Quick fix: my printer won't print. What should I check?

Printers are famous for being stubborn, but the fix is often simple.

1. Check the basics: the printer is on, has paper, has ink or toner, and shows no blinking error light. Read any message on its little screen.
2. Turn the printer off, unplug it for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Restart the computer as well.
3. If it's a wireless printer, make sure it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. When a router gets replaced, the printer often gets left behind.
4. Clear stuck jobs. On Windows, open Settings, then Printers and scanners, choose your printer and open the print queue, then cancel what's stuck. On a Mac, open System Settings, then Printers and Scanners, and open the print queue the same way.
5. When you click Print, make sure the right printer is selected. Many computers list several.
6. Look for a paper jam. Open only the doors and trays the printer is designed to open, and pull paper out gently in the direction it travels.

Stop and get help if paper tears inside and you can't reach it, the printer makes grinding noises, or an error code won't clear after a restart.

Still stuck? Post your make, model and what you see in this topic, or send me a request for a free assessment.