Printer not printing

Easy≈ 3–10 min

Quick answer

When a printer accepts a job but nothing comes out, the cause is almost always a stuck queue, a paused printer, a lost connection, or an empty/blocked consumable, not a broken machine. Clearing the queue, confirming the printer is online and set as default, and checking paper and ink or toner fixes most cases in a few minutes.

Basic checks first

  • The printer is powered on and its screen shows “Ready” with no error message.
  • There is paper in the tray and no paper jam inside the printer.
  • Ink or toner is installed and not empty (check the estimated levels).
  • The printer is set as the default and is not marked “Paused” or “Offline”.
  • The USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to your device is active.

Step-by-step by operating system

01Clear the print queueSettings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners. Open your printer, choose Open queue, then right-click each stuck job and select Cancel until the queue is empty.
02Resume and set as defaultIn the queue, open the Printer menu and make sure “Pause Printing” and “Use Printer Offline” are unchecked. Set the printer as the default so apps stop sending to the wrong device.
03Restart the Print SpoolerPress Windows+R, type services.msc and press Enter. Right-click “Print Spooler” and choose Restart to clear a crashed spooler that freezes jobs.
04Run the printer troubleshooterSettings › System › Troubleshoot › Other troubleshooters, then run the Printer troubleshooter and re-add the printer if it is missing.

Fixes by connection type

USB

Reseat the cable, try a different port and avoid hubs. Windows and macOS should detect a working USB printer immediately.

Wi-Fi

Keep printer and router on, use the 2.4 GHz band during setup, and make sure the printer and your device are on the same network.

Ethernet

Confirm the link light is on and the printer pulled a valid IP address; a wrong or changed IP stops jobs from arriving.

Differences by brand

HPUse HP Smart to reconnect, update firmware and check ink levels; a firmware “79” or similar error stops printing until the printer is restarted.
CanonCheck the printer panel for ink or paper alerts; Canon PRINT can rejoin Wi-Fi and confirm the queue is not held.
EpsonRun a nozzle check and clear any panel error; Epson Smart Panel helps rediscover the printer and restart stalled jobs.

Decision tree

Does the printer screen show an error or “Paused”?Clear the on-device alert first (paper, ink, cover or jam) before troubleshooting the computer.
Are jobs stacking in the queue?Cancel every job, restart the spooler (Windows) or reset the printing system (Mac), then send one test page.
Nothing prints and no error shows?Confirm the right printer is the default and on the same network, then re-add it. If a test page from the printer’s own menu also fails, the fault is in the hardware.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my printer say it is printing but nothing comes out?

A stalled queue or a crashed print spooler is the usual cause. Cancel all jobs, restart the Print Spooler (Windows) or reset the printing system (Mac), then send a single page.

The printer prints blank pages instead of nothing. Is that the same problem?

No. Blank pages point to empty or clogged cartridges or dried nozzles. Run the maker’s cleaning or nozzle-check routine and confirm ink or toner is installed correctly.

When should I stop and call a technician?

If a test page printed directly from the printer’s own menu also fails, or you see a hardware or service error code that returns after a restart, the issue is internal. Stop and contact support rather than opening the machine.

PrinterErrors editorial team

Last updated · Content is independent and not sponsored by any manufacturer.

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Related error codes

HP 79Error 79 is an internal firmware error: the printer ch