Complete troubleshooting guide for inkjet and laser printers
By TestMyPrinter Team
Step-by-step solutions for HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and all major brands
These steps resolve most blank page issues
Don't just trust the software indicator - physically inspect cartridges if possible. Empty cartridges feel noticeably lighter.
Remove all cartridges, check for protective tape on new ones, wait 30 seconds, then reinstall firmly until they click.
Go to printer settings → maintenance → head cleaning. Wait a few minutes between each cleaning cycle.
Print our test page to check if the problem is resolved.
Understanding the cause helps you apply the right fix. Use this table to identify your specific issue:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Completely blank page | Empty cartridge, severely clogged heads, or protective tape | Quick Fix steps |
| Some colors print, others don't | Specific cartridge empty or clogged | Clean print heads |
| Black doesn't print | Black cartridge issue or pigment black clogged | Black ink guide |
| First page blank, then prints normally | Print spooler issue or driver problem | Check settings |
| Every other page blank | Duplex printing issue or document formatting | Disable duplex in print settings |
| Blank after installing new cartridge | Protective tape not removed or cartridge defective | Check tape, try different cartridge |
| Blank from Word, prints from other apps | Application-specific issue | Print as PDF first, then print PDF |
| Faint printing then goes blank | Ink/toner running out | Replace cartridges |
Inkjet printers are more prone to blank pages due to clogged print heads from dried ink. Here are the solutions in order of what to try first:
Don't trust the ink level indicator!
Many printers show "OK" even when cartridges are nearly empty. Software readings can be inaccurate.
New cartridges have protective tape that must be removed before use. This is the #1 mistake with new cartridges:
Ink can dry in the tiny print head nozzles, especially if the printer hasn't been used in a while. This blocks ink from reaching the paper.
Note: Cleaning cycles use ink, so don't run them excessively. If 3 cycles don't help, proceed to manual cleaning.
Air can get into the ink delivery system, especially in EcoTank/tank-based printers or after moving the printer.
Third-party cartridges can sometimes cause issues, and even genuine cartridges can be defective.
Laser printers are more reliable but can still print blank pages. The causes and solutions are different from inkjet printers:
Even when the printer says toner is "low," there's often enough for many more pages. Try these steps:
New toner cartridges have a protective seal or tape that must be removed:
Important: Check the instruction sheet that came with the toner - it shows exactly what to remove.
The drum unit is the component that transfers toner to paper. It can wear out or get damaged:
The transfer roller moves toner from the drum to paper. Issues here cause blank or very faint pages:
The HVPS provides the electrical charge needed for the printing process. If it fails, you get completely blank pages.
Clogged print heads are the most common cause of blank pages in inkjet printers. Here's how to fix them:
Use your printer's built-in cleaning function:
If regular cleaning doesn't work, try deep cleaning:
If automatic cleaning hasn't worked after 3 attempts and a waiting period, proceed to manual cleaning. Signs you need manual cleaning:
For severely clogged print heads that automatic cleaning can't fix, manual cleaning may help. This process varies based on whether your printer has removable print heads or built-in cartridge print heads.
Many HP and Canon printers have print heads that can be removed separately from cartridges:
On these printers, the print head is built into each cartridge:
Some printers have permanent print heads that can't be easily removed. For these:
Warning: Be very careful with permanent print heads. If manual cleaning doesn't work, professional service may be needed. Replacement print heads can cost $50-$200+.
Pro tip: Download HP Print and Scan Doctor - it automatically diagnoses and fixes most HP printer issues.
Canon tip: After deep cleaning, let printer sit for 4+ hours before trying again.
EcoTank tip: If blank after refilling, check for air locks - run "Power Clean" or "Ink Charge" function.
Brother tip: Their inkjet heads are very reliable but require regular printing to stay unclogged.
Sometimes blank pages are caused by software or settings issues rather than hardware problems:
Make sure you're not sending to a virtual printer (like PDF)
Very light draft mode can appear almost blank
If document is color-only and grayscale is selected, it may print blank
Wrong paper type can cause printing issues
If Word doesn't print, try Notepad or a browser
Then open and print the PDF - fixes many formatting issues
In Adobe Reader: Advanced → Print as Image
Content may be outside printable area
services.mscEven just a test page keeps ink flowing and prevents drying
Use the power button, not the wall switch - this parks the print head
Avoid extreme heat, cold, or dry conditions that speed up ink drying
Cheap third-party ink can dry faster and clog print heads
Keep spare toner in original packaging, away from light
Remove toner dust buildup with a dry lint-free cloth
Don't ignore drum life warnings - worn drums cause quality issues
Laser printers need paper rated for laser use
Cartridges expire - old ink may not print properly
Don't leave cartridges out of packaging too long
Unlike toner, shaking ink cartridges can introduce air bubbles
Fresh ink in the nozzles resists drying longer
The print head will park in the capped position
Dust can contribute to clogging
The most common causes are: 1) Clogged print heads from dried ink (especially if the printer hasn't been used recently), 2) Protective tape left on new cartridges, 3) Air bubbles in the ink system, 4) The cartridge showing "ink OK" but actually being low (sensors aren't always accurate). Start by running a print head cleaning cycle, then check that all protective tape was removed from cartridges.
Start with these steps: 1) Check ink/toner levels by physically inspecting cartridges, 2) Remove and reinstall cartridges, checking for protective tape, 3) Run automatic print head cleaning 2-3 times, 4) Print a nozzle check to see which colors aren't printing, 5) Try printing from a different application. If nothing works, try manual print head cleaning or replacing cartridges.
Laser printer blank pages are typically caused by: 1) Empty toner - remove and shake the cartridge to redistribute remaining toner, 2) Protective seal or shipping tape not removed from new toner, 3) Worn drum unit that needs replacement, 4) Transfer roller problems, 5) In rare cases, high voltage power supply failure. Start by shaking the toner and checking all shipping materials were removed.
Yes, dried ink in print head nozzles is one of the most common causes of blank pages in inkjet printers, especially if the printer hasn't been used for several weeks. Run multiple print head cleaning cycles. For severe clogs, you may need to manually clean the print head by soaking it in warm distilled water. See the manual cleaning section for detailed instructions.
If only certain documents print blank but others print fine, the issue is likely software-related: 1) The document may have white text or content outside the printable area, 2) Font issues where text isn't rendering, 3) Application-specific problem - try printing from a different program, 4) PDF printing issues - try "Print as Image" option. Convert the document to PDF first, then print the PDF as a workaround.
For manual cleaning: 1) Remove the print head or cartridge, 2) Dampen a lint-free cloth with warm distilled water, 3) Gently dab (don't rub) the nozzle area, 4) For stubborn clogs, soak the print head in warm water for 10-15 minutes, 5) Let dry completely before reinstalling. See our detailed manual cleaning guide for step-by-step instructions.
Print at least one page per week to keep ink flowing through the nozzles and prevent drying. If you print infrequently, consider printing a color test page weekly. Always turn off your printer using the power button (not the wall switch) - this ensures the print head parks in the correct position with the nozzles capped, which significantly slows ink drying.
Editorial Disclosure: Our troubleshooting guides are free and based on our testing experience. We may earn affiliate commissions from product links, which helps fund our research.
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