If the error message in the Print Queue refers to a “communication” problem, this is especially likely to help.Ĭheck ink or toner cartridges: Some models of inkjet printers are notorious for refusing to print if any of its multiple cartridges are out of (or even low on) ink. Ideally, unplug the printer from the wall outlet after turning it off. Turn the printer off and back on: Turn the printer completely off and back on. To do this, click on the X next to the progress bar below the document’s name. If a job isn’t printable (perhaps the document no longer exists), you’ll need to delete it from the queue before you can print anything newer. Get rid of old print jobs: If that doesn’t solve the problem, look for old print jobs stuck in the queue. Click Resume to get the queue started again. Delete one by clicking on the X at the end of the progress bar below its name. Old jobs stuck in the queue can thwart your attempts to print. Clicking the Resume button in the Print Queue has the same effect as doing so from the Print dialog box. It’s easy to leave a printer paused and forget about it until the next time you go to print. Or, you might hit the pause button yourself if you realize you’re printing the wrong document or you realize you’re going to run out of paper. Resume a paused printer: Your print queue can pause automatically if a print attempt fails, perhaps due to a paper jam.
Click Print & Scan, select your printer in the list, and then click Open Print Queue. Don’t see anything in the Dock? Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
To find out more, click the icon to open the Queue’s window. If a print job has failed, the printer’s Print Queue icon should remain in the Dock, garnished with a badge that indicates trouble. If it doesn’t, check the Print Queue, described next, to get more information. Clicking the Resume button should get things going again. Resume a paused printer: Another common situation is that the printer was previously paused. If your print queue has paused, get it rolling again by clicking Resume.