10 Things to Check First

Few things are more frustrating than clicking “Print” and getting absolutely nothing in return. Whether you’re trying to print an important work document, a school assignment, or a boarding pass, a printer that refuses to print can quickly become a major headache.

The good news is that many printer problems can be solved without calling technical support or replacing your printer. In most cases, the issue is caused by a simple setting, connection problem, or cartridge issue.

Before assuming the worst, here are 10 things to check when your printer isn’t printing.

1. Make Sure the Printer Is Powered On

It may sound obvious, but it’s always the best place to start.

Check that:

The printer is switched on.
The power cable is securely connected.
The display screen is active.
There are no flashing power indicators.

Sometimes a loose power connection is all that’s preventing your printer from working.

2. Check for Error Messages

Most modern printers display error messages when something is wrong.

Look for messages such as:

Paper Jam
Low Ink
Cartridge Error
Printer Offline
Door Open
Replace Toner

Reading the displayed message can often identify the problem immediately.

3. Confirm the Printer Is Connected

A printer cannot print if it isn’t connected properly.

For USB Printers

Check that:

The USB cable is securely plugged in.
The cable isn’t damaged.
The computer recognises the printer.

For Wi-Fi Printers

Verify that:

The printer is connected to your wireless network.
Your computer is connected to the same network.
The Wi-Fi signal is strong.

Network interruptions are one of the most common causes of printing failures.

4. Check If the Printer Is Set to Offline

Windows and macOS sometimes mistakenly place printers into offline mode.

To check:

Windows

Open Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer.
Ensure “Use Printer Offline” is not enabled.

Mac

Open Printers & Scanners.
Confirm the printer status shows as available.

An offline printer cannot receive print jobs.

5. Verify There Is Paper in the Tray

Even experienced users occasionally overlook this simple issue.

Check:

Paper is loaded correctly.
Paper guides are aligned properly.
The tray isn’t overloaded.
The printer supports the paper size being used.

Improperly loaded paper can prevent printing from starting.

6. Check Ink or Toner Levels

Low or empty cartridges are among the most common printing problems.

Many printers will stop printing entirely when ink levels become critically low.

Check:

Black cartridge levels
Colour cartridge levels
Toner cartridge status

Replace any empty cartridges before attempting to print again.

7. Look for Cartridge Installation Problems

If you’ve recently installed a new cartridge, verify that:

Protective tape has been removed.
The cartridge is seated correctly.
The correct cartridge model is installed.
The printer recognises the cartridge.

Incorrectly installed cartridges can trigger error messages and prevent printing.

8. Clear Stuck Print Jobs

Sometimes a failed print job becomes stuck in the print queue and blocks future jobs.

Windows

Open the Print Queue.
Cancel all pending jobs.
Restart the printer.

Mac

Open Printers & Scanners.
Remove any stalled print jobs.

A clogged print queue can make it appear that the printer isn’t responding.

9. Restart Both the Printer and Computer

Technology occasionally benefits from a fresh start.

Try:

Turning off the printer.
Shutting down your computer.
Waiting 30 seconds.
Restarting both devices.

This simple step often resolves communication issues between devices.

10. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Printer drivers allow your computer to communicate with the printer.

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause printing failures.

Signs of driver problems include:

Printer appearing unavailable
Incomplete print jobs
Communication errors
Unexpected printer behaviour

Visit the manufacturer’s website and install the latest driver for your printer model.

Bonus Check: Run a Printer Test Page

Most printers include a built-in test page function.

Printing a test page helps determine whether the issue lies with:

The printer itself
The computer connection
Software settings
Print drivers

If the printer successfully prints a test page, the hardware is usually functioning correctly.

Common Printer Problems and Quick Solutions

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Printer offline	Network issue	Reconnect printer
Blank pages	Empty cartridge	Replace cartridge
Nothing prints	Stuck print queue	Clear queue
Printer not detected	Driver issue	Reinstall driver
Error messages	Cartridge or paper issue	Follow on-screen instructions
Poor print quality	Clogged print head	Run cleaning cycle

When Should You Replace Your Ink Cartridges?

If your printer is printing faded text, missing colours, or blank pages, the cartridges may need replacement.

Using genuine or high-quality compatible cartridges helps ensure:

Better print quality
Reliable printer performance
Fewer error messages
Longer printer life

Always confirm cartridge compatibility with your printer model before purchasing replacements.

How ShopInk Australia Can Help

At ShopInk Australia, we stock a wide range of genuine and compatible ink and toner cartridges for leading printer brands including HP, Brother, Canon, and Epson.

Our customers benefit from:

Competitive Australian pricing
Fast nationwide delivery
Easy printer model search
Genuine and compatible cartridge options
Friendly customer support

Whether you’re troubleshooting a printer problem or replacing empty cartridges, we’re here to help keep your printer running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

A printer that won’t print doesn’t always indicate a major fault. In many cases, the issue is something simple such as low ink, a network connection problem, an offline setting, or a stuck print job.

By working through these 10 troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and fix the problem within minutes.

If your printer still refuses to print after completing these checks, it may be time to inspect the cartridges, update drivers, or seek professional assistance. Taking a systematic approach can save time, reduce frustration, and get you back to printing quickly.