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Printer troubleshooting guide: Fix or upgrade?

Discover the top six signs it's time for an upgrade from a printer coach.

I like to win. And let me guess, you are driven to succeed in your business as well. After spending over 20 years in the printer industry, I understand how difficult it can be when an old printer starts acting up. We have all experienced the frustration of dealing with an older model printer. From the frequent paper jams to smudged toner and slow printing speeds. But don’t worry, I am here to teach you how to spot the warning signs in an outdated printer and coach you on the best time to buy a new printer. With some simple solutions and quick wins, you will be back in the game in no time.

Here’s how we’ll troubleshoot your printeropens in a new tab:

  1. Identify the problem.
  2. Apply quick fixes.
  3. Understand the cause.
  4. Explore upgrade benefits.

Time for a new printer?

Infographic image that shows the signs its time for a new printer

Fixable: No automatic two-sided printing

Sign 1

Try this:

Discover disabled features

Check your printer settings for options to enable automatic duplex or two-sided printing.

Why this happens:

While many printers are equipped with this feature automatically turned on, some models aren’t.

See if this feature is hiding within your printer settings.

Benefits of upgrading:

Save money and become more environmentally friendly by reducing paper consumption by as much as half.

Fixable: Printer can’t connect to Wi-F

Sign 2

Try this:

Check your connection

Make sure your printer and other wireless devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Why this happens:

If you are having problems with your network connection, consider replacing your wireless antenna.

Benefits of upgrading:

Newer printer models come equipped with the latest technology and connectivity right out of the box.

Temporary fix: Slow print speed

Sign 3

Try this:

Shrink big files and images

Consider compressing documents including PDFs, for faster printing and processing speeds.

Check the file menu for options to reduce the file size.

Why this happens:

When your printer starts slowing down, it could be a sign that it lacks processing power.

Benefits of upgrading:

Spend less time waiting for prints and more time with customers.

Upgrade to a printer that runs more efficiently.

Temporary fix: Poor print quality

Sign 4

Try this:

Check your supplies

Make sure you are using genuine supplies that are specifically designed for your printer.

Why this happens:

Bargain-brand supplies use generic toner that can cause streaky, faded prints.

Benefits of upgrading:

Impress your customers with professional quality business documents.

Upgrade immediately: Lacks the latest printer security

Sign 6

Try this:

Protect private paperwork

Make sure software and security updates are being automatically pushed to your printer.

Missed security updates are an urgent matter.

Why this happens:

Relying on a printer without up-to-date security features is risky.

An outdated printer can expose your business to security threats and data breaches, resulting in revenue loss, compliance issues and reputational harm.

Benefits of upgrading:

Invest in printer security that protects what’s important you.

Keep your business documents safe on the printer, over the network and at all points in between with better security.

Upgrade immediately: Big printer doesn’t fit in small space

Sign 5

Try this:

Switch to an all-in-one

Opt for a compact printer that does it all: prints, copies, scans and faxes.

Small office printers have continued to become more compact and more powerful — you need one or a few, based on the size of your business.

Why this happens:

Believe it or not, you can outgrow your office equipment.

With more people working from home and adjusting to remote offices, less space means it’s time for a smaller printer.

Benefits of upgrading:

Aside from saving space, imagine being able to put your all-in-one (almost) anywhere you want.

See for yourself — check out the before and after difference a new, compact printer can make in an auto shop.

How long do printers last?

When considering the life expectancy of your printeropens in a new tab, it's important to understand usage and maintenance. With proper care, most small business printers should last at least four years. Newer Lexmark printers, intentionally engineeredopens in a new tab to last longer, can keep printing for five to seven years, saving you more time and money.

What to do with an old printer?

If a red flag has you ready to replace your old printer, consider recycling it. Like Lexmark, some printer companies offer free printer recycling and disposal programs where you can safely and securely dispose of your old printer.

Jason Turfler

Jason Turfleropens in a new tab has over two decades of experience leading product development teams in the printing industry, making him an expert in his field. With a proactive and multi-faceted approach, he takes advantage of opportunities to drive best in class customer experiences, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving to exceed business goals.

Jason served in various senior leadership positions at several notable companies, where he became an expert in customer empathy, portfolio optimization and innovation. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a Master of Business Administration degree. 

Jason has a passion for coaching and community service, which led him to found and lead a booster club benefitting the local high school softball team while also coaching for the varsity team.

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