You click Print. Nothing happens. You click it again. Still nothing — or worse, a message saying your printer is “offline” when it’s sitting right there, lights on, two feet away.
Printers frustrate almost everyone. The good news is that most printer problems come down to the same few things, and you can check every one of them yourself.
Five Things to Try, in Order
Start with the first one. If your printer still isn’t working, move on to the next.
Turn the printer off and unplug it
Microsoft’s own advice is to turn the printer off, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. While you wait, restart your computer too.
Check the connection
If your printer uses a cable, make sure it’s plugged in firmly at both ends. If it’s wireless, your printer and your computer, phone, or tablet need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you recently got a new router or changed your Wi-Fi password, the printer may still be trying to connect to the old one.
Look at the printer itself
Many printers show a message or a blinking light when something is wrong — out of paper, out of ink, a door left open, or a jam. If there’s a jam, turn the printer off before reaching inside, and follow the steps on the printer’s screen or in its manual. Pull slowly and gently: paper that tears can leave small pieces behind that cause the next jam.
Clear out stuck print jobs
Sometimes one document gets stuck and blocks everything behind it in the print queue. Open your printer settings on your computer, look at what’s waiting to print, and cancel anything that’s been sitting there. Then try printing again.
Remove the printer and add it again
If nothing else has worked, remove the printer from your computer’s settings, then add it back. This gives your computer a fresh start with the printer, and it often fixes the “offline” message. If you’re asked to install a printer driver, get it only from the printer company’s own website.
The exact steps vary between printers, computers, and software versions. If you can’t find a setting, search for it along with your printer’s brand and model number — which is usually printed on the front or top of the printer.
Watch Out for Fake Printer Help
When a printer won’t cooperate, most of us search online for help. Scammers know this.
The security company Malwarebytes has documented scammers buying search ads that look like they come from real printer brands such as HP and Canon. The fake site asks for your printer model, then pretends to install a driver. The installation always “fails,” and you’re told to call a number or start a chat for help.
The person on the other end then asks for remote access to your computer — and once they’re in, they can steal information, lock your computer, or get into your bank accounts.
⚠ The warning signs
A search result labelled “Sponsored” or “Ad” that promises printer help.
A driver download that fails and gives you a phone number to call.
Anyone who wants to take control of your computer to fix a printer.
It’s the same trick as the fake Microsoft and Apple pop-ups: a problem, a phone number, and a stranger who wants into your computer. If it happens, hang up or close the window. If you’ve already let someone in, turn off your computer and contact your bank.
✓ The safe way to get printer help
Type the printer company’s website address yourself — for example, hp.com, canon.ca, epson.ca, or brother.ca — rather than clicking an ad. Or look for the support number in the printer’s manual or on the box.
⚠ Disclaimer
This article is for general information and awareness only. Printer settings, menus, and troubleshooting steps vary by manufacturer, model, and software version, and may change with updates. The Lady Tech provides software support only and does not repair printers or other hardware. The Lady Tech is not affiliated with any company mentioned and assumes no liability for outcomes resulting from the application of information in this article. Information was current as of November 4, 2026.