5 Things To Check When Your Printer Is Not Printing: An Easy Guide
Has your printer ever thrown a fit and stopped printing? It’s a major headache, and you may feel like you don’t know where to start in fixing it. But no worries – this article will equip you with the knowledge of what to check when your printer is not printing so that you can figure out the issue and get back to printing!
Introduction
If your printer is not printing, there are a few things you can check to try and troubleshoot the issue. First, check that the printer is turned on and properly connected to your computer. If it is, then the next thing to check is the printer drivers. Make sure that the drivers are up-to-date and installed correctly.
If those things all check out, then it’s possible that there is something wrong with the printer itself. Try running a self-test to see if there are any error messages that can give you a clue as to what might be wrong. If you’re still having trouble, then you can contact the printer’s customer support for further assistance.
Check for Low Ink or Toner
It’s important to regularly check the ink or toner level in your printer. If the ink or toner is low, it can cause your printer to not print correctly.
To check the ink or toner level in your printer, follow these steps:
- Open the printer’s control panel and locate the Ink or Toner section.
- In the Ink or Toner section, you will see a gauge that indicates the current ink or toner level.
- If the ink or toner level is low, replace the cartridge with a new one.
Inspect the Printer Connectivity
If your printer is not printing, the first thing you should do is check the connectivity. Make sure the printer is properly connected to your computer or network. If you’re using a USB cable, check that it is firmly plugged into both the printer and the computer. If you’re using a wireless connection, check that the printer is turned on and connected to the same network as your computer.
Check Printer Settings
If your printer is not printing, the first thing you should check is the printer settings. Make sure that the printer is turned on and connected to the correct power source. Check that the paper tray is properly loaded with paper. If you are using a wireless printer, make sure that it is properly connected to your computer or network.
If the problem persists, try resetting the printer by unplugging it from the power source and then plugging it back in. Once the printer is reset, try printing again. If the problem continues, there may be an issue with your printer drivers. Try updating your printer drivers or reinstalling them if necessary.
Examine the Paper Tray
- Examine the paper tray to make sure that it is not empty and that the paper is not jammed. If the paper is jammed, gently remove it and try printing again.
- Make sure that the paper size and type settings in your printer driver are correct for the type of paper you are using.
- If your printer has a manual feed slot, check to see if the paper guide is properly positioned for the type of paper you are using.
- Clean any debris or residue from the rollers in the paper tray area with a lint-free cloth.
Assess Printer Drivers and Software
When your printer is not printing, the first thing you should check is the printer drivers and software. Make sure that the printer drivers and software are up-to-date and compatible with your operating system. If you are using an older version of the driver or software, it may be incompatible with your operating system and cause problems. You can usually find the latest drivers and software for your printer on the manufacturer’s website.
If you are using a USB cable to connect your printer to your computer, make sure that the cable is plugged in properly and is not damaged. Also, try connecting the printer to a different USB port on your computer. If you are using a wireless connection, make sure that the router is turned on and that the printer is connected to the network.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you an easy guide to follow when your printer is not working as expected. Printer problems can be a real pain, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can get it running again in no time. If all else fails, contact a professional for help or look online for further assistance. In the meantime, don’t forget to check these five things first so that you can save yourself some time and frustration!