A printer that won't print has 9 possible causes — the majority are free software fixes you can do in under 5 minutes. Hardware faults (printhead, pump, paper feed) account for only about 20% of cases but require professional repair. This guide covers all 9 in order from simplest to most serious.
Step 1 — The 60-Second Check
- Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, turn back on
- Unplug the USB or disconnect WiFi and reconnect
- On Windows: Devices and Printers → right-click your printer → "See what's printing" → clear all queued jobs
- Try printing a test page from the printer itself (usually a button combination — see your manual)
If the self-test page prints but the computer won't: it's a driver/connection issue, not the printer hardware.
9 Causes of Printer Not Printing
1. Printer Showing as Offline
Fix: Windows → Devices and Printers → right-click your printer → "See what's printing" → Printer menu → uncheck "Use Printer Offline". Restart the Print Spooler service (Services app → Print Spooler → Restart).
2. Stuck Print Queue
A previous print job can jam the queue and block all new jobs.
Fix: Devices and Printers → double-click printer → cancel all documents. If they won't cancel: stop the Print Spooler service → delete files in C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS → restart the service.
3. Wrong Printer Selected as Default
Windows sometimes changes the default printer, especially after a Windows Update.
Fix: Devices and Printers → right-click your printer → Set as Default Printer.
4. Corrupted or Wrong Driver
Signs: Printer works for self-test but not from Windows. Appeared after a Windows Update.
Fix: Uninstall the printer from Devices and Printers → download the latest driver from the manufacturer website (HP, Epson, Canon) → reinstall.
5. WiFi Connection Lost (Wireless Printers)
Wireless printers drop off the network after router restarts or IP address changes.
Fix: On the printer, run the Wireless Setup Wizard to reconnect. On the computer, remove the printer and add it again (Windows will find it by IP). For HP printers: HP Smart app → Add Printer handles this automatically.
6. Empty or Dry Ink Cartridge
Some printers refuse to print at all when any cartridge is empty (even if printing in black-and-white with an empty colour cartridge).
Fix: Replace the indicated cartridge. For HP: use genuine or certified-compatible HP cartridges — HP printers regularly block third-party cartridges via firmware updates.
7. Clogged Printhead (Inkjet Printers)
Signs: Test page prints but with streaks, missing lines, or wrong colours. Colours bleed into each other.
Cause: Ink dries in the nozzles when the printer isn't used for weeks.
Fix: Run 2–3 cleaning cycles from the printer utility (Printer Properties → Maintenance → Clean Printhead). Do NOT run more than 3 — it wastes a full cartridge of ink. If cleaning cycles don't fix it: printhead replacement or professional service.
8. Paper Jam (Even If No Paper Visible)
A tiny torn piece of paper inside the paper path can block printing without being visible.
Fix: Open all access panels (front, back, bottom feeder) and inspect carefully with a torch. Remove any paper fragments. The printer will usually show a specific error code indicating where the jam is.
9. Hardware Failure — Printhead, Pump, or Main Board
Signs: None of the above fixes work. Printer makes unusual sounds (grinding, clicking). Error code doesn't clear after multiple resets. Printer won't initialize at all.
Fix: Professional repair. Cost: ₹350–₹1,999 for most common hardware faults. Printhead replacement: ₹999–₹2,999 depending on brand.
Brand-Specific Common Issues
| Brand | Most Common Issue | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Blocked by third-party ink after firmware update | Rollback firmware or use HP-compatible cartridges |
| Epson | Waste ink pad full (error 0x97, 0x69) | Reset waste counter + pad cleaning (₹350–₹799) |
| Canon | 5B00 error — waste ink absorber full | Reset + absorber cleaning (₹350–₹799) |
| Brother | Drum unit expiry warning blocking print | Reset drum counter (model-specific key combination) |
Epson / Canon Waste Ink Absorber Full — Explained
Inkjet printers have a sponge inside that absorbs excess ink from cleaning cycles. After thousands of cleaning cycles and years of use, this sponge fills up and the printer locks itself out to prevent ink spills. The error (Epson 0x97, Canon 5B00) is a safety mechanism, not a critical hardware fault.
Fix: reset the waste ink counter using official tools or service software, and clean/replace the absorber pads. Cost: ₹350–₹799. This extends the printer's life by another 2–3 years.
Book Your Repair or Upgrade at Xigox
Free doorstep pickup across Mumbai, Thane & Palghar. Fixed quote before any work starts — no hidden charges.
- Call / WhatsApp: +91 74997 61196 (9 AM–9 PM, 7 days)
- 90-day warranty · Same-day service · Genuine-grade parts
How Much Does Printer Repair Cost in Mumbai?
Printer repair costs in Mumbai: print head cleaning ₹500–₹1,200, paper jam clearance ₹350–₹800, roller replacement ₹800–₹2,500, print head replacement ₹2,000–₹8,000, motherboard repair ₹2,999 – ₹6,000. Laser printer fuser unit replacement: ₹2,500–₹8,000. Exact pricing depends on the brand, model, and fault. Xigox charges a ₹350 inspection fee (credited to the repair) and gives a fixed quote before any work begins.
How Long Does Printer Repair Take?
Paper jam clearance and print head cleaning complete the same day — usually within 2 hours. Roller and fuser replacement: same day with stock parts (1 business day if part sourcing needed). Motherboard and print head replacement: 1–3 days. We provide doorstep service for printer repair — collection from your office or home and return after repair across Mumbai.
Which Printer Brands Does Xigox Repair?
All major printer brands: HP (DeskJet, OfficeJet, LaserJet, PageWide, Color LaserJet), Canon (PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageRUNNER), Epson (EcoTank, WorkForce, SureColor), Brother (DCP, MFC, HL series), Samsung, Lexmark, and Ricoh. Both inkjet and laser printers covered — home, office, and commercial models. Printer AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract) also available for corporate printer fleets.
