Printers are essential in both workplaces and homes, but let’s be honest, they often test our patience. Whether you’re printing an urgent contract or a family photo, running into printer problems can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t deal with tech every day.

The good news? Most printer issues have simple fixes. At Insight IT, we’ve seen it all from the classic “it won’t turn on” to mysterious connection drops and we’ve helped clients get back up and running quickly. Here’s a guide to the most common printer issues and how you can solve them.

Start With the Basics

It sounds simple, but the basics are often overlooked:

  • Power – Is the printer plugged in and switched on? One client once called us in a panic, only to discover their power board was off.
  • Paper – Check if paper is loaded properly. A business we worked with had constant jams until we realised the paper was being loaded upside down.
  • Ink or toner – Low ink is one of the most common causes of faint or missing prints.
  • Wi-Fi connection – If you’re using a wireless printer, double-check it’s connected to the right network.

A quick five-minute check of these basics can sometimes save you hours of frustration.

Common Printer Issues and How to Fix Them

Printer won’t print

Often, the issue is a stuck print job. Clearing the print queue and restarting the devices usually gets things moving again. We once helped a small business owner who thought their printer was “dead,” but it turned out to be just that.

Poor print quality

Blurry or faded prints? Try running your printer’s cleaning cycle or check the cartridges. Often, a quick clean or replacing old ink brings the colours and sharpness back to life.

Paper jams

One of the most frustrating issues. Always open the access doors carefully and remove the paper in one smooth motion, ripping it can leave behind scraps that cause repeated jams.

Keep Software Up to Date

Outdated drivers and firmware cause more issues than you’d expect. We worked with an office that kept losing connection to their wireless printer: updating the driver solved it instantly. Regular updates keep your printer stable and compatible with your devices.

Connectivity Issues

Networking problems are often behind persistent printer trouble. Sometimes it’s as simple as a router restart, while other times hidden settings or interference can cause printers to drop off the network. A quick check of your Wi-Fi connection and router setup often resolves these headaches and keeps your printer online.

Brand-Specific Quick Tips

  • HP: Try HP’s Print and Scan Doctor tool.
  • Canon: Run the print head cleaning utility regularly.
  • Epson: After a jam, some models need the paper sensor reset manually.
  • Brother: Make sure the latest Brother driver is installed.

When to Call the Professionals

Sometimes, even after trying everything, your printer still won’t cooperate. That’s when it pays to have support on hand. In many cases, what looks like a major breakdown turns out to be a quick fix once a professional takes a closer look. Whether it’s a tricky network setting, a hidden software issue, or something more technical.

At Insight IT, we believe technology should make your life easier, not harder. Printers don’t have to be a source of daily stress. If you’d rather skip the trial and error, our team can take care of the troubleshooting for you, whether remotely or on-site, so you can focus on your business, not your printer..

Need help with a printer that just won’t behave?

Contact Insight IT today for fast, plain-English support that gets you back to work without the frustration.