- Your printer and computer
- About 15 minutes
Start with the basics
Check that the printer is on, has paper and ink, and shows no error. Turn it off, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
Check the Wi-Fi
Make sure the printer and your computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you changed your router or Wi-Fi password, reconnect the printer from its screen or the maker's app.
Windows: run the troubleshooter
Open Get Help and run the printer troubleshooter. It can find and fix common problems.
Windows: check the default printer and the queue
In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer and Set as default (turn off Let Windows manage my default printer first). Select Open print queue, then select ... and Cancel all to clear stuck jobs.
Windows: restart the Print Spooler
Search for Services and open it. Find Print Spooler, right-click it and select Restart.
Mac, iPhone and Android
Mac: in System Settings > Printers & Scanners, remove the printer and add it again. iPhone: cancel stuck jobs in Print Center in the App Switcher. Android: restart the phone and printer, then try again.
Remove and re-add the printer, then restart
Remove the printer and add it back (see Set up a new printer), then restart your computer. On Windows, check Windows Update for a newer driver.
Still not printing? The printer maker's support site has model-specific fixes. Menu names vary by printer maker, model and software version. These steps were checked against official help pages in October 2026.
Related game: Safe or Risky?. Related explainer: What software updates actually do .