Printer Not Printing? 15 Common Problems and How to Fix Them (Ireland & Galway Guide)

Few things are more frustrating than a printer that suddenly refuses to print — especially when you need something urgently. The good news is that most printer problems are simple to fix once you know where to look.

At Select Cartridge in Galway, we fix printers every day for home users, students, and businesses. Below are the 15 most common reasons a printer won’t print, and what you can do to fix each one before panicking.

1. The Printer Is “Offline”

This is the most common issue we see.

How to fix it:

  • On Windows:
    Go to Settings → Printers & Scanners → Select your printer → Open queue → Set as default
    Make sure “Use Printer Offline” is unticked.

  • On Mac:
    Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners and reselect the printer.

If this keeps happening, it’s often a Wi-Fi issue (see #4).

2. Empty or Unrecognised Ink / Toner

Printers can be very sensitive to cartridges.

Check:

  • The correct cartridge model is installed

  • All protective seals have been removed

  • The cartridge is clicked fully into place

If the printer says “empty” even when it’s not, remove the cartridge and reseat it.

👉 We stock compatible and original ink & toner locally in Galway, so you don’t have to wait days for delivery.

3. Paper Jam (Even When There Isn’t One)

“Paper jam” errors can appear even when the paper path looks clear.

Fix:

  • Turn the printer off

  • Remove all paper

  • Check the rear door and rollers

  • Reload paper neatly (don’t overfill the tray)

Small scraps of paper are often the cause.

4. Printer Connected to the Wrong Wi-Fi

This happens a lot after a router change.

Solution:

  • Reconnect the printer to your current Wi-Fi network

  • Restart both printer and router

  • Make sure your phone or laptop is on the same network

5. Print Queue Is Stuck

One failed job can block everything.

Fix:

  • Open the print queue

  • Cancel all jobs

  • Restart the printer

  • Restart your computer

This clears the backlog.

6. Ink Has Dried Out (Inkjet Printers)

If you don’t print often, ink can dry inside the printhead.

Try:

  • Running the printer’s cleaning cycle (1–2 times max)

  • Printing a test page

If cleaning doesn’t work, the printer may need servicing.

7. Toner Smudging or Not Sticking (Laser Printers)

If prints smudge or rub off:

  • Check paper type settings

  • Try heavier paper

  • Avoid inkjet-only labels on laser printers

Persistent smudging may indicate a fuser issue, which we can repair.

8. Wrong Paper Settings Selected

Using photo paper or labels with “plain paper” settings often causes failures.

Fix:

  • Match printer settings to the paper you’re using

  • Check tray selection

This alone solves many issues.

9. Missing or Outdated Printer Drivers

If the printer suddenly stopped working after an update, drivers are often the cause.

Fix:

  • Reinstall the printer

  • Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website

Avoid generic drivers where possible.

10. Firmware Problems

Firmware updates can sometimes cause issues, especially with cartridges.

If problems start immediately after an update:

  • Restart the printer

  • Reinstall cartridges

  • Contact a technician if the issue persists

11. Epson “Service Required” or Waste Ink Errors

Many Epson printers stop working due to internal counters — not because they’re broken.

This usually can be reset, but it requires the right tools and experience.

👉 We handle these issues regularly in-store.

12. Drum or Fuser Problems (Laser Printers)

Laser printers use more than just toner.

Common signs:

  • Repeating marks

  • Faded sections

  • Smearing

These often mean the drum or fuser needs replacing — not the whole printer.

13. USB and Wi-Fi Conflict

If a printer has been connected by USB before, it may still default to that connection.

Fix:

  • Remove old printer entries

  • Re-add the printer using Wi-Fi only

14. Printing From Your Phone Isn’t Working

Common causes:

  • AirPrint disabled

  • Printer not on same Wi-Fi

  • App permissions blocked

We help customers with this daily in our Galway shop.

15. When to Stop Fixing and Get Help

If:

  • You’ve tried multiple fixes

  • Error messages keep returning

  • Printing is urgent

It’s time to get professional help.

We Can Help — Fast, Local & Practical

If your printer still won’t print:

  • ✅ In-store printer help in Galway

  • ✅ Ink & toner stocked locally

  • ✅ On-site repairs for businesses

  • ✅ Honest advice — repair vs replace

Bring the printer in, or contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Need Ink or Toner Now?

Using the wrong cartridge causes more printer problems than anything else.

We can:

  • Identify the correct cartridge for your printer

  • Supply compatible or original options

  •