Likely fix
Fix: Mac print queue is stuck
A stuck Mac print queue usually clears after canceling jobs, resuming the queue, or re-adding the printer.
Quick answer
Cancel all jobs, resume the queue if paused, restart the printer and Mac, then remove and re-add the printer if the same job keeps returning.
Important warning
If one document keeps jamming the queue, export it as a PDF or try printing one page at a time.
Try this
- 1 Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
- 2 Open the printer queue.
- 3 Cancel all waiting jobs.
- 4 Resume the queue if it is paused.
- 5 Restart the printer and Mac.
- 6 Remove and re-add the printer if the same job keeps returning.
- 7 Try printing a simple text document first.
Common causes
A paused queue.
A damaged document.
The printer went offline mid-job.
The Mac has an old printer entry.
The printer is waiting for paper, ink, toner, or jam clearance.
What to check next
- Check whether the queue says paused.
- Check whether a simple document prints.
- Check whether the same file gets stuck every time.
- Check the printer screen for errors.