Introduction
Do you face printer connectivity issues and are unable to get your device up and running? You are not alone. Connectivity issues rank among the most common frustrations when it comes to printers. You might be trying to connect wirelessly, over a network, or via USB. Printer connectivity issues can easily put a halt to your productivity and create unnecessary stress. But don’t worry—many of these problems can be solved with only a few simple troubleshooting steps.
In this post, we will walk you through five effective solutions to get rid of printer connectivity problems and get your printer back online in no time.
1. Check Printer Connections
Before getting into the complex troubleshooting steps, it is always a good idea to start with the basics. Printer connectivity problems can often be caused by a loose or disconnected cable, especially if you are using a wired connection.
- For USB Printers: Make sure that the printer’s USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and your computer. Try a different USB port or a new cable to rule out faulty hardware.
- For Network Printers: Check to make sure that the printer is properly connected to your network. If using Wi-Fi, ensure the printer is connecting to the right Wi-Fi network and that the network is operating correctly. If using Ethernet, inspect the cables for damage.
Checking these connections often corrects simple connectivity issues with the printer and will save you time spent troubleshooting further problems.
2. Restart Your Printer and Devices
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. If you’re experiencing printer connectivity problems, try restarting both your printer and the device you’re trying to print from.
- Restart the Printer: Turn off your printer, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. This can reset the printer’s network connection and resolve minor glitches that may be causing connectivity issues.
- Restart Your Computer or Mobile Device: Similarly, restart the device you’re printing from. This can help refresh the connection and clear any software conflicts that might be affecting the printer.
This step alone can often resolve many printer connectivity problems without requiring any advanced troubleshooting.
3. Update Printer Drivers and Firmware
Outdated drivers or firmware can be one of the main reasons printer connectivity issues occur, especially after some system update or a new software installation. You have to check for the most recent updates for both the printer’s drivers and its firmware so that your printer will remain compatible with your computer.
- Update Printer Drivers: Open the manufacturer’s website or install automatic driver update software to guarantee you have the latest printer drivers installed.
- Update Printer Firmware: Update firmware to eliminate bugs that can be causing connectivity issues and fix other problems. Check the printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for firmware update instructions.
Periodic updates of drivers and firmware ensure the smooth performance of a printer and often solve all printer connectivity issues.
4. Check printer network settings
If you’re experiencing printer connectivity problems with a wireless or network printer, it’s essential to check the printer’s network settings. A common issue is that the printer may have become disconnected from your Wi-Fi or network.
- Verify Wi-Fi Connection: Go to the printer’s settings menu and check if it’s connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. If not, reconnect the printer to your network using the printer’s display panel.
- Network printers: Verify whether your printer has a valid IP address. You may manually enter the IP address of the printer on its control panel or from the settings of your router.
In case the wrong network is selected, that may be a reason why the printer connection fails. Proper selection of the right network would most of the time resolve this problem.
5. Run the Printer Troubleshooter (For Windows)
Windows users can quickly diagnose and fix common connectivity issues with printers by running the built-in printer troubleshooter. Windows has a built-in tool that can automatically detect and resolve many problems associated with printers.
How to Run the Troubleshooter
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select the printer from the list of troubleshooters.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to allow Windows to detect and fix any problems with your printer connection.
The troubleshooter can often solve printer connectivity problems that would otherwise take a lot of time and effort to fix manually.