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Likely fix

Fix: iPhone sees the printer but nothing prints

This usually means the printer is asleep, has an error, has a stuck queue, or is failing to receive the AirPrint job correctly.

Quick answer

Wake the printer, check for paper or ink errors, restart the printer and iPhone, then test with a simple note or webpage.

Important warning

Some printers appear over AirPrint even when they are out of paper, low on ink, or waiting for an error to be cleared.

Try this

  1. 1 Wake the printer and check for paper, ink, toner, or error lights.
  2. 2 Cancel any stuck jobs on the printer screen if available.
  3. 3 Restart the printer.
  4. 4 Restart the iPhone or iPad.
  5. 5 Try printing a simple webpage or note.
  6. 6 Restart the router if multiple devices cannot print.
  7. 7 Update the printer firmware if available.

Common causes

Printer is asleep or paused.

Printer has a paper, ink, toner, or jam error.

AirPrint job failed after discovery.

Router or printer firmware needs a restart.

The file or app is causing the print job to fail.

What to check next

  • Check whether the printer screen shows an error.
  • Check whether another Apple device can print.
  • Check whether a simple note prints.
  • Check whether multiple devices fail to print.

FAQ

Why does my iPhone see the printer but not print?

The printer may have an error, be asleep, be out of paper or ink, or the AirPrint job may be failing after the printer is discovered.

Should I test with a simple note?

Yes. A simple note or webpage helps show whether the problem is the printer or the original file.

Can printer firmware affect AirPrint?

Yes. Firmware bugs can affect AirPrint discovery or printing, so updating the printer can help.

Related fixes

Fix: AirPrint cannot find your printer

AirPrint usually fails when the iPhone, iPad, or Mac cannot see the printer on the local network.

Fix: Mac says your printer is offline

On Mac, offline printer problems are commonly caused by WiFi changes, old printer entries, or a paused print queue.

Fix: Android sees the printer but does not print

If Android sees the printer but jobs never print, the printer may be paused, asleep, out of paper, or rejecting the file type.

Fix: Windows says your printer is offline

Windows usually shows a printer as offline when it is using an old connection, the printer changed WiFi networks, or offline mode is enabled.

You probably need a USB-A to USB-B printer cable

Most traditional printers use a square USB-B port on the printer side and a rectangular USB-A plug on the computer side.

Fix: Mac print queue is stuck

A stuck Mac print queue usually clears after canceling jobs, resuming the queue, or re-adding the printer.