Printer not responding
"Printer not responding" means your computer sent a job but got no reply from the printer, usually a sleep, network or IP address problem. Here is the fix.
What this error means
Your computer tried to reach the printer and got no answer within the time it expected. Windows may show this as "Printer not responding" or "Offline", and macOS shows "The printer is not responding" or a similar message in the print queue. It usually means the computer is looking for the printer at an old address, the printer is asleep or off the network, or something is blocking the connection between them.
Common causes
- The printer is asleep, switched off or showing an error
- The printer's IP address changed after a router restart
- The printer and computer are on different networks or Wi-Fi bands
- A VPN or firewall blocking local network traffic
- A loose USB cable or faulty port
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for Any printer
0 of 7 steps tried
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Wake and restart the printer
Press a button on the printer to wake it and check its display for errors. Then turn it off, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in and turn it on. Wait until it shows ready, then print a test page from your computer.
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Check the printer is on the same network
Print a network configuration or Wi-Fi status page from the printer's menu (the name varies by model). Check that it shows the same network name your computer uses, not a guest network, and that the signal is reasonable. Restarting your router can also clear connection problems.
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Test the printer’s IP address
Find the printer's IP address on that network page or its display, then open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) and run the command below with your printer's address. Replies mean the network path works; "Request timed out" or no reply means the computer can't reach the printer at all. On a Mac, press Control + C to stop the test.
ping 192.168.1.50 -
Turn off VPN and check security software
Disconnect any VPN and try printing again. Many VPNs block access to devices on your home network. If a firewall or security suite has a setting for local network or trusted network access, make sure your home network is marked as trusted or private.
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Remove and re-add the printer
If the printer's IP address has changed, the computer may still be looking at the old one. On Windows, remove the printer in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. On a Mac, remove it in System Settings > Printers & Scanners and add it again with Add Printer, Scanner or Fax.
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Reserve the printer’s IP address
To stop the address changing again, set a DHCP reservation for the printer in your router's settings, so it always gets the same IP address. The option is usually under LAN or DHCP settings; check your router's manual for exact steps.
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Update the printer firmware
If the printer regularly drops off the network, check the manufacturer's official support site or the printer's menu for a firmware update. Updates often improve Wi-Fi stability and sleep behaviour.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Why does my phone print but my computer says not responding?
The computer may be using an old IP address, a VPN, or a different network or Wi-Fi band than your phone. Re-adding the printer on the computer while both are on the same network usually fixes it.
What if it’s a USB printer?
Try a different USB port and cable, plug in directly rather than through a hub, and restart both the printer and computer. If the printer still doesn't respond, reinstall its driver.