Printer Help Guide • United States + Canada
Scanner not working? Confirm whether printing and scanning fail together.
If printing works but scanning does not, the problem is often scanner software, permissions, discovery or scan destination settings rather than the printer's basic network connection.
Direct answer
Problem
If printing works but scanning does not, the problem is often scanner software, permissions, discovery or scan destination settings rather than the printer's basic network connection.
Most common causes
- Scanner software or full-feature driver is missing
- Firewall, local-network or privacy permissions block discovery
- Printer and computer are on different networks
- Scan-to-folder or scan-to-email settings are outdated
Quick fix
- Try a scan from the printer's official app or OS scanning tool
- Confirm the printer is reachable and awake
- Check local-network and scanner permissions on the computer
- Install the manufacturer's official scan software if required
Advanced fix
- For scan-to-email or network folders, verify destination settings without sharing passwords in support chat
Printer Wi-Fi: 3 Safe Checks
A short original walkthrough for same-network, guest-network and printer-address checks.
Likely causes
What commonly causes this?
- Scanner software or full-feature driver is missing
- Firewall, local-network or privacy permissions block discovery
- Printer and computer are on different networks
- Scan-to-folder or scan-to-email settings are outdated
Safe troubleshooting
What to try, in order
- Try a scan from the printer's official app or OS scanning tool
- Confirm the printer is reachable and awake
- Check local-network and scanner permissions on the computer
- Install the manufacturer's official scan software if required
- For scan-to-email or network folders, verify destination settings without sharing passwords in support chat
Before changing advanced settings
Keep the printer model, operating-system version and exact error message available. Do not share passwords, payment-card details, router-admin credentials or remote-access codes in support chat. Avoid firmware downgrades, router factory resets and hardware disassembly unless the printer manufacturer's instructions for your exact model specifically require them.
Windows users can also use Microsoft's current printer troubleshooting guidance. macOS, iPhone/iPad and Android users should use the operating system's built-in printer/scanner controls plus the manufacturer's official app or support documentation where the model requires it.
Related help
Continue troubleshooting
Related technical routes
Model-specific guides
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