Why Is My Receipt Printer Not Printing?

If your receipt printer is not printing, the issue is usually related to power, paper installation, connection, drivers, or software configuration. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to identify and resolve the problem.

1. Check the Power

First, confirm the printer is receiving power.

• Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into both the printer and the wall outlet.

• Verify the power switch (usually located at the back of the printer) is turned ON.

• Check that the power indicator light is illuminated.

If there is no power light:

• Try a different wall outlet.

• Test with another compatible power adapter if available.

• If using a fused plug, check whether the fuse has blown.

2. Check the Paper Installation

Thermal receipt printers only print on the coated side of thermal paper.

• Open the printer lid and confirm the paper roll is installed correctly.

• The paper should feed from the bottom of the roll (not over the top).

• Close the lid firmly until it clicks.

To confirm the correct print side:

• Scratch the paper with your fingernail.

• If it turns black, that is the correct print side.

• If nothing appears, flip the roll and try again.

3. Check the Connection Type

USB Printer

If you are using a USB connection:

• Try a different USB port on the computer.

• Try a different USB cable.

• Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers to confirm the printer is listed.

If the printer does not appear, the driver may not be installed correctly.

Network (Ethernet) Printer

If your printer is connected to your network:

• Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and the router.

• Confirm the router is powered on and functioning.

• Print a self-test page to verify the printer has an IP address.

To print a self-test page:

1. Turn the printer off.

2. Hold the FEED button.

3. Turn the printer on while holding the button.

4. Release the button after it begins printing.

If no IP address prints, there may be a network configuration issue.

Bluetooth Printer

• Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.

• Confirm the printer is paired properly.

• Try disconnecting and reconnecting the device.

4. Check the Printer Driver

If the printer is powered on and connected but still not printing:

• Verify the correct driver is installed.

• If using an ESC/POS printer, ensure the appropriate driver is configured.

• Reinstall the driver if necessary.

If using a web-based POS system, note that browsers do not directly support raw receipt printing. A local print service or print server may be required.

5. Test Outside the POS System

To determine whether the issue is software-related:

• Open Notepad.

• Press Ctrl + P.

• Select your receipt printer.

• Print a test page.

If it prints successfully, the issue is likely within the POS system configuration.

If it does not print, the problem is likely related to drivers or connectivity.

6. Check Printer Status in Windows

In Windows:

• Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

• Right-click the receipt printer.

• Select “See what’s printing.”

Check for the following:

• Printer showing as “Offline”

• “Use Printer Offline” enabled

• Stuck print jobs in the queue

If there are pending jobs, cancel them and try printing again.

Final Troubleshooting Checklist

Before contacting support, confirm:

• The printer powers on.

• The paper is installed correctly.

• The connection (USB, Network, or Bluetooth) is secure.

• The printer appears in your system.

• A self-test page prints successfully.

If the printer still does not print after completing these steps, please contact support to book a paid support session and provide:

• Printer model

• Connection type

• Whether the self-test prints

• Any error lights or messages