Interactive fix flowchart
Printer not working
Fix printer offline, stuck queue, WiFi printing, USB printer cables, AirPrint, and printer not found problems.
All fixes in this guide
Fix: Windows says your printer is offline
Windows usually shows a printer as offline when it is using an old connection, the printer changed WiFi networks, or offline mode is enabled.
Fix: Print job stuck in Windows queue
A stuck print queue usually means the spooler is jammed or Windows is repeatedly trying to send a broken job.
Fix: Windows cannot find your printer
Windows often cannot find a printer when the computer and printer are on different WiFi networks, guest networks, VPNs, or old printer connections.
You probably need a USB-A to USB-B printer cable
Most traditional printers use a square USB-B port on the printer side and a rectangular USB-A plug on the computer side.
Fix: Mac says your printer is offline
On Mac, offline printer problems are commonly caused by WiFi changes, old printer entries, or a paused print queue.
Fix: AirPrint cannot find your printer
AirPrint usually fails when the iPhone, iPad, or Mac cannot see the printer on the local network.
Fix: Mac print queue is stuck
A stuck Mac print queue usually clears after canceling jobs, resuming the queue, or re-adding the printer.
Fix: iPhone sees the printer but nothing prints
This usually means the printer is asleep, has an error, has a stuck queue, or is failing to receive the AirPrint job correctly.
Fix: Android cannot find your printer
Android printing usually needs the printer on the same WiFi network and may need the manufacturer's print service app installed.
Fix: Android sees the printer but does not print
If Android sees the printer but jobs never print, the printer may be paused, asleep, out of paper, or rejecting the file type.
FAQ
Why is my printer not working?
The most common causes are a stuck print queue, printer offline mode, WiFi network mismatch, VPN blocking discovery, missing printer app, empty paper or ink, or the wrong USB cable.
Should I restart the printer first?
Yes. Restarting the printer is a safe first step because many printer problems are caused by a temporary sleep, network, or queue issue.
Why does my printer work from one device but not another?
If one device can print but another cannot, the printer is probably working. Focus on the failing device's printer entry, WiFi network, VPN, print queue, app, or driver.
Do wireless printers need to be on the same WiFi network?
Usually yes. Phones, tablets, and computers often need to be on the same local network as the printer. Guest WiFi and VPNs can stop printer discovery.
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