Quick Diagnostic
Click your problem to get targeted solutions
Printer Not Working
Printer won't print anything at all
Printer Shows Offline
Printer is on but shows as offline
Paper Jam
Paper stuck or won't feed properly
Streaks or Lines
Print has lines, streaks, or smears
Cartridge Not Recognized
Printer doesn't detect ink/toner
Print Quality Issues
Faded, blurry, or wrong colors
Troubleshooting Guides by Problem
1 Connection & Status Issues
2 Paper & Mechanical Issues
3 Print Quality Issues
Troubleshooting by Brand
Diagnostic Tools
Test Your Printer
Print these test pages to diagnose and verify printer performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common printer problems?
The most common printer problems are: printer showing offline, paper jams, print quality issues (streaks, faded prints, missing colors), connectivity problems (WiFi, USB), slow printing, and driver issues. Most can be fixed with basic troubleshooting steps.
How do I troubleshoot a printer that won't print?
Start by checking power and connections, then clear the print queue, restart the print spooler service (Windows: services.msc > Print Spooler > Restart), verify the printer is set as default, and update drivers if needed. These steps fix 80% of printing issues.
Why is my printer not responding?
A printer may not respond due to: connection issues (check cables/WiFi), print spooler problems, driver conflicts, the printer being paused or offline, or hardware failures. Restart both the printer and computer first, then check the print queue for stuck jobs.
Can't Find Your Problem?
Try our comprehensive general troubleshooting guide or contact manufacturer support.