Befriend you printer: Troubleshoot Network problems
Network – the thing that’s connecting the devices. And sometimes a tricky one to troubleshoot since there are multiple things to consider! On this post, I’ll address some of the most common printer networking problems with troubleshooting suggestions and possible solutions. So take a deep breath, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and see if the problem you’re facing is addressed below. Good luck!
Printer is “offline”
Connection has dropped or computer and printer are in different network. Reboot the printer. Still offline?
Check if you can see the printer on another device connected to the same network than printer. Also try sending a print job even if the machine seems to be offline. If printer works disregarding it’s status try updating or installing drivers.
Printer has worked previously but devices can’t find it anymore
This is usually caused by IP-address conflicts or changes. Navigate to printer’s networking menu to see if it uses DHCP or static IP-address.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP-address to devices connecting to network. If you have DHCP on and you want to keep it that way try to reset network settings (or “Restore network settings”) on printer menu to see if the printer gets a new DHCP -address and connection starts working. If you are not successful with getting the connection working with DHCP assign a static IP-address.
Conflict with a static IP means that some other device on the network has the same address than the printer. So have you added new device to your network lately? If so make sure that the device causing problems has it’s own static address too – so that you don’t run into same kind of conflict in the future.
Printer takes long to start printing
Problem indicates weak signal or band incompatibility. On wireless connection printer can be too far from router or router signal might be blocked by thick walls. So placement may improve this type of situation. If the printer works on Ethernet try switching the cable to see if it’s bad. If you are using USB-cable too long cable can be the problem. USB-signal gets weaker without an active amplifier.
Printer stops working when you use VPN or local firewall
Strict firewalls or VPN can block network ports. On workplace IT-administrator needs to make exception rule to make the connection to printer work properly.
If you are facing the problem at your home environment check if the VPN app you use has option for enabling Local Network Access (LAN) or to make a Bypass-rule. Note that if you make a rule for printer connection bypassing VPN –tunnelling you may need to set up a static IP-address for the printer.
New printer doesn’t find Wi-Fi? But Ethernet works?
Some printers don’t work in Wi-Fi when there is Ethernet-cable attached to it. In that case unplug it and reboot the printer. If Wi-Fi is still not working check if the printer has firmware updates available on the maintenance menu.
If you’re having an outdated or corrupted printer drivers, you might face…
- Printer being seemingly “Offline” or “Not connected” but being still able to print
- Print jobs getting stuck in the queue
- Print application freezing
- Garbling or blank pages (for example random symbols on printed page)
- Printer vanishing when you sent a print job to it
Your problem wasn’t found here? Tell more about it on the comments!
More about printer troubleshooting:
Befriend your printer: Colour error & image quality problems
Befriend your printer: Troubleshoot invisible paper jam!
