Whether you run a small business selling homemade jewelry or a major insurance corporation, the printer is an essential component of your office environment. Even if most of your business is done online, there’s always something that needs to be printed– invoices, emails, etc.
Because the ability to print is so integral to pretty much every business, a printer malfunction can really throw a wrench in your day. Plus, even the very best printer models experience issues from time to time– especially if they’re not properly maintained.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common printer issues, and how to address them quickly, so you can get your day back on track as soon as possible.
Paper Jams
There’s nothing worse than hearing that telltale crunch in the middle of a print job, letting you know that somewhere within your printer, a piece of paper has gotten stuck.
When it comes to a paper jam, caution and patience are key. Although you might be frustrated, you should be as careful as possible when pulling out the paper. If you’re too rough, you could potentially damage the delicate rollers and other mechanical parts of your printer, causing further damage.
Your printer should come with a manual that explains how to handle a paper jam. If you don’t have a manual handy, it most likely can be found online by searching your exact printer manufacturer and model number.
To prevent future paper jams, make sure that your machine is calibrated for the correct type of paper you’re using (don’t use regular printer paper if your machine is set to print on cardstock, for example).
It also helps to line up the paper in the tray carefully, making sure that it’s aligned with the tray and not sitting at an angle.
Wi-Fi Printer Connectivity Issues
Having a printer that works on Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient– you can print from anywhere in the office, even your phone.
However, the lack of a hardwired connection between your device and the printer can potentially cause some issues.
If your printer is on and your device has previously connected to it, but the printer won’t connect, there are a couple of actions you can take.
First, make sure that the printer’s firmware is updated. You might need to go on the manufacturer’s website to download updated firmware, but you should be able to easily find it.
Second, try a hard reset of your printer. Simply turning the printer off, waiting a few moments, and turning it back on might resolve the issue and allow you to connect.
If your printer still isn’t connecting properly, you may need to contact the manufacturer for more troubleshooting tips.
Print Issues
If your prints aren’t looking as crisp and clean as they should, there is most likely an issue with your printer.
Prints that come out smudged and smeared may mean that your printer settings are incorrect for the type of media you’re printing on. A glossy cardstock, for instance, requires different settings than regular copy paper.
If the settings are correct, you may simply need to run some maintenance on your printer. Your printer model most likely offers the option for self-cleaning. You can also clean the rollers yourself, but you should be very careful when doing so.
Be sure to unplug your printer before trying to clean the rollers. When you do so, use a clean microfiber or other lint-free cloth.
Your printer manual should specify whether you should use isopropyl alcohol or distilled water to clean the rollers. Just be sure to handle them with care!
Seek expert advice
If you’re not sure what’s causing your print problems, or if you’re dealing with regular, frustrating problems with your current printer, it might be time to seek out an updated model.
Our expert sales team will help you choose a printer model that’s perfect for your business needs, with the option to lease or purchase your equipment outright. We also offer tech support to help you through any future issues that might arise.
If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today!