Printer prints blank pages
If paper comes out blank or almost blank, start with one simple test: see whether a page printed by the printer itself is blank too.
1. Check the printer
- Look for an ink, toner, cartridge, printhead, or other warning.
- Make sure the ink or toner is installed correctly and not obviously empty.
- Use clean, dry paper while testing.
2. Print a test page from the printer itself
Use the printer's screen or buttons to print a status, configuration, print-quality, or test page if your model offers one.
If that page is blank too: the problem is in the printer. Check the ink or toner, then use the normal cleaning or maintenance steps for your exact model.
If that page looks normal: the printer can put an image on paper. Move on to the computer.
3. Try another program
On Windows, print a short page from Notepad or Paint. On a Mac, try TextEdit or Preview.
If that page prints normally, the original program or document is probably the problem.
4. Check the print preview and printer choice
Make sure the correct printer is selected and the preview actually shows what you expect to print. If only one program fails, use the one-program-won't-print guide.
5. If every computer program prints blank pages
Check the printer setup on the computer. On a Mac, AirPrint is usually the simplest choice when the printer supports it. On Windows, use the correct printer model or the manufacturer's official driver. Avoid third-party driver-updater sites.
Related problems
Black or color is missing · Lines or streaks on the page