If paper comes out but no ink or toner appears, these two control tests will tell you whether the problem is inside the printer or on the computer.
Use the control panel to print a nozzle check, supplies report, configuration page, or quality report. The name varies by model.
If this is blank: focus on ink, toner, cartridge installation, print-head flow, or printer hardware.
Print our black-and-white test from a browser or PDF viewer. Check the preview, selected pages, paper size, and output mode.
If only this is blank: focus on the source document, application, driver, or print settings.
| Test result | Likely area | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in report is completely blank | Printer or consumable | Check cartridge seating, required shipping seals, supply status, and the model's maintenance guide. |
| Nozzle check has some colors but misses others | Specific ink channel | Check that cartridge, then run one normal head cleaning and re-test. |
| Built-in report is clean; one document is blank | Document or application | Check print preview, hidden/white content, page range, and try a simple PDF from another app. |
| Built-in report is clean; every computer job is blank | Driver or print settings | Remove the print queue, install the current manufacturer driver, and add the printer again. |
| Blank sheets occur between printed sheets | Document, duplex, or paper feed | Inspect blank pages in preview, disable separator sheets, verify size/duplex, and reload dry flat paper. |
The ink-level estimate can be wrong, a cartridge vent or protective seal can still be blocked, the cartridge may not be seated correctly, or dried ink may be blocking the print-head nozzles. Print the printer's built-in nozzle check to separate ink-delivery problems from computer or driver problems.
A clean built-in test means the print engine can place ink or toner on paper. The likely cause then moves to the application, document, page range, driver, or print settings. Try a simple PDF from another application and install the current manufacturer driver if the issue persists.
Yes. Check that every shipping seal and protective tape specified by the manufacturer was removed, the cartridge is in the correct slot, and it clicked fully into place. Do not remove labels or seals that the installation guide says to leave attached.
Intermittent blank sheets are more often caused by an extra blank page in the document, an incorrect paper-size or duplex setting, separator pages, or multiple sheets feeding together. Check the print preview and fan the paper before changing cartridges.
No. Run one normal cleaning and print another nozzle check. If the pattern improves, one additional cycle may help. Stop if two cycles show no improvement because repeated cleaning uses substantial ink and may not fix a failed cartridge or print head.