Printer Not Working? 8 Fixes to Try First (Offline, Stuck Jobs, Jams)

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Printer offline or not printing? Eight simple fixes: check the basics, restart in the right order, check the connection, clear the print queue, choose the right printer, clear paper jams, update the driver, and run the troubleshooter.

You need to print one document, and the printer says offline, or nothing happens at all. Before you throw it out the window, try these simple fixes. Most printer problems take only a few minutes to solve.

Step by step

  1. Check the basics

    Check the basics

    Is it switched on? Is there paper in the tray, and ink or toner left? Look for blinking lights or a message on the printer's screen. Sometimes the answer is right there.

  2. Restart everything

    Restart everything

    Turn off the printer, your computer and your router. Wait thirty seconds, then switch on the router first, then the printer, then the computer. This fixes a surprising number of problems.

  3. Check the connection

    Check the connection

    If it's a USB printer, try a different cable or port. If it's wireless, make sure the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Many printers can print a network status page that shows this.

  4. Clear the print queue

    Clear the print queue

    A stuck job can block everything behind it. On Windows, open Settings, Bluetooth and devices, Printers and scanners, choose your printer, and open the print queue. On a Mac, open System Settings, Printers and Scanners. Cancel all jobs and try again.

  5. Choose the right printer

    Choose the right printer

    Check that you're printing to the right printer. You might have two copies installed, and one of them is offline. Set the working one as the default.

  6. Clear a paper jam

    Clear a paper jam

    Turn the printer off, open all the doors and trays, and gently pull out stuck paper in the direction it normally moves. Check for small torn pieces left behind.

  7. Update or reinstall the driver

    Update or reinstall the driver

    Go to the official website of the printer brand, download the latest software for your model, and install it. Or remove the printer from your computer and add it again.

  8. Run the built-in troubleshooter

    Run the built-in troubleshooter

    Windows and most printer apps have a troubleshooting tool. It can find and fix common problems automatically.

In short: Check the basics, restart everything, check the connection, clear the queue, choose the right printer, clear jams, update the driver, and run the troubleshooter.