If you can’t print

If your computer won’t print, there are a few simple fixes you can try. After each, try printing again.

New router?

If you print wirelessly, note that your computer doesn’t communicate directly with the printer. Rather, the data goes via your router, e.g. BT Hub. If you’ve replaced your router, you’ll need to join the printer to the new Wi‑Fi, typically using the buttons or touchscreen on the printer itself.

Restart the computer

Restart the printer

Turn the printer off fully. Some printers offer to sleep when you press the power button; be sure to choose to shut down instead. Then turn it back on, and wait a couple of minutes.

Restart the router

If you print wirelessly, try restarting your router. Just turn it off at the mains for a few seconds, then back on. Allow up to five minutes for it to be ready again.

Check pause

You may have inadvertently instructed your computer to pause printing. To resume:

Windows

  1. Click Start > Settings > Devices.
  2. On the left, click Printers & scanners.
  3. To the right, click the name of your printer.
  4. Click Open queue.
  5. Click the Printer menu.
  6. If Pause Printing is ticked, click it to unpause.
  7. Click the Printer menu again.
  8. If Use Printer Offline is ticked, click it to unpause.

Mac

  1. Click the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
  2. Click Printers & Scanners.
  3. Choose your printer in the list.
  4. Click Open Print Queue.
  5. If you see a green Resume button, click it.

Remove the printer, then add it again

Windows

  1. Click Start > Settings > Devices.
  2. On the left, click Printers & scanners.
  3. To the right, click the name of your printer.
  4. Click Remove, and confirm.
  5. At the top, click Add printer or scanner and follow the steps.

Mac

  1. Click the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
  2. Click Printers & Scanners.
  3. Choose your printer in the list.
  4. Underneath the list, click the minus sign (–) and confirm.
  5. Click the plus sign (+) and follow the steps.