If your printer is not working, there are several steps you can take to try to determine the cause and resolve the issue.
1. Check the printer’s power source. Ensure that the printer is plugged into an outlet, and if it is connected to a surge protector, make sure the surge protector is working. If the printer is connected to a wall switch, make sure the switch is turned on.
2. Check the cables. Make sure all cables are securely connected and undamaged. If you have a USB connection, check that it is securely plugged into the correct port.
3. Check the printer’s cartridges or toner. Replace any empty cartridges or toners as needed.
4. Check the paper tray. Make sure the paper tray contains paper, that it is correctly oriented, and that it is not jammed. If there are any bent or wrinkled pages, remove them from the tray before trying to print.
5. Check the software. Make sure the printer is connected to the device it is supposed to be printing from and that the software is up-to-date. Check for any available system or driver updates.
6. Check the settings. Make sure that the printer is set to the appropriate printing mode and its settings are not blocking the item from being printed. Verify that the printer is not in sleep mode or energy saving mode.
7. Check for physical obstructions. Make sure there is no foreign material inside the printer that might be preventing it from printing or causing an obstruction.
8. Test a print job. Try to print a test document or page to see if the issue persists.
9. Run the printer troubleshooter. If the issue persists, Windows and MacOS both come with built in printer troubleshooters which can help identify the issue and provide a solution.
10. Check online. If the issue is still unsolved, you can search online for solutions specific to your printer make and model, or search customer forums to see if others have had similar issues and found potential solutions.
11. Contact customer service. If you cannot solve the issue yourself, contact the manufacturer of your printer. They may be able to offer additional advice or suggest a more detailed approach to troubleshooting.
Following these steps should help you to identify and resolve the issue with your non-working printer. If all else fails however, you may need to look into replacing your printer if it is not repairable.