Printer says it is busy and will not print

[Rockyp1]

When I try to print from my iPhone or iPad,it says the printer is busy and won’t print. It has been like this for 2 days

[Rachel571]

Hi @Rockyp1 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your printer is showing "busy" and will not print from your iPhone or iPad, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue:

1. Check Printer Status

• Restart the Printer: Power cycle your printer by turning it off, waiting for about 30 seconds, and then turning it back on. This can help reset the printer and clear any stuck print jobs or errors.
• Check for any Error Messages: On the printer’s display panel, see if there are any error messages or warnings that need to be addressed, such as paper jams or low ink levels.

2. Clear the Print Queue

• The issue could be caused by a stuck print job in the printer's queue. If you can access the printer's control panel, try to cancel any pending jobs. You can also check and clear the print queue from your iPhone or iPad:
  • Go to Settings > Printers (on iOS).
  • Find your printer in the list, tap on it, and check if any print jobs are stuck. If there are, try canceling them.

3. Restart Your Devices

• Restart your iPhone/iPad: Sometimes, restarting your device can help resolve connection issues with the printer.
• Restart the Printer and Router: Make sure that your printer and router are both properly restarted. Power cycle your router by turning it off, waiting for 30 seconds, and then turning it back on. This can refresh your Wi-Fi connection and fix network-related issues.

4. Check the Printer’s Network Connection

• Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad.
• Print a network configuration page from your printer to confirm its current Wi-Fi status.
• If your printer is connected via Wi-Fi Direct, make sure it is properly configured, and both your phone and printer are on the same network.

5. Check for Pending Software or Firmware Updates

• Make sure that both the HP Smart app (if you’re using it to print) and your printer have the latest updates installed.
• If you have access to the printer's web interface (usually through the IP address), check for any firmware updates and apply them if available.

6. Re-add the Printer in HP Smart (or AirPrint)

• If you're using the HP Smart app to print:
  • Open the HP Smart app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Remove the printer from the app and then re-add it. This can refresh the connection between your device and the printer.
• If you're using AirPrint:
  • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi on your device, forget the current Wi-Fi network, reconnect, and then try printing again.

7. Check Printer’s Busy Status via Web Interface

• If your printer has a web interface, you can check for any pending tasks or issues directly:
  • Open a browser on your computer or device and enter the printer’s IP address (you can find this in the printer's network configuration page).
  • Look for any jobs in the queue and cancel them, or see if there are any issues listed on the status page.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support