Printer Troubleshooting

Printer Not Responding: What to Do When It Freezes

A printer is a small computer with motors attached. Like any computer, its internal software can lock up: the touchscreen stops reacting, buttons do nothing, or the display sits on “Busy,” “Processing” or a startup logo for far longer than it should. Occasionally the opposite happens and the printer will not power on, or will not switch off.

This guide is about the printer itself being unresponsive. If the printer works normally at its own panel but your computer cannot reach it, see printer offline instead.

Quick answer

Give the printer a few minutes in case it is finishing a task. Then turn it off with its power button; if that does not work, unplug it from the wall, wait at least 60 seconds, and plug it straight into a wall outlet. Remove any obstruction from the carriage or paper path while it is off. If it still freezes, check for firmware updates through official channels only, and contact the manufacturer if the fault repeats.

Symptoms and possible causes

This guide applies if:

  • The control panel or touchscreen is frozen and does not react to touch or buttons.
  • The display is stuck on “Busy,” “Processing,” “Initializing” or a logo.
  • The printer makes repeated grinding or clicking noises and then stops.
  • The power button does nothing, or the printer turns itself back on or off.
  • The printer restarts on its own partway through jobs.
Possible causes, how to recognize them and where this guide covers them
Possible causeHow to recognize itCovered in
Firmware or software lock-upScreen frozen, buttons ignored, no error shownStep 1
Large or corrupt job being processed“Processing” or “Busy” for a long time after printing something bigStep 1
Power supply or outlet problemWill not turn on; flickers; restarts randomlyStep 2
Physical obstructionCarriage cannot move; grinding noise at startupStep 3
Outdated or interrupted firmwareFreezes repeatedly; started after an updateStep 4
Hardware faultPersistent service or hardware message; burning smell; no power at allStep 5

Safety precautions

  • If you smell burning, see smoke or hear sparking, unplug the printer immediately (only if it is safe to reach the plug) and do not switch it back on.
  • Laser printers have a fuser that can be very hot. Let the printer cool before reaching inside.
  • Keep fingers clear of the print carriage on inkjets; it can move suddenly when the printer starts.
  • Do not open panels that need tools, and do not force parts that do not move freely.

1 Give it time, then restart normally

  1. Wait a few minutes

    Printers often look frozen while warming up, cleaning printheads, processing a large file or installing an update. Watch for blinking lights or quiet mechanical sounds, which suggest it is still working. Interrupting a firmware update can cause bigger problems, so be patient if the screen mentions an update.

  2. Cancel jobs from the computer

    If a huge or damaged document is stuck, canceling it from your computer’s print queue can release the printer.

  3. Use the power button

    Press the power button once and let the printer shut down by itself. A proper shutdown lets inkjets park and cap their printheads, which protects them from drying out. If a single press does nothing after a minute, some models accept a longer press; check your manual.

2 Do a full power cycle

If the printer ignores its power button, cutting power entirely clears its memory and forces a fresh start.

  1. Unplug from the wall

    Pull the power cord from the wall outlet, and from the back of the printer if it is easily removable.

  2. Wait at least 60 seconds

    This gives internal power supplies time to drain fully, which a quick off-and-on may not do.

  3. Plug directly into a wall outlet

    Skip power strips and surge protectors for this test. Some manufacturers recommend plugging printers straight into the wall; a failing strip can cause random restarts or no power at all.

  4. Turn it on and watch the startup

    Note any messages or unusual noises during startup. These clues help if you later need to contact the manufacturer.

If the printer shows no sign of life at all, try a different outlet and a different power cord if your model uses a standard detachable one. If still nothing, the internal power supply may have failed (see Step 5).

3 Check for physical obstructions

At startup, printers move their mechanisms to check their position. If something blocks them, the printer may hang or show a vague error.

  1. Open the main access cover with power off

    With the printer unplugged, open the covers you normally use to change ink, toner or paper. Do not open panels that need tools.

  2. Look for paper, packing material or objects

    Remove torn paper scraps, leftover orange or blue shipping tape, clips or anything that should not be there. On inkjets, check that the carriage can slide gently by hand if your manual allows; do not force it.

  3. Reseat cartridges

    Make sure each cartridge is clicked fully into place. A loose cartridge can stop the carriage or confuse the printer’s checks.

If you find paper in the mechanism, follow our guide to clearing a printer paper jam.

4 Update firmware through official channels

Firmware is the printer’s internal software. Manufacturers release updates that can fix freezes and other bugs.

  1. Find the official update method

    Depending on the model, updates may be offered from the control panel, the printer’s built-in web page, or the manufacturer’s app. Check your manual or the manufacturer’s official website for your model’s method.

  2. Use only official sources

    Never install firmware from third-party sites. Unofficial firmware can disable the printer or block legitimate cartridges, and pop-up “printer update” prompts outside the manufacturer’s app or website are a common scam.

  3. Keep power steady during updates

    Do not turn off or unplug the printer while it updates. An interrupted update is one of the few things that can leave a printer permanently unresponsive.

5 Recognize when it is a hardware fault

Some problems are beyond home troubleshooting. Repeated attempts can make things worse.

  1. Note the symptoms

    Write down any error message or code exactly, when it appears, and what you have already tried.

  2. Check the warranty

    Many printers include a limited warranty. Check your purchase date and the warranty terms in your documentation or on the manufacturer’s official website.

  3. Contact the manufacturer directly

    Find contact details through the manufacturer’s official website or the documentation in the box, not through search ads. Be cautious of anyone who contacts you first, asks for remote access to your computer, or wants payment by gift card.

Additional troubleshooting methods

Disconnect cables and accessories

Unplug USB and network cables and remove any USB drive or memory card before restarting. A faulty accessory can occasionally stop a printer finishing its startup.

Consider a factory reset

Many printers offer a reset to factory defaults in their settings. It can clear corrupted settings but also erases Wi-Fi and other configuration. Follow your manual’s instructions for your model.

Model and operating-system considerations

If you useWhat to know
Inkjet printersAlways shut down with the power button when possible, so the printhead is capped. Repeated power cuts can contribute to dried or clogged nozzles.
Laser printersLaser printers draw a lot of power when warming up. Avoid sharing an outlet with heaters or other heavy loads, and avoid small battery backup units unless the manufacturer approves them.
Touchscreen modelsA frozen screen may still respond after a full power cycle. If it responds to touch in the wrong places, check your manual for a screen calibration option.
Older printersFirmware updates may no longer be offered for older models. If an older printer freezes often, weigh repair costs against replacement.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I wait before deciding my printer is frozen?

If the display has not changed and there are no lights blinking or sounds for about five minutes, it is reasonable to restart. The exception is a firmware update in progress, which you should let finish.

Is it bad to unplug a printer while it is on?

Occasionally, as a last resort, it is fine. Doing it routinely is not ideal: inkjets may not cap their printheads, and unplugging during a firmware update can damage the printer. Use the power button when it works.

My printer turns on and immediately shows a hardware or service error. Can I fix it?

Try one full power cycle and check for obstructions. If the same message returns, look it up in your model’s manual and contact the manufacturer. Our printer error messages guide explains how to approach these.