How to Fix a Printer That’s Printing Blank Pages

Introduction

If your printer is printing out blank pages, it usually means something's off with the ink, settings, or hardware. Whether it’s a Canon, HP, Epson, or another brand, this is a common problem—and one you can often fix in a few simple steps.

1. Check the Ink or Toner Levels

• Open your printer software on your computer.
• Check the ink or toner levels — especially the black cartridge.
• If any cartridge is empty or low, replace it.
• Even a partially clogged cartridge can cause blank prints.

2. Clean the Print Head

If the ink is full but still nothing prints, the print head might be clogged. Use your printer’s built-in cleaning function:

• Go to the printer menu or control panel.
• Look for Maintenance or Tools.
• Run Clean Print Head or Nozzle Check.

You may need to run this 2–3 times if the clog is severe.

3. Check the Paper Settings

If your document settings don’t match the paper type, your printer might think it's printing “nothing.”

• Make sure the paper size in the print dialog matches the paper in the tray.
• Avoid using special media like photo paper unless your document is set for it.

4. Make Sure You're Printing the Right Document

It sounds basic, but double-check that the document you’re printing actually has content. Some PDFs or scanned files may appear blank, especially if there's a display issue in the viewer.

5. Try Printing a Test Page

Use your printer’s control panel or software to print a built-in test page. If that prints fine, the issue may be with the document or software you're using—not the printer.

6. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause strange issues like blank pages. Go to your printer brand’s website, download the latest driver, and reinstall it.

7. Reset the Printer

When in doubt, reset the printer to factory settings. This clears stored configurations and may fix persistent blank printing problems. Be sure to reconnect it to Wi-Fi afterward.

Conclusion

Blank pages are annoying, but they’re usually easy to fix. Most of the time, it’s a clogged print head, empty ink, or software glitch. Go through the steps above, and you should be back to printing normally without needing a repair.