Fix a Printer That Will Not Print on a Mac by Clearing the Queue and Resetting the Printing System

Issues

  • My printer says it is "paused" or "in use" on my Mac.
  • How do I clear a stuck print queue in macOS?
  • My Mac will not send jobs to the printer.
  • Is it safe to reset the printing system in macOS?
  • Can I restart the print spooler on a Mac?
  • A printer that used to work is now unresponsive.

Environment

This article applies to anyone using a Mac who is experiencing problems where a printer appears paused, stuck "in use," or unable to print new documents. These issues commonly occur with wired or wireless printers that were previously working but are now unresponsive.

Resolution

Work through the steps in order and try printing after each one.

  1. Check printer status. Go to the Apple menu and select System Settings. Click Printers & Scanners and select your printer from the list. If the status is "Paused," click Resume.
  2. Cancel or clear stuck print jobs. In the same printer window, click Open Print Queue. Right-click (or Control-click) any print job that is stuck or not printing and choose Cancel to remove it. Repeat as needed, then try printing again.
  3. Restart your Mac. For campus printers, the PaperCut client can stop working. Restarting can restore the PaperCut client and clear communication issues between your Mac and the printer. Go to the Apple menu and select Restart.
  4. Power cycle the printer. Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, turn it on again, and wait for it to fully start. This can reset internal hardware states and clear minor problems.
  5. Delete and re-add the printer. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the printer, and click the minus button (-) to remove it. Then open PaperCut Print Deploy to add it back.
  6. Reset the printing system (if necessary). As a last resort, return to Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list, and select Reset printing system. Re-add all of your printers afterward.
Warning: Reset printing system removes all printers and print queues from the Mac. This cannot be undone, and every printer must be added again afterward.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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