How to Unpause Printer On Mac?

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How to Unpause a Printer on Your Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Struggling with a paused printer on your Mac? This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to unpause printer on Mac, ensuring you can quickly resume printing and get back to your work. This is the fastest way to print.

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Understanding Printer Pauses on macOS

Printers sometimes pause for various reasons, from paper jams to software glitches. When a printer is paused, it stops processing print jobs, leaving documents stuck in the print queue. Understanding the common causes of pauses and how to unpause printer on Mac is essential for smooth workflow.

Common Reasons for a Paused Printer

Several factors can cause a printer to pause on a Mac. Here are some common culprits:

Paper Jams: A paper jam is a frequent cause, signaling the printer to halt operation.
Low Ink or Toner: Printers often pause when ink or toner levels are critically low.
Connection Issues: Problems with the USB or network connection can trigger a pause.
Driver Problems: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can lead to printing errors and pauses.
Manual Pausing: Sometimes, the printer is intentionally paused by a user and forgotten.

Step-by-Step Guide: Unpausing Your Printer

Here’s a detailed guide on how to unpause printer on Mac and get your print jobs flowing again:

Access System Preferences: Click the Apple menu, then select System Preferences.
Navigate to Printers & Scanners: In System Preferences, click on Printers & Scanners.
Select Your Printer: In the left sidebar, choose the printer that is currently paused.
Open Print Queue: Click on the “Open Print Queue…” button.
Check for the “Paused” Status: In the print queue window, look for a button labeled “Resume” or “Pause“. If the printer is paused, it will likely say “Resume“.
Resume Printing: Click the “Resume” button. This should unpause the printer and allow pending print jobs to start processing.
Troubleshooting: If clicking “Resume” doesn’t work, try these steps:
- Delete all jobs in the queue and try printing again.
- Restart the printer and your Mac.
- Ensure the printer is properly connected and has sufficient ink/toner.

Using the Dock Icon to Manage Print Jobs

Another way to monitor and unpause printer on Mac is through the printer icon in the Dock:

Locate the Printer Icon: When a print job is active, a printer icon typically appears in the Dock.
Access Print Queue: Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the printer icon.
Resume Printing (if paused): In the context menu, you should see options to “Resume Printing” if the printer is paused. Select this option to resume.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the process of unpausing a printer is generally straightforward, here are some mistakes to avoid:

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Ignoring Error Messages: Pay attention to any error messages displayed on the printer or computer, as they can provide clues about the problem.
Forgetting to Check Connections: Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that your Wi-Fi is working if it’s a wireless printer.
Skipping Basic Troubleshooting: Before diving into complex solutions, try the basic steps of restarting the printer and your Mac.
Neglecting Driver Updates: Keeping your printer drivers updated is crucial for compatibility and performance.

Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

If the basic steps don’t resolve the issue, consider these advanced troubleshooting tips:

Restart the Print Spooler: Open the Terminal application (located in Applications/Utilities) and enter the command sudo launchctl stop org.cups.cupsd then enter your admin password when prompted (you won’t see anything appear as you type). Then type sudo launchctl start org.cups.cupsd. This restarts the printing system.
Reset the Printing System: In System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Ctrl-click) in the empty space in the left sidebar, and select “Reset printing system…“. This will remove all printers, so you’ll need to re-add them. Use this as a last resort.
Check for Software Updates: Make sure your macOS is up to date, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements related to printing.
Consult the Printer Manufacturer’s Website: The manufacturer’s website may offer specific troubleshooting guides or updated drivers for your printer model.

FAQs: Understanding and Resolving Printer Pauses

Why does my printer keep pausing?

Your printer might keep pausing due to several reasons including paper jams, low ink levels, connection problems, or driver issues. Regularly checking these aspects can help prevent recurring pauses.

How do I know if my printer is paused on my Mac?

You can check if your printer is paused by going to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, selecting your printer, and clicking “Open Print Queue“. The status will be displayed there. If the word ‘Paused’ is present, then it is paused.

Can a low ink level cause my printer to pause?

Yes, many printers are designed to pause when ink or toner levels are low to prevent printing with faded or incomplete results. Replace the ink cartridges promptly to avoid this.

What if the “Resume” button is greyed out in the print queue?

If the “Resume” button is greyed out, try deleting all the print jobs in the queue and then restarting both the printer and your Mac. Also, ensure the printer is properly connected and powered on. You might need to reset the printing system.

How do I restart the print spooler on my Mac?

You can restart the print spooler by opening Terminal and using the commands sudo launchctl stop org.cups.cupsd followed by sudo launchctl start org.cups.cupsd. This requires your administrator password.

Will updating my printer drivers help with pausing issues?

Yes, updating your printer drivers can resolve compatibility issues and bugs that might be causing the printer to pause. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers. This is an often overlooked solution.

Is it possible to permanently prevent my printer from pausing?

There is no setting to permanently prevent a printer from pausing, as pausing is often a safety mechanism to prevent damage or poor print quality. However, addressing the root causes of pauses (such as paper jams and low ink) can significantly reduce their frequency.

What does “Reset printing system” do, and when should I use it?

Resetting the printing system removes all printers and related settings. You should use it as a last resort when other troubleshooting steps have failed to resolve persistent printing problems. You will need to re-add all of your printers after doing this.

How do I add a printer back to my Mac after resetting the printing system?

To add a printer back, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, click the “+” button, and follow the prompts to add your printer. Make sure you have the printer drivers installed.

Can network connectivity issues cause a printer to pause?

Yes, unstable or interrupted network connections can cause a printer to pause, especially with wireless printers. Ensure your printer is connected to a stable network and that your Mac is on the same network. Test the network connection.

How can I prevent paper jams, a common cause of printer pauses?

To prevent paper jams, use the correct type of paper for your printer, avoid overfilling the paper tray, and ensure the paper is properly aligned. Regularly clean your printer to remove dust and debris.

Where can I find the latest drivers for my specific printer model?

You can find the latest drivers for your printer model on the manufacturer’s official website. Search for your printer model and navigate to the support or downloads section. Always download drivers from the official source.