Malfunctioning of printers is critical pieces of technology for each of us. We’ve all experienced printer problems which are followed by frustrations. Whether, it is about paper jam, cartridge issues, there is always something going on with your printer. And if you have a malfunctioned printer, it is essential to know how to troubleshoot some of the most common printer dilemmas to keep doing your work efficiently.
Common Printer Problems
Most common printer problems have easy solutions. So, don’t be dismayed, check out the list of common printer problems you may face:
- Paper jams
- Poor print quality
- Wireless printer is not connecting
- Slow Print Speed
Paper Jams
Problems
Paper jam is the king of all printer nightmares. A paper jam can be really frustrating if it happens on regular basis. The reasons behind the paper jams can be:
- Paper loaded incorrectly
- Paper rollers are damaged
- Loaded paper that is torn, dirty, or damp
- The paper tray is heaped with different types of papers
- An object is blocking the path of the paper
- Paper is added to the tray while the printer is printing
- Papers are too thin or too thick
Solutions
The very first thing, you need to do is, find the manual instruction pertaining to your specific printer model to fix the paper jam. Typically it is really easy to do. There are a few steps you should take while fixing the paper jam. Start checking it from the printer readout or detecting the source of jam. Some of the best places to check are paper tray, paper feeder, or inside of printer. If still the issues persist, you can call our skilled nerds to assist you. Use the following tips to prevent paper jam:
- Ensuring that your paper is well-aligned in the paper tray.
- Softly tapping at one end of your paper stack and allow pages sit evenly in the paper tray.
- Removing any damaged papers from the pile.
- Avoid placing too many pages in the tray.
- Put the right type of paper.
- Using the equal size paper.
Poor Print Quality
Problems
Poor print quality is one of the most frustrating printer problems. These problems can be in form of faded, blurred, streaky lined image, small spots, and smudges. Smudged or poor prints can be caused by:
- Low ink or toner level
- Dirty print head
- Wrong paper or media selected
- Damaged fuser
Solutions
If you’re noticing unwanted spots or lines on your prints, try these easy fix to resolve the issues:
- Removing or replacing toner cartridges
- Removing or replacing ink cartridge
- Check your print driver to ensure that you have the right paper or media selected.
- Double check the paper heaped in paper tray matches the type chosen in the printer driver.
- Adjust the fuser according to the paper type. But beware, as fuser gets very hot.
- Examine your toner cartridges, imaging unit(s) and the fuser for damage.
Slow Print Speed
Problems
Some printers are fast and some are slow. However, it is possible to speed up a slow printer. If you notice a distinct slowdown in your printer’s efficiency, these printer problems can be there:
- Incorrect settings
- Printer is printing on both sides of the page
- It’s in quiet mode
- Issues with the drivers
- High print resolution
- Connection types (USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet)
- The page has too many images
Solutions
Printer Settings: Choose the right quality and print settings are the easiest way to diminish the common printer problems. Turn off any printer enhancement if not required. By adjusting the printing mode from “high quality” to “draft or standard”, you can print faster and save resources. If print quality is a priority, you may just have to be patient.
Printer Drivers: If your printer came with a choice of drivers, select an alternative to PostScript. PostScript will usually give highest quality print which slows down your printer’s speed. It becomes important to not to opt for PostScript when you have to meet deadlines.
Printer Resolution: If the resolution is less important for you, then choose “standard or draft mode”. Use “high-quality” mode to print only formal reports and documents that are required to be alluring. Follow the mentioned steps to change the resolution-
If you’re a Windows user,
- Go to Printing Preferences
- Click the Basic tab
- Choose the lowest resolution and click OK.
- For Apple users,
- Select Print Settings.
- Open the Print dialog.
- Opt for lower print setting resolution in the Resolution tab.
Printer Connectivity: Whether printer is connected via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cable, or USB, the difference in print speeds aren’t generally dramatic. You need to prefer ethernet or USB connections because they minimize the chances printing errors.
Wireless Printer is not Connecting
Problems
Troubleshooting connectivity issues with your wireless printers are really frustrating. You have already analyzed your WI-Fi connection, data settings, and router but the problem still exists and printer is unable to print.
Solutions
Restart Everything: Firstly, check your internet connection. Make sure that your modem is turned on and working fine. The easiest solution to this dilemma is restarting everything including modem, computer, printer.
Check Wireless Connectivity: You need to ensure that your printer is still connected to wireless network. There may be some changes done by you in wireless router password, SSID etc. Check the menu option and network current status if you see IP address like 169.254.X.X which means printer is not accurately connected with the network.
Anti-virus/Firewall Programs: Did your computer have any anti-virus programme, internet security suite or additional firewall installed in it? Most of the time these anti-viruses or firewall program block the connection between computer or router. Disable security software if that troubleshoot the issue with printer connectivity.
A Problematic Router: Everything seems to be functional, sometimes issues can be with router. The printer won’t work if your router is not operating, even if your Pc is able to connect with internet wirelessly.
Slow or malfunctioning printers can cause frustration and downtime which can affect the productivity. Looking for the quick and easy fixes for printer issues is the key to identify and diminish these dilemmas when they arise. After performing the troubleshooting process, the printing problem still exists, post a comment here or call our experienced nerds. We’ll help you with the best possible solutions!