Printer Not Printing

If your printer is connected but won’t print, the cause is often a paused queue, a connection mismatch, or a device sending prints to the wrong printer. This guide shares common checks that apply to many models.

Educational steps Typical time: 10–20 min

On this page

Quick checks

Start here. These checks resolve many “won’t print” situations.

Paper/ink status

Confirm paper is loaded and there are no warning lights or alerts.

Restart + retry

Restart the printer and your device, then try a small test print.

Wait for “Ready”

Some printers need a minute after power-on before they accept jobs.

If your printer shows “offline” instead of “ready”, use: Printer showing offline.

Wireless printing checks

Wireless printing fails when the printer and device are on different networks or the printer drops Wi-Fi.

Common wireless causes

  • Printer is connected to a different Wi-Fi network (SSID)
  • Router password changed and printer wasn’t reconnected
  • Weak signal during setup
  • Device is using a guest network while the printer is not

What to try (general)

  1. Confirm the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi name (SSID).
  2. Move the printer closer to the router for setup and testing.
  3. Print a test page (if available).
  4. Remove and re-add the printer on your device.

If the printer cannot connect to Wi-Fi, see: Wireless printer can’t connect to Wi-Fi.

If the printer doesn’t appear during setup, see: Wireless printer not detected on the network.

Windows & Mac general steps

These steps describe the general approach across many systems.

Windows (general)

  1. Open SettingsPrinters & scanners.
  2. Select your printer and confirm it isn’t paused.
  3. Try printing a small test page if available.
  4. Remove and add the printer again if jobs remain stuck.

Mac (general)

  1. Open System SettingsPrinters & Scanners.
  2. Select your printer and verify its status is available.
  3. Try a test print.
  4. Remove and add again if it won’t print.
Note: This is an educational website. It does not provide technical support, repair services, or live assistance.