Printer won't turn on

Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to prove it has power. If the outlet is controlled by a wall switch, turn it on. If nothing works there, check your fuse box or breaker panel, and press Reset on any nearby outlet that has Test and Reset buttons, because these can cut power to other outlets on the same circuit.

Plug the printer directly into the wall. Power strips have their own switch and sometimes a reset button, and many surge protectors stop passing power after absorbing a surge, often shown by a protection light going out. Laser printers draw a lot of current while warming up, so they're best plugged straight into the wall rather than into a battery backup unit (UPS).

Push the cable firmly into the socket on the printer as well as the wall; it can work loose when the printer is moved. Look along the cable for kinks, crush marks or bent pins. If your printer uses a detachable cord, try a matching cord of the same type from another device.

Some smaller printers use a separate adapter, either a box partway along the cable or a module that slots into the back. Many have a small light that should glow when the adapter is plugged into a working outlet. If it stays dark, the adapter has probably failed; replace it only with the part specified for your model, because the wrong voltage or connector can damage the printer.

With the cable unplugged from both the wall and the printer, press and hold the power button for 15–30 seconds to discharge any remaining power. Leave it unplugged for a full minute, reconnect it directly to the wall and press the power button once.

Press the button firmly in its center. If it's stuck in, doesn't spring back or feels mushy, unplug the printer and clear any dust or debris around it with a soft, dry brush; don't pry at it with a knife or screwdriver. Many laser printers also have a rocker switch on the side or back, so make sure it's set to on.

Put your ear close to the printer as you press the button. A fan, a click or movement inside means power is getting through, so the fault is more likely the screen or the startup process than the power supply. In that case, try our steps for a blank screen or a printer stuck on initializing.

If the outlet, cable and adapter all check out and there's still no light at all, the internal power supply or main board has most likely failed. The same applies if you noticed a pop, a burning smell or buzzing before it died. Leave it unplugged, don't open the casing, and contact the manufacturer through its official support website about repair or warranty options.