Printer showing as paused in System Settings on your Mac
Your printer is paused in your Mac's queue. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners, click your printer, and click Resume. Print jobs will start going through immediately.
Your Mac keeps a print queue — a list of printers it knows about. Sometimes this queue pauses without you doing anything, which stops all printing even though the printer itself is fine. Resuming the printer in System Settings gets everything moving again.
Risk: Low
⏱ 2–5 minutes
Beginner
⚡ Before you start
- ✓Check that your printer is turned on and has power
- ✓Make sure your printer has paper or ink loaded
- ✓Check System Settings to confirm the printer shows paused status
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Restarting the Mac when really you just need to click Resume in System Settings
- Removing the printer when you just needed to resume it
- Assuming the printer is broken when it's actually paused in the Mac's queue
Signs you need professional help
- You've resumed the printer and it's still showing paused. The printer won't reconnect after you remove and re-add it. You've cleared all failed jobs and printing still doesn't work.
Book a technician
We can fix most issues remotely in 15 minutes. Book your weekend slot and we handle the rest.
Was this guide helpful?
Can't fix it yourself?
Most issues are resolved remotely in 15 minutes. Weekend appointments only, no parts, no in-home visit needed.
