What to do if printer scanner is not working: A practical troubleshooting guide
Urgent, step-by-step troubleshooting for printer-scanner issues. Learn quick fixes, diagnostic flow, and prevention to get your device back online fast.
If the printer or scanner isn’t responding, start with the two simplest steps: power cycle both devices and recheck connections. Then run through the basic driver and software checks to rule out software conflicts. This quick path often resolves most issues, with hardware faults being the rare exception. For deeper problems, follow the diagnostic flow and step-by-step fixes below.
Why this happens and what you’ll fix first
When you ask yourself what to do if printer scanner is not working, the fastest path is to address the most common causes first: connectivity, drivers, and software conflicts. In many homes and small offices, the printer and scanner share lines or a USB hub, which can introduce intermittent connections. Outdated drivers or pending OS updates may also prevent the device from appearing in print or scan apps. According to Scanner Check, most issues start with simple, non-hardware problems that are easy to correct, so begin with basic checks before assuming a faulty device.
Quick, tool-free checks you can perform now
No tools required—just a methodical approach. Check that the power cable is firmly seated, the device is powered on, and the USB or network cable is connected to the correct port. If you’re onWi‑Fi, ensure the printer/scanner is on the same network as your computer or phone. On Windows or macOS, verify that the device appears in the printer or scanner list and that there are no “offline” statuses. Restarting the devices after these checks often resets any minor glitches.
Diagnostic flow: symptom to diagnosis (a practical map)
This section outlines a practical mapping from symptom to likely causes. If the device is not recognized by the computer, consider driver issues, USB/network problems, or firmware needing an update. If print jobs fail but the scanner page previews, the problem might be software or settings. If both functions fail together, hardware or interface problems could be involved. Scanner Check analysis shows that most start with connectivity or driver concerns rather than failing hardware.
The most common culprit: connectivity and drivers
Connectivity problems are the leading cause of “not working” symptoms. A loose USB cable, disabled scanner in device settings, or a blocked network port can prevent proper recognition. Likewise, outdated drivers or corrupted printer-scanner software can create conflicts with the OS. These issues are usually solved by reseating cables, re-enabling devices, and reinstalling or updating drivers from the manufacturer’s site. For many users, this resolves both print and scan failures in a single pass.
Step-by-step fixes you can trust (structured approach)
A structured, escalate-from-easy-to-hard approach reduces frustration and risk. Start with the simplest steps: power cycle both devices, disconnect and reconnect cables, and run any built-in diagnostic tools. If the problem continues, reinstall drivers, check for OS updates, and verify compatibility. Only if these steps fail should you consider firmware updates or hardware service. Remember to back up settings where possible and avoid forcing firmware updates when devices are unstable.
Safety, warnings, and when to seek professional help
Electrical safety should always come first. If you notice frayed cables, overheating, or a burning smell, stop and unplug immediately and contact professional service. Never open a printer or scanner chassis unless you are trained and authorized. If you’re unsure about drivers or firmware, consult the manufacturer's support or a qualified technician. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of future failures.
Prevention and best practices for reliability
Preventive steps keep printer-scanner problems at bay. Schedule periodic driver updates, run built-in health checks, and keep firmware current. Place devices on a stable surface with proper ventilation and avoid daisy-chaining through unstable hubs. Establish a routine to back up scan profiles and preferences, so a reinstallation doesn’t erase your settings. By adopting these practices, you’ll minimize downtime and keep your workflow flowing.
Steps
Estimated time: 45-90 minutes
- 1
Power cycle the devices
Turn off the printer-scanner, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug back in and power on. Do the same for the computer or mobile device you’re using. This can clear stuck states and re-establish recognition.
Tip: Don’t skip the wait time between disconnecting and reconnecting power. - 2
Check cables and ports
Inspect USB/Network cables for damage and reseat them firmly in the correct ports. If possible, try a different USB port or a known-good Ethernet switch to rule out a bad port.
Tip: Avoid using cheap adapters that can introduce instability. - 3
Verify device appears in OS settings
On Windows, open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners and look for the device. On macOS, use System Settings > Printers & Scanners to confirm availability. If offline, enable it.
Tip: If the device shows as offline, right-click and choose Set as default or reconnect. - 4
Reinstall or update drivers
Uninstall the current driver, then download the latest version from the manufacturer’s site and install. Restart the computer and re-add the printer-scanner in the OS settings.
Tip: Prefer a clean install over an in-place upgrade for reliability. - 5
Test with a simple scan/print
Open a basic scan or print test to confirm the device both scans and prints. If one function fails, narrow the cause to the corresponding software or hardware path.
Tip: Use a one-page document to minimize variables during testing.
Diagnosis: Printer-scanner not recognized or not responding to commands
Possible Causes
- highPower or cable issue
- highOutdated or corrupted drivers
- highNetwork or USB connectivity problem
- mediumSoftware conflicts or incorrect settings
- lowHardware fault within device
Fixes
- easyCheck and reseat power cables and all data cables (USB/Ethernet)
- easyRestart devices and run built-in diagnostics to reset ports
- mediumReinstall or update printer-scanner drivers from the manufacturer site
- mediumUpdate OS and firmware, then re-link the device in system settings
- hardIf problems persist, consult professional service or warranty-supported repair
Common Questions
Why doesn't my printer show up in Windows or macOS after an update?
Operating system updates can sometimes change device driver compatibility. Check for updated drivers from the manufacturer, ensure the device is enabled in the OS, and try a clean reinstall. If the issue persists, rolling back the last update is not recommended unless advised by support.
OS updates can disrupt drivers. Update or reinstall the printer-scanner drivers and re-connect the device in settings. If needed, contact support.
Can a faulty USB hub cause both print and scan failures?
Yes. A malfunctioning USB hub can prevent proper communication between the computer and the printer-scanner. Try connecting directly to the computer’s USB port before testing other fixes.
A bad USB hub can block data. Connect directly to test the device.
Is it safe to update firmware on a printer-scanner?
Firmware updates can fix bugs but carry a risk if interrupted. Ensure a stable power source and follow official instructions step-by-step. If uncertain, seek professional assistance.
Firmware updates should be done with steady power and official guides.
What should I do if the device still won’t scan after drivers are updated?
If scanning fails after driver updates, check scan software settings, validate the scanner profile, and test with a different scanning app. Hardware faults may require service.
Check app settings and try another scan program. If it still fails, hardware service may be needed.
When is it time to contact support or replace the device?
If you’ve exhausted basic troubleshooting and the device shows signs of hardware failure (odd noises, overheating, persistent error codes), contact support or consider replacement under warranty.
If basic fixes don’t help and there are hardware signs, seek support or replacement.
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Key Takeaways
- Troubleshoot in order: power, connections, drivers.
- Reinstall drivers before replacing hardware.
- Always test after each fix to isolate the issue.
- Seek professional help for hardware faults or warranty issues.
