Introduction

It’s frustrating when your printer suddenly refuses to print—especially when you need it most. Whether it's a document stuck in the print queue or a hardware issue, we’ve compiled the top 10 most common reasons your printer won’t print and how to resolve each one easily.

 1. Printer Is Offline

Cause: Your system can't communicate with the printer.

Fix:

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers (Windows)
• Right-click your printer → Select "Use Printer Online"
• On Mac, go to Printers & Scanners, right-click, and select "Reset printing system" if needed.

2. Paper Jam

Cause: Paper stuck in the rollers or tray.

Fix:

• Power off the printer.
• Gently pull out jammed paper from the tray or rear door.
• Check inside the paper feed mechanism using a flashlight.

3. Empty or Low Ink/Toner

Cause: Ink or toner cartridges are empty or dried out.

Fix:

• Open printer software to check ink levels.
• Replace or refill cartridges if needed.
• Run a print head cleaning cycle.

4. Wrong Printer Selected

Cause: The print job is being sent to a different printer.

Fix:

• Open the Print dialog (Ctrl+P)
• Make sure the correct printer is selected before hitting Print
• Set it as default for future use.

5. Stuck Print Queue

Cause: Old or failed jobs are blocking the queue.

Fix:

• Windows: Open Devices and Printers, right-click your printer → See what’s printing → Cancel all jobs
• Mac: Cancel print jobs from Printers & Scanners > Open Print Queue

6. Outdated or Corrupt Drivers

Cause: Drivers are missing, outdated, or corrupted.

Fix:

• Download the latest drivers from the official printer manufacturer site.
• Uninstall the current driver and reinstall a fresh one.

7. Wi-Fi or Connectivity Issue

Cause: Printer and computer are not on the same network or signal is weak.

Fix:

• Reconnect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Check router settings and signal strength.
• Consider using a USB cable to test if the printer works locally.

8. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the Printer

Cause: Security software is preventing access.

Fix:

• Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software.
• Try printing again.
• Add the printer software as an exception in your security settings.

9. Firmware or Software Glitches

Cause: The printer's internal software has bugs or needs an update.

Fix:

• Visit the printer brand’s website to download the latest firmware.
• Apply updates via USB or from the control panel if supported.

10. Physical Hardware Failure

Cause: Printer hardware or internal components are damaged.

Fix:

• Check for unusual noises, error lights, or display messages.
• If under warranty, contact manufacturer support.
• Otherwise, reach out to a certified repair service like Inoats Printer Support.

📞 Still Not Printing? Let the Pros Handle It.

If you’ve tried everything and your printer still refuses to print, our trained technicians can diagnose the issue remotely or help with repair options.

👉 Click here to connect with our experts
📞 Or call our toll-free number for instant support.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my printer printing blank pages?
A: Check your ink or toner levels, and try running a nozzle check or cleaning cycle.

Q: Can outdated Windows or macOS updates cause printing issues?
A: Yes. A recent OS update can sometimes conflict with printer drivers.

Q: My printer works from phone but not from laptop—why?
A: Driver or network issues may prevent proper communication with your PC. Try reinstalling the printer on your laptop.