Why Is My Printer Not Printing? 12 Common Problems and Fixes
- , by Printers KE Team
- 7 min reading time
Printer not printing, streaking, or offline? Work through these 12 common causes and fixes before you call for a repair.
Last updated: August 16, 2026 · Reviewed by Printers KE Team
Most "printer not printing" problems come down to one of a small set of causes: connectivity, a stuck print queue, low or misaligned consumables, or a paper-path issue. Work through the checks below in order before assuming you need a repair or a new cartridge.
1. Printer shows "offline" even though it's powered on
Fix: On Windows, open Devices and Printers, right-click the printer, and untick "Use Printer Offline" if it's checked. If the printer is on Wi-Fi, confirm it's still connected to the same network as the computer — printers occasionally drop off Wi-Fi after a router reboot or power outage. Restarting both the printer and the router resolves this in most cases.
2. Print job is stuck in the queue and nothing happens
Fix: Open the print queue, cancel all pending jobs, then restart the print spooler service (on Windows: Services → Print Spooler → Restart) or simply restart the computer. A single corrupted job can block everything behind it in the queue.
3. Nothing prints and there's no error message at all
Fix: Check the obvious things first: is the printer actually turned on, is the USB or network cable seated properly, and is the correct printer selected as default (not a second installed driver, a "Fax," or a "Send to OneNote" virtual printer). This sounds basic but accounts for a large share of "it's broken" calls.
4. Printer says "out of paper" when paper is loaded
Fix: Remove the paper stack, fan it to separate the sheets (paper stuck together is a common cause of misfeeds the sensor reads as empty), and reload it so it sits flush against the tray guides — a stack loaded crooked or over the fill line can trigger a false empty reading.
5. Printed pages are blank
Fix (inkjet): Run the printer's built-in nozzle-cleaning utility from its software or control panel — dried ink clogging the print head is the most common cause. If cleaning doesn't help after 2–3 attempts, the cartridge may be empty or the print head may need replacement. Fix (laser): Check the toner cartridge is seated correctly and the sealing tape (on a new cartridge) has been fully removed — a surprisingly common cause of blank pages on freshly installed toner.
6. Streaks, lines, or bands across the printed page
Fix (laser): This usually points to a worn or damaged drum, a dirty corona wire, or toner running low. Try gently redistributing toner by rocking the cartridge side to side, then print a test page — if streaking persists, the drum unit likely needs replacement. Fix (inkjet): Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle; persistent banding after cleaning often means a specific color cartridge is low or a nozzle is damaged.
7. Text or images look faded or patchy
Fix: Low toner or ink is the most common cause — check levels first. If levels are fine, check the print quality/density setting hasn't been set to a low "draft" or "economy" mode, and for laser printers, confirm the drum unit isn't near end of life (drums and toner are often separate consumables with different lifespans).
8. Paper jams repeatedly, even after clearing them
Fix: After removing jammed paper (pull gently in the direction of the paper path, never against it), check for small torn scraps left behind — these cause the very next jam. Also check the paper being used isn't damp, curled, or below the manufacturer's recommended weight/type for that printer, which are common but overlooked jam causes in humid storage conditions.
9. Printer is very slow
Fix: Large image-heavy documents and high-quality print settings both slow output — switch to draft/normal mode for internal documents. If speed dropped suddenly rather than gradually, check available memory/storage on networked printers with internal storage, and confirm you're not printing over a weak Wi-Fi connection versus a wired one.
10. Wireless printing works from one device but not another
Fix: Confirm both devices are on the same network (not one on Wi-Fi and one on a guest network), and that the printer driver is actually installed on the device that's failing — mobile printing (AirPrint/Mopria) sometimes needs to be enabled specifically in the printer's network settings.
11. Scanned or copied documents come out with lines or spots
Fix: This is almost always a dirty scanner glass or, on printers with an automatic document feeder, a dirty feeder glass strip — clean both with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol, avoiding excess liquid.
12. Printer makes noise but nothing comes out
Fix: Open all covers and check for jammed paper or a foreign object in the paper path, including small items that can fall in near a shared desk. If the noise is a grinding or clicking sound rather than a normal mechanical cycle, stop and have it inspected — continuing to run it risks further internal damage.
When to stop troubleshooting and call for service
If you've worked through the relevant checks above and the problem persists, or if you're hearing unusual mechanical noise, seeing error codes you can't resolve, or the printer is under warranty, it's more cost-effective to get it looked at than to keep guessing — especially for laser printers, where internal parts (fuser, drum, rollers) aren't something to troubleshoot by trial and error.
FAQ
Why does my printer say offline when it's connected? Usually a stale network connection or the "Use Printer Offline" setting being enabled on the computer — check both before assuming a hardware fault.
Why are my printed pages coming out blank? Most often empty or improperly seated ink/toner, or on new toner cartridges, sealing tape that wasn't removed.
Why does my printer keep jamming even after I clear the paper? Check for small torn paper scraps left in the path, and confirm the paper itself isn't damp, curled, or the wrong weight for the printer.
Can I fix streaking or banding myself, or do I need a technician? Low toner/ink and simple cleaning cycles are DIY-fixable. Persistent streaking after that usually means a worn drum or damaged print head, which is a parts/service issue.
Where can I get printer parts or servicing in Kenya if troubleshooting doesn't fix it? Browse our parts & service collection — we stock rollers, drums, fusers, and maintenance kits, and support pickup or countrywide delivery.