13 Common Printer Problems and How to Fix Them | 2023

Depending on the model of your printer, specific troubleshooting approaches will differ, but once you are aware of a few typical problems, you can look for answers fast for your device. Manufacturers provide online tools to assist you in solving your most difficult common printer problems, and we've got the fundamental advice right here! 

Ghost Jams and Paper Jams

According to your printer, there are a few possible causes of paper jams. First, check to see that the paper is positioned correctly in the tray. Even a slight askewness in your paper might soon cause a jam. The common printer problems are resolved by removing the paper from the machine and better aligning it with the feeding components.

Printer Driver Issues

It's only sometimes the hardware's fault. The intermediary between your computer and your printer is the printer driver. Drivers could become outdated and lose compatibility with the operating system after an upgrade, much like other software.

A driver update might immediately resolve the problem if your printer is continuously crashing or not reacting to simple commands. Another possibility is that the incorrect driver for your printer was installed on your computer.

You can usually get your printer and desktop to communicate again by uninstalling your current driver on your computer and replacing it with a new update afterward. Visiting the support page of your printer's manufacturer, then enter your printer model number to discover an updated version of your driver.

Windows 10 Printer Addition Procedure

You can print immediately without downloading the printer software if you are attempting to link to a new printer on Windows 10 and intend to print via WiFi. The majority of brand-new printers work with Windows 10 out of the box. Select the printer you wish to add by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners> Add Printer.

Creating a Self-Test Page to Print

Printing a test page or printer status report can assist you in identifying the issue if you're having problems troubleshooting a printer issue. The printer driver, software, and cable connection are probably the cause of your problem if the test page prints out satisfactorily. If it doesn't print correctly, there's probably a problem with the printer itself, which may need to be fixed.

Loaded Queue

Your queue is designed to clear itself when your print job is finished automatically. That only sometimes works out as expected, particularly when some print jobs are halted, delayed, or placed on hold because of problems with the data connection.

Your driver can stand a complete standstill if your wait becomes completely backed up. You'll frequently select print multiple times to print something, thus clogging up your queue.

WiFi Connection

Wireless communication has two sides to it. One advantage is that your printer can connect to devices across your house. On the other hand, you cannot perceive your relationship. You may only be able to tell if your printer's WiFi signal has been recovered if you check the connection. Unplug your printer and re-plug it into your modem if the printer's WiFi isn't working.

How to WiFi Connect your HP Printer

If this icon is located on a button on your printer, hold down that button till the blue light next to the wireless icon begins to blink. If this icon does not appear as a button in the printer's control panel, you must likely access it through its display. Check for the wireless icon on your printer's display.

Printing from a Mobile Device is not Working

Different software configurations can prevent you from connecting directly if your printer brand has an app. If you are experiencing trouble connecting, use the preceding procedure to check that your WiFi is operating properly. It will only help to delete old or download new apps if your wireless printer link is operating properly.

Clogged Printhead

A clogged printhead can activate your printer's change cartridge signal, or ink might not be able to reach the page. Maintaining your printer to avoid blockages is simple, but cleaning your printer's head could be filthy and time-consuming. The paper towel approach is a common remedy for clogged print heads.

Message for "Non-genuine" Cartridge

Your printer might occasionally explicitly tell you if you're using an ink cartridge from a different manufacturer. This type of notice, particularly prevalent with HP printers, will appear on your screen and inform you that you are using a used, refilled, or counterfeit* cartridge but typically won't do much more than that. 

Cartridge Replacement / Low Ink Message

Even if you are using good ink, your printer will occasionally notify you that you need to replace the cartridge or that the ink level is low. Despite installing a brand-new, fully-stocked compatible cartridge, your printer continues to recognize the old cartridge as being in place. You have a few alternatives on where to purchase your printer, thus.

• You should reset the cartridge counter. When you install a new cartridge, some printer model counters may need to be updated.
• Turn off low-ink notifications. You also have the choice of disabling your low-ink notification. How you accomplish this goal may differ slightly between operating systems and printer models.
• On the desktop screen, right-click and select "All Apps." Click the icon to start your printer's print software from there.
• Choose one of the icons that say "Configuration," "Tools," or "Utilities" from the available selections. You can get to the Estimated Ink Levels application from here. This will automatically update your computer to the ink contents in the cartridges.

Printer Hardware Problems

Test the power cord

Your printer or computer may not even be the issue. Over time, connector cables like USBs will degrade and burn out, necessitating replacement.

Memory or RAM ran out

Modern printers are incredibly sophisticated technologies. Most devices today contain memory to save print jobs, whether a few megabytes or several gigabytes in a large office risograph.

Slow printer performance

A slow printer can abruptly halt any significant print operation. Slow software, an unstable wireless connection, or each can bring about slow prints. Verify that all your printer drivers, including printer software, are up to date for a simple solution. You can download the most recent software update straight from the support page for the printer or from the LCD screen of your printer.

Why Doesn't My Printer Print?

• There are several reasons for your printer not to be printing.
• You may not install the new cartridge or need to remember to remove the yellow tape.
• You are using an old printer driver.
• Get the print queue cleared.

Reset your printer firmly. You need to switch off your printer, unplug it for a short period, and afterward plug it back in. Try shutting down your computer and printer, then restarting them if that doesn't fix the problem.

Conclusion

As with all other machines, printers degrade over time, so you must decide whether to repair them or buy a new one. If you decide that replacement is the better course of action, you can choose the ideal new model for your requirements using various available resources. Although buying a new printer will cost money upfront, you can eventually save by switching to a model that suits your printing needs.