dry place, away from humidity.
• Keep the printer covered and free of dust.
• Wipe rollers gently when you notice feed problems.
• Replace toner and drums when the printer warns you, not after prints fail.
• Install driver and firmware updates from the maker.
• Power it off with the button, not the wall switch, so the heads park correctly.

Over time, these habits also help your consumables last longer. Similar care helps computers too, and our list of common laptop issues shows which faults to watch for.