Your printer says it’s ready but nothing happens when you hit print 😤 Sound familiar? Don’t worry. At Ballarat Tech Help, we troubleshoot printer problems like this all the time, and most issues have simple solutions.
Here are 5 quick things to check before you throw your printer out the window.
1. Is It Really Out of Ink or Paper?
The issue: Even if your printer says it has ink or paper, sensors can be wrong or paper might be jammed.
The fix:
- Double-check that there’s paper loaded properly.
- Open the printer and look for any small paper jams.
- Check ink/toner levels in the printer software or screen.
Some printers won’t print if one cartridge is low even if it’s not the one you’re using.
2. Is the Printer Properly Connected?
The issue: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth printers can disconnect without warning.
The fix:
- Restart both the printer and your computer/phone.
- Make sure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your device.
- If using USB, try a different port or cable.
Tip: Print a network status page from the printer settings menu to confirm connection.
3. Clear the Print Queue
The issue: A stuck print job can hold up everything.
The fix:
- On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers > [Your Printer] > Open Queue, then cancel all jobs.
- On Mac, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Open Print Queue.
Then try printing again often this alone solves it.
4. Is the Printer “Offline”?
The issue: Even when everything looks right, you might see “Printer Offline.”
The fix:
- Unplug the printer for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- On Windows, open the printer queue and make sure “Use Printer Offline” is not checked under the Printer menu.
- Make sure it’s the default printer.
Still no luck? Try removing the printer and re-adding it.
5. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver
The issue: Outdated or corrupted drivers can block printing.
The fix:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Epson, etc.) and download the latest driver for your printer model.
- Uninstall the old driver if needed, then install fresh.
This step fixes deeper issues that basic resets don’t.
Still Not Printing? We Can Help.
Printers can be frustrating but they’re fixable. If you’re in Ballarat and your printer still won’t behave, we’re here to help.
We can:
- Fix connectivity issues
- Set up wireless or network printing
- Recommend affordable replacement options
📞 Call Ballarat Tech Help
🖨️ Local printer support that won’t drive you mad
