Printers · Repair guide

How to fix a printer that won't print

10 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Check the printer for paper, ink, jams and error messages, then restart it and your computer. Make sure you picked the right printer, cancel any stuck jobs in the print queue, and print again.

What it means

When a printer won't print, the job is usually stuck somewhere between your app and the printer: in the print queue, on the wrong printer, or waiting for the printer to clear an error. Less often the printer driver is damaged or the printer has lost its connection.

Common causes

  • The printer has an error: out of paper or ink, an open cover or a paper jam
  • A stuck job is blocking the print queue
  • The job went to the wrong printer, or the printer is offline
  • The computer and printer are not on the same network, or a cable is loose
  • The Print Spooler service on Windows has stalled
  • An outdated or damaged printer driver

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Check the printer for errorsEasy

  1. Make sure the printer is on and look at its screen or lights for an error.
  2. Check that there is paper in the tray and the paper guides sit against the paper edges.
  3. Check that all covers and doors are closed.
  4. Check the ink or toner level on the printer's screen or in the maker's app.
  5. If the printer reports a paper jam, clear it first (see the paper jam guide).

Why it helps: Windows shows "Printer in error state" or the job simply waits when the printer needs paper, ink, a closed cover or a jam cleared.

02Restart the printer and your computerEasy

  1. Turn the printer off, unplug it and wait 30 seconds.
  2. Plug it back in and turn it on.
  3. Restart your computer, phone or tablet.
  4. Try printing a short document.

Why it helps: A restart clears temporary glitches in the printer and the computer's print system.

03Make sure you picked the right printerEasy

  1. In the print window of your app, check the printer name selected. Programs often pick a PDF printer or an old printer.
  2. On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer, select your printer and choose Set as default.
  3. If the printer shows as offline, follow the printer offline guide first.
  4. Try printing from another app, such as Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on a Mac, to see if the problem is only in one app.

Why it helps: Jobs often go to a different printer than the one you expect, so nothing comes out.

04Check the cable or Wi-Fi connectionEasy

  1. USB printer: make sure the cable is pushed in firmly at both ends and plugged straight into the computer.
  2. Wi-Fi printer: check that its wireless light is on and the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Many printers can print a wireless test or network report from their menu; it shows whether the printer is connected.
  4. If the printer is not on Wi-Fi, follow the printer not connecting to Wi-Fi guide.

Why it helps: If the computer cannot reach the printer, jobs never arrive.

05Cancel stuck jobs in the print queueEasy

  1. On Windows: open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer and choose Open print queue.
  2. Open the ... menu and choose Cancel all, or right-click each job and choose Cancel.
  3. On a Mac: click the Print Center icon in the Dock (older macOS shows your printer's icon). If the printer is paused, click Resume; if a job shows an error, select it and click Delete Job.
  4. Print the document again.

Why it helps: One failed job can block every job behind it.

06Run the Windows printer troubleshooterEasy

  1. Select Start, type Get Help and open the Get Help app.
  2. Type printer troubleshooter in the search box and start it.
  3. Pick your printer and follow the steps on screen.

Why it helps: It checks the queue, the spooler and the connection and can fix common problems automatically.

07Restart the Print Spooler serviceMedium

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to Print Spooler.
  3. Right-click Print Spooler and choose Restart.
  4. Try printing again. If jobs are still stuck, follow the print queue stuck guide to clear the spool folder.

Why it helps: The spooler passes jobs from Windows to the printer; when it stalls, the printer says printing but nothing comes out.

08If you print from an iPhone or iPad, check AirPrintEasy

  1. Make sure the printer supports AirPrint; check its box, manual or the maker's website.
  2. Connect the iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
  3. In the app, tap the Share or Actions button, tap Print, then tap No Printer Selected and choose your printer.
  4. If the printer does not appear, restart the printer and the iPhone or iPad and try again.

Why it helps: AirPrint only finds printers on the same network that support it.

09Update or reinstall the printer driverMedium

  1. Download the latest driver or software for your exact model from the printer maker's support website.
  2. On Windows: open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, choose Remove, then Yes.
  3. Install the downloaded software, or select Add device next to Add a printer or scanner and add the printer again.
  4. On a Mac: open Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners, Control-click the printer, choose Remove Printer and confirm, then click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax to add it again.
  5. Print a test page.

Why it helps: A fresh driver and printer entry fix jobs that fail because of damaged or outdated printer software.

10If you use a Mac, reset the printing systemAdvancedResets settings

  1. Warning: this removes every printer from your Mac, deletes the record of past print jobs and erases printer presets. Try the other fixes first.
  2. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
  3. Control-click a printer in the Printers list (or the empty list) and choose Reset Printing System.
  4. Confirm, then click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax and add your printer again.

Why it helps: A reset clears damaged printing settings on the Mac when nothing else works.

Check it's fixed

  • A test page or short document prints straight away.
  • The print queue empties after each job.
  • The printer no longer shows an error or offline status.

When to get help

If the printer shows the same error after a restart, makes grinding noises, or won't print its own test or report page, contact the printer maker's support. If you print at work, ask your IT team, since office printers are often managed centrally.

Questions

Why does my printer say printing but nothing happens?

The job is usually stuck in the queue, sent to the wrong printer, or waiting for the printer to clear an error. Cancel all jobs, restart the printer and computer, and print again.

Why will my printer copy but not print?

Copying works inside the printer, so the problem is the link between the printer and your computer. Check the cable or Wi-Fi, clear the queue and reinstall the printer driver.

What does "Printer in error state" mean?

Windows sees that the printer needs attention, often because of low paper or ink, an open cover or a paper jam. Fix the issue on the printer, then restart it.

Why does only one app fail to print?

The app may be set to a different printer or have its own printing problem. Try printing from Notepad or TextEdit; if that works, check the app's print settings or help pages.

Related fixes

How to fix a printer that says offlineTurn the printer off, unplug it for 30 seconds, then turn it back on and restart your computer and router. Make sure the printer and computeHow to clear a stuck print queueCancel all jobs in the print queue and restart the printer and PC. If the job still won't delete, stop the Print Spooler in Services, dHow to fix a printer printing blank pagesCheck the ink or toner level, and if you just installed new ink, make sure all protective tape and film is removed and the cartridge clicks How to clear a printer paper jamTurn the printer off and unplug it, then slowly pull the jammed sheet out with both hands from the tray, rear door and under the top cover. How to fix a printer that won't connect to Wi-FiRestart the printer and router, move the printer closer to the router, then run the wireless setup on the printer and pick your network and

Still stuck?

Paste the exact message to find the closest fix, or search it on Google, Microsoft, Apple, Reddit and YouTube.

Sources