Having trouble with your Mac-connected printer not printing? Frustrating as it may be, there are various troubleshooting tips that can help you resolve this issue and get your printer up and running again. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind the problem and provide you with easy-to-follow solutions to fix it. Whether it’s a software glitch, a connectivity issue, or a hardware problem, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth printing experience on your Mac.
Check Printer Connections And Settings
When troubleshooting a Mac-connected printer that is not printing, it is essential to start by checking the printer connections and settings. First, ensure that the printer is properly connected to the Mac via a USB cable or over the network. If using a network connection, ensure that both the printer and the Mac are connected to the same network.
Next, verify that the printer is turned on and has paper loaded in the tray. Check the printer’s control panel or display to ensure there are no error messages or warnings.
It is also crucial to check the printer settings on your Mac. Go to “System Preferences” and then choose “Printers & Scanners” or “Print & Fax.” Select the printer from the list on the left and ensure that it shows a status of “Connected” or “Idle.”
Additionally, make sure that the printer is not set to “Offline” or “Paused.” If it is, click on the printer and select “Resume” or “Open Print Queue” to clear any paused print jobs.
By checking the printer connections and settings, you can eliminate any simple issues that may be preventing your Mac-connected printer from printing.
Ensure Printer Is Set As Default
When your Mac-connected printer is not printing, one of the first steps to take is to ensure that the correct printer is set as the default. Sometimes, the system may inadvertently select a different printer as the default, leading to printing issues.
To check and set the default printer on your Mac, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select “System Preferences.”
2. In the System Preferences window, click on “Printers & Scanners.”
3. Look for the printer you want to set as the default in the left-hand column of the Printers & Scanners window.
4. Right-click or control-click on the printer and select “Set Default Printer” from the contextual menu.
By making the correct printer the default, you are ensuring that all print jobs are sent to the intended device. If the printer still does not work, proceed to the other troubleshooting steps to fix the issue.
Verify If There Are Any Print Jobs In The Queue
When your Mac-connected printer is not printing, one possible reason could be unfinished or stuck print jobs in the queue. To troubleshoot this issue, you should first check if there are any pending print jobs.
To verify this, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Apple menu on the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. In the System Preferences window, click on “Printers & Scanners.”
3. Select your printer from the left sidebar and click on the “Open Print Queue” button.
4. In the print queue window, you will see a list of all the print jobs in line to be printed. If there are any pending or stuck print jobs, you can right-click on them and select “Cancel” or “Delete” to remove them.
5. Once the print queue is empty, try printing a test page to see if the issue has been resolved.
By ensuring there are no stuck print jobs in the queue, you can eliminate this potential cause of your Mac-connected printer not printing and move on to other troubleshooting methods if needed.
Update Printer Drivers And Software
Updating the printer drivers and software is crucial for optimizing the printer’s performance and compatibility with your Mac. Outdated printer drivers or software can often cause issues with printing. Here are some troubleshooting steps to update your printer drivers and software:
1. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website: Go to the website of your printer’s manufacturer and navigate to the support or downloads section. Look for the latest drivers and software for your printer model.
2. Download and install the latest drivers: Find and download the appropriate drivers for your macOS version. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the updated drivers.
3. Check for software updates: Besides updating the drivers, ensure that you have the latest software for your printer. Many printers come with additional software that provides advanced features. Check for software updates on the manufacturer’s website or through the printer’s control panel if applicable.
4. Restart the printer and Mac: After updating the drivers and software, restart both your printer and Mac. This can help apply the changes and refresh the connection between the devices.
By updating the printer drivers and software, you can address compatibility issues and enhance the overall printing experience on your Mac.
Restart The Printer And Mac
Restarting both the printer and the Mac can often resolve any issues causing the printer not to print. This simple troubleshooting step can help refresh the devices and establish a new connection between them.
To restart the printer, turn it off, unplug the power cable, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Press the power button to turn it on again.
Next, restart the Mac by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner, selecting “Restart,” and then confirming the action. Alternatively, users can press the power button on their Macs and choose the “Restart” option.
After both devices have restarted, try printing a test page to check if the issue has been resolved. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Restarting the printer and Mac helps in clearing any temporary glitches or conflicts that might have occurred, enabling the printer to establish a fresh connection with the Mac and resume normal printing functionality.
Reset The Printing System
Resetting the printing system on your Mac can help resolve various issues that might be causing your connected printer not to print. When you reset the printing system, it removes all printer queues and drivers, giving you a fresh start. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
2. Click on “Printers & Scanners” or “Print & Fax.”
3. Right-click (or Control-click) in the printers list and select “Reset printing system.”
4. A dialog box will appear, asking for confirmation. Click on “Reset” to proceed.
5. Enter your admin username and password when prompted.
After resetting the printing system, restart your Mac and add your printer again by clicking the “+” button in the Printers & Scanners preferences pane. This process will install the latest drivers and establish a fresh connection with your printer.
By resetting the printing system, you can often resolve connectivity issues, incorrect settings, or driver conflicts that might be preventing your Mac-connected printer from printing.
Clear the print cache
Under the “Clear the print cache” subheading, you would include information and steps on how to clear the print cache on a Mac-connected printer.
The print cache contains temporary files that help the printer process print jobs efficiently. However, sometimes these files can become corrupted or outdated, leading to printing issues. Clearing the print cache can help resolve these problems.
To clear the print cache on a Mac, follow these steps:
1. Open “System Preferences” on your Mac.
2. Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
3. Select your printer from the list on the left-hand side.
4. Press and hold the “Control” key on your keyboard and click anywhere on the printer list.
5. From the dropdown menu, choose “Reset printing system.”
6. Confirm the action by clicking “Reset” when prompted.
Clearing the print cache will remove any pending print jobs, reset the printer settings, and refresh the printing system. Once done, try printing a test page or document to check if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
Remember, clearing the print cache might cause you to lose any print jobs that were waiting to be processed, so make sure to save important documents before performing this action.
Contact The Printer Manufacturer For Support
If you have exhausted all troubleshooting options and your Mac-connected printer is still not printing, it may be time to reach out to the printer manufacturer for further assistance. Every printer manufacturer has customer support available to help you troubleshoot and resolve any issues with their products.
Before contacting the manufacturer, make sure you have all the necessary information about your printer, such as the model number and any error messages you have encountered. This will help the manufacturer’s support team provide you with more accurate solutions.
You can typically find the contact information for the printer manufacturer on their official website or in the documentation that came with the printer. Reach out to their customer support via phone or email and explain the issue you are facing. They may guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or offer a solution specific to your printer model.
Remember to be patient and provide as much detail as possible to ensure the manufacturer’s support team can assist you effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Why is my Mac-connected printer not printing?
Answer: There could be several reasons why your Mac-connected printer is not printing. It could be due to connection issues, outdated printer drivers, paper jams, or printer settings problems. Troubleshooting can help identify and fix the specific issue.
FAQ 2: How can I troubleshoot the issue with my Mac-connected printer?
Answer: To troubleshoot the issue with your Mac-connected printer, you can start by checking the cable connections to ensure they are secure. Verify that the printer is turned on and has enough paper and ink. Updating printer drivers and restarting both your Mac and printer can also help resolve common issues. Additionally, checking the printer settings on your Mac and ensuring the correct printer is selected can be beneficial.
FAQ 3: What should I do if my Mac-connected printer is still not printing after troubleshooting?
Answer: If your Mac-connected printer is still not printing after troubleshooting, you can try resetting the printer settings on your Mac by deleting and re-adding the printer. It is also recommended to check for any available software updates for both your Mac and printer. If none of these steps work, consulting the printer’s user manual or contacting the printer manufacturer’s support team for further assistance is advised.
Verdict
In conclusion, if you are facing the issue of a Mac-connected printer not printing, there are several troubleshooting tips that can help you resolve the issue. Firstly, ensuring that the printer is properly connected to the Mac and the power source is essential. Secondly, checking the printer’s paper supply, ink or toner levels, and any error messages on the printer’s control panel can help identify any physical issues. Additionally, updating the printer driver and software, restarting both the Mac and the printer, and checking the printer settings in the System Preferences can also help in fixing the problem. If all else fails, contacting the printer manufacturer or Apple Support can provide further assistance and guidance.