Posted by If you’re searching for “Why is my Xerox printer not working?”, put your worries to rest. Printer issues are among the most common tech frustrations, but in this post, we’ll explain the top reasons why your Xerox printer might be malfunctioning and actionable solutions to help you get back to smooth printing fast.
Common Reasons Your Xerox Printer Isn’t Working
When your Xerox printer refuses to print, scan, or respond, the problem typically falls into one of these categories:
1. Connection Problems
Connection problems manifest as:
- USB or network cables are loose or disconnected
- Wi-Fi network is down or unstable
- Printer not connected to the correct network
The solution for this is checking all wireless and wired connections. For network printers, ensure your PC and the printer are on the same network.
2. Outdated or Corrupted Printer Drivers
This happens when:
- Drivers not installed or are outdated
- Recent OS updates may require compatible drivers
The solution is to visit the official Xerox support site and download the latest drivers for your model.
3. Paper and Supply Issues
These issues happen because of:
- Paper jams or incorrect paper type
- Out of paper, low toner, or full waste cartridge
- Improper tray settings
The fix is to clear any jams. Check trays for correct paper type and adequate paper. Confirm toner and waste cartridges are within operating limits.
4. Print Queue or Software Errors
These errors arise due to:
- Pending jobs stuck in the queue
- Applications or print spooler not responding
To troubleshoot, cancel all documents in the print queue and restart your computer. Ensure your printer is set as the default device
5. Hardware and Power Issues
These issues arise because:
- Printer is in Power Saver or Sleep mode
- Loose power cord or switched-off outlet
- Physical hardware faults
Solution: Wake the printer from sleep, ensure the power cable is firmly connected, and check your outlet or power strip
Quick-Fix Table: Troubleshooting at a Glance
| Problem | Quick Solution |
| Printer not responding | Restart printer & PC |
| Connection issues | Reconnect cables or Wi-Fi; check network |
| Paper jams | Remove jam carefully; check paper guides |
| Poor print quality | Replace toner, clean printer, use right paper |
| Printer not detected | Update/reinstall drivers; reconnect |
| Queue stuck/offline | Cancel print jobs, restart spooler |
Fix Xerox Printer Not Working
If your printer isn’t printing, take the following steps:
1. Check Connections
- Ensure all cables are secure.
- Verify Wi-Fi or Ethernet status.
2. Restart Devices
- Power cycle your printer and computer.
- Unplug for 20 seconds before restarting.
3. Update Printer Drivers
- Download the latest driver from the Xerox website.
4. Clear Print Queue
- Go to ‘Devices and Printers’ on your PC.
- Right-click your Xerox, select ‘See what’s printing’, and cancel all documents.
5. Check Paper, Toner, and Cartridges
- Open trays, refill as needed, and fix jams.
- Replace low or empty toner and full waste cartridges.
- Test with Another Device
- Print from a different computer or mobile device to rule out PC-specific issues.
Fix Print Quality Issues with Xerox Printer
Print quality problems with Xerox printer are common. If your output is streaked, smudged, or not desirable, use the following fixes:
- Always select supported paper types.
- Ensure each tray’s paper settings match the actual paper loaded
- Avoid damp, bent, or damaged sheets.
- Print a few blank pages to clean toner from the fuser if you notice smudging
- For spots or lines on prints, run the “Repeating Defects” page to identify faulty parts and replace them as needed.
- Replace any cartridge that produces one-color streaks or faded prints.
- Test printing from the printer’s control panel to isolate issues to hardware or software
- If control-panel prints are fine, check app settings. Ensure the correct driver is installed, use “Standard” or “Enhanced” quality, and set color to “Xerox Automatic Color.”
Advanced Tips for Persistent Xerox Printer Problems
If your Xerox printer is still not printing, try these advanced troubleshooting solutions:
- Network Issues: If the printer is not communicating on the network, check network status and printer’s port access settings in the Embedded Web Server.
- Configuration Errors: Ensure your printer is not set to ‘Use Printer Offline’ mode.
- Firmware Updates: Occasionally, a firmware update from Xerox support resolves bugs not fixed by a driver update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xerox printers usually don’t have a physical reset button. You can reset most models using the control panel under Device > Resets > Reset to Factory Defaults. This will restore the printer to its original settings and erase custom configurations.
2. How do you reboot a Xerox printer?
You can reboot by pressing the Power or Power/Wake button and selecting Restart. Alternatively, log in to the Embedded Web Server and use the Restart Device option. If unresponsive, turn off the main power switch, wait 10 seconds, and power it back on.
3. How to wake up a Xerox printer?
Press the Power/Wake button on the printer control panel to wake it from sleep mode. You can also wake it by sending a print job from your computer or mobile device. If it doesn’t respond, check power and sleep settings in the printer menu.
Concluding Words
You can now fix the underlying cause when your Xerox printer isn’t working. However, if you have tried all troubleshooting steps and your printer still isn’t working, there may be a hardware or internal software issue. Call Xerox printer support to product-specific help from experienced specialists.