Common Inkjet Printer Problems (and How to Fix Them)

• Printer is set to Offline
• USB or Wi-Fi connection issues
• Outdated or corrupted drivers
• Stuck print queue / spooler

1. Restart the printer and your computer.
2. Confirm the printer is set as the default.
3. Cancel all pending print jobs, then try a small test page.
4. Reconnect Wi-Fi or reseat the USB cable (try a different port if possible).
5. Update or reinstall the printer driver from the manufacturer.

• HP / Canon: driver and firmware updates are common culprits—install the latest driver package.
• Epson / Brother: a quick network re-setup often resolves “not printing” after router changes.

• Torn paper stuck in the rollers
• Dust buildup inside the paper path
• Incorrect paper size or type selected in settings
• Curled, damp, or overfilled paper tray

1. Power off and unplug the printer.
2. Open all access panels and remove all paper from trays and rear feed.
3. Use a flashlight to check for small scraps of paper in the rollers and paper path.
4. Gently clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth (slightly dampened with water if needed).
5. Reload paper neatly (don’t overfill) and ensure guides are snug—not tight.

• Brother: can be sensitive to uneven paper stacks and misaligned guides.
• Canon: rear-feed models may jam more often with curled paper—flatten sheets first.

If the printer still reports a jam after clearing it, check for tiny scraps near the rollers and sensors—those are easy to miss.

• Clogged nozzles / printhead
• Low or expired ink
• Wrong paper type / quality settings
• Using draft mode for important prints

1. Run a Nozzle Check and then Head Cleaning from your printer utility.
2. Replace low/empty cartridges and make sure vents/tape are properly removed (if new).
3. Match print settings to your paper (e.g., plain paper vs. photo paper).
4. Print a test page and repeat cleaning only if needed (avoid excessive clean cycles—wastes ink).

• Epson: benefits from regular use; long idle periods can cause clogs.
• HP: cartridges can dry out if unused; keeping the printer powered on can help maintenance cycles.

• Cartridge not seated correctly
• Dirty electrical contacts
• Firmware restrictions on third-party ink
• Cartridge is defective or expired

1. Remove and reseat the cartridge firmly until it clicks.
2. Clean gold contacts gently with a soft, dry lint-free cloth.
3. Restart the printer after reinstalling cartridges.
4. Check for firmware updates (or recent updates that changed cartridge behavior).

• HP / Canon: more likely to enforce restrictions on non-OEM ink depending on model/firmware.
• Brother: often works with a wider range of compatible cartridges, but quality still varies.

• Weak Wi-Fi signal or router changes
• IP address conflicts
• Sleep mode network drops
• Outdated firmware

1. Restart your router and printer.
2. Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using the control panel (or setup app).
3. If your router supports it, assign a static/reserved IP to the printer.
4. Update printer firmware and drivers.

• Epson: may require network re-setup more often after router upgrades or SSID/password changes.
• HP: HP Smart can simplify reconnection for many models.

• High-resolution print settings
• Large print queue or spooler problems
• Cloud printing delays
• Driver conflicts or outdated drivers

1. Use Standard/Normal quality for everyday printing.
2. Clear the print queue and restart the print spooler service (Windows) if stuck.
3. Try printing directly from your device rather than via cloud apps.
4. Update drivers and firmware.