One of the most frustrating issues that can arise when using a printer is when it begins printing blank pages. Not only is this a waste of paper and ink, but it can also bring productivity to a halt. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and get back to printing quality documents in no time.

Check Ink or Toner Cartridges

The first step is to check the ink or toner cartridges. If they are low or out of ink/toner, this will cause the printer to print blank pages. Make sure to replace any empty cartridges and perform a test print.

Clean Printer Heads

If the ink or toner cartridges are not the issue, the next step is to clean the printheads. Over time, ink or toner residue can build up in the printer heads, which can cause them to clog and prevent ink from flowing properly. Most printers have a cleaning function in their software that can be accessed through the printer settings.

Check Print Settings

Sometimes, the issue may not be with the printer itself, but rather with the print settings. Ensure that the correct printer is selected if there are multiple printers connected, and that the paper size and orientation are set correctly. Additionally, make sure that the “print in grayscale” or “black and white” option is not selected if you are trying to print a color document.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can also cause blank pages to print. Check to see if there are any updates available for the printer driver or try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver to see if this resolves the issue.

Try a Different Computer or Device

If none of the above steps work, try printing from a different computer or device to see if the issue is specific to one machine. If the printer works correctly from another device, there may be an issue with the original computer or its software.