This is one of the common issues most users face: your HP printer is connected but won’t print. The cause could be a simple software glitch, a minor setting problem, or even a deeper hardware issue. Whatever the cause, it can be quite frustrating when you need to get work done. In this blog, we will be discussing the possible reasons why your HP printer is connected but not printing and providing step-by-step solutions to help you get your printer back in action.
1. Check for Paper Jams
One of the most common reasons an HP printer is connected but will not print is a paper jam. Even if the printer is on and connected to your computer, it is not going to print if the paper is stuck inside the printer.
How to fix it:
- Open the printer’s paper tray and search for any jammed paper.
- Look inside the printer itself for any paper that has become stuck and may be holding it from printing.
- Gently pull out any paper jamming your HP printer, being careful not to rip the paper inside the printer.
- Then proceed and test print for several lines by printing to see if it solves the problem of connected HP but fails to print.
2. Check Ink or Toner Levels
If your HP printer is connected but not printing, it could be due to low or empty ink or toner cartridges. Even if the printer shows a successful connection, the lack of ink can stop it from producing prints.
How to fix it:
- Check the ink or toner levels through the printer display or the HP software on your computer.
- Replace the cartridges with new ones if the ink levels are low or empty.
- The cartridges should be installed properly and seated correctly.
- Print again after the replacement of ink or toner and see whether the HP printer is connected but the printing issue is resolved.
3. Clear the Print Queue
If your HP printer is connected but will not print, there might be a possibility of print jobs stuck in the queue, blocking new print commands. It happens when a previous job hasn’t been cleared properly and blocks the printer from accepting new tasks.
How to fix it:
- For Windows: Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your HP printer and select See what’s printing. Then, right-click any stuck print jobs and select Cancel or Delete.
- For macOS,: Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your HP printer, and click Open Print Queue. Cancel any pending print jobs.
Sometimes, the issue of the HP printer being connected but not printing can be fixed by clearing the print queue.
4. Set the Printer as Default
Your computer may sometimes send print jobs to another printer when your HP printer is connected but not printing. It is necessary that your HP printer be set as the default printer.
How to fix it:
- For Windows: Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your HP printer and select Set as Default Printer.
- For macOS: Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your HP printer, and make sure it is set as the default.
Once your HP printer is connected but not printing, setting it as the default should fix the issue and allow your print jobs to go to the correct printer.
5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
A common cause of the HP printer connected but not printing problem is that the printer drivers are old or corrupted. Printer drivers are what communicate between your computer and printer. If they are outdated or incompatible, your printer could fail to work even when connected.
How to fix it:
- Go to the HP support website and download the latest drivers for your specific model of HP printer.
- For Windows: Open Device Manager > Printers, right-click on your HP printer and select Update Driver.
- For macOS: Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Then right-click on your HP printer and select Reset Printing System to reinstall the driver.
Updating or reinstalling the drivers should fix any connectivity issues with your HP printer that is connected but not printing.
6. Network connectivity problem
If you’re using a wireless HP printer, issues with the Wi-Fi network could be the reason why your HP printer is connected but not printing. A weak Wi-Fi signal or a connection mismatch can cause the printer to be connected but unable to communicate with your computer to print.
How to fix it:
- Ensure that your HP printer and your computer are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- If your printer is connected via USB, try using a different USB port or cable to rule out any hardware issues.
You may also want to restart your router or reconnect your printer to the Wi-Fi network.
Once the connectivity is fixed, your HP printer is connected but not printing issue should be resolved.
7. Restart Your Printer and Computer
Sometimes, the simplest action is to restart both your HP printer and computer. This will usually help reset the system and clear out temporary software glitches that could be causing the problem.
How to troubleshoot it:
- Turn off your HP printer and unplug it for about 30 seconds.
- Restart your computer.
- Plug the printer back in and turn it on.
- Try printing again once the printer and computer have both rebooted to see if the problem has gone away.