Most people depend on their printer for all sorts of tasks, from printing schoolwork to churning out copies of important documents. That’s why it can be so frustrating when your printer won’t turn on. Before you start tearing your hair out or throwing the printer in the trash, take a few minutes to troubleshoot the problem and determine its cause.
The first thing to do is to make sure that the power is on and that the printer is plugged into an outlet or surge protector. Check any power buttons or switches and make sure they are in the “on” position. If not, flip them to that position and try again. Check for trip switches if the printer doesn’t power up when the power button is pressed. Some models include these as additional safety measures to prevent accidental startup when being moved.
If the printer is still unresponsive, take a look at the power cord. Make sure it is firmly plugged into the wall outlet and the back of the printer. Sometimes the power cord may wear out or become disconnected, which can prevent the printer from getting the necessary current. You could also check any extension cords or surge protectors between the wall outlet and the printer to make sure they are working properly as well.
If the power cord looks fine, then the problem could be with the printer itself. Take a look at the internal power supply and make sure nothing looks out of place. A loose connection or damaged power cord could be the culprit. If there appears to be no visible damage, then you may want to try unplugging the printer from the wall outlet, waiting a minute or two, and plugging it back in. This will reset the printer and allow it to power up naturally.
If none of these troubleshooting steps work, then the printer may need to be serviced by a professional. It could be a sign of a malfunctioning part, such as a faulty power supply, and you may need to take the printer to a repair shop.
Knowing what to do when your printer won’t turn on can be a lifesaver. Before giving up and throwing the printer in the trash, make sure to run through the steps above and you may be able to get the printer working with minimal effort. In some cases, however, it may require professional servicing to get the printer back up and running.