What if you are not able to copy but can print? Did you know printer not copying usually happens to those with much older printer models?
Multi-function printers should easily copy any type of document as long as its paper size is supported, but what if it suddenly stops doing this specific function?
Printers are known to malfunction unexpectedly. One day you can copy without any trouble. Next, you’re asking yourself how you can fix your printer that’s not copying.
The good news is we have identified the most common cause of this printer error and came up with a fix that you can do yourself so you can start copying documents again.
How do you Fix your Printer not Copying
Follow the advanced troubleshooting steps below.
Hard Reset
To get started, do another hard reset of your printer if you’ve done it already. You can start by removing the power cable from your printer for at least two minutes before you turn it back on.
While waiting open your ink cartridge access door and check if you can move your printhead. You’re going to have to do this with your bare hands, so the printer must be turned off for your safety.
- If it’s on the right move it to the left side of your printer.
- If it’s on the left move it to the right side of your printer.
- When it’s on the middle part, move it to the right side.
Reconnect the power cable to turn the printer on.
Make sure you plug it in directly to a wall outlet. This allows your printer to get the maximum power it needs to function properly. Check if the printer can copy or not.
Empty Ink Cartridges
Poor quality copies from your printer are often caused by having low ink levels in your printhead. If you’re using your printer often, then regularly checking your ink levels if they are enough is advisable to prevent other printer issues like being unable to print in black or color. Replacing almost empty ink cartridges may solve your copy problems.
Insufficient Power
This may not be that obvious compared to other causes, but the power that your printer is getting can greatly affect your printer’s performance. It can also cause paper jams to occur more often if it’s not receiving enough power from its source.
One of the clearest signs that your printer is not getting enough power is when it is slower than usual when it comes to printing or copying your documents.
Debris On Scanner
Another good reason why your printer is not copying properly is when something is blocking your printer’s scanner. This can also cause your printouts from your scanner glass or the document feeder to have vertical lines, so clean your printer glass.
Semi-full reset
Doing a semi-full reset will restore your printer’s factory settings. It’s going to be like you have a brand new printer since you need to set everything up again including your saved printer settings and wireless connection between your printer and your WiFi router.
Different printers have different ways on how to initiate a semi-full reset.
You may also refer to the support page of your printer’s manufacturer to check if the information you need is available.
If you ever find a solution from the fixes above please let us know in the comment.
Hey! I tried copying on my new Canon printer. It’s not working either. Should I just return it to the store?
If the printer is not copying, you should move it to another room and try connecting it to another power source. We recommend the one in your kitchen. Usually, printers stop copying because of a lack of power. For this reason, you must connect your printer to a wall outlet and not use any extension cord.
If this still does not work, make sure you have your original receipt with you so you can still return your printer if it’s still within the warranty period.
This worked great! Thanks!
Hi. my HP ENVY 7155 prints just fine but isnt copying properly. one side of page is blk the other side of same page in grey. i have done the re-set, have changed both cartridges and see the scan light move down the page. Prints fine but not so w copies.