Why Mobile Printing Fails (And How to Fix It Yourself)
Trying to print from your phone and nothing happens? You're not alone. Mobile printing is convenient—until it suddenly stops working. Whether you’re using AirPrint, Google Cloud Print alternatives, or a manufacturer’s app, a few common issues can interfere with the process.
This blog will help you identify why mobile printing isn’t going through and how to fix it quickly without needing outside help.
What Causes Mobile Printing to Fail?
- Phone and printer are not on the same Wi-Fi network
- Printer app settings are misconfigured
- Outdated or missing mobile print services or drivers
- Print queue is stuck or paused
- The printer is offline or in sleep mode
Step-by-Step DIY Solutions
1. Check Network Connection
Make sure your smartphone and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. A mismatch here is one of the top reasons for failure.
2. Restart Devices
Restart both your phone and your printer. This clears any temporary system glitches that might be blocking communication.
3. Update or Reinstall the Printer App
If you're using a printing app (like HP Smart or Canon PRINT), make sure it's updated. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app can help reset permissions and clear bugs.
4. Confirm Printer Visibility
On your phone, go to the print option from a document or image and see if the printer is listed. If not, go to your phone settings and re-add the printer.
5. Clear the Print Queue
Sometimes, a stuck print job will block new ones. Check your phone's print queue (or app job list) and cancel or clear pending tasks.
6. Try a Test Print
Use a simple file (like a text document or PDF) to test printing before trying larger or more complex files like images or web pages.
Extra Tips for Smooth Mobile Printing
- Keep your printer firmware and app up to date
- Disable VPNs on your phone while printing
- Avoid printing from battery-saver mode—it can block background processes
- Always check printer status (online, paper loaded, not in error mode)
Final Thought
Mobile printing problems can be annoying, but most are easy to fix on your own. A few minutes of troubleshooting often gets things running again without needing any help.