AirPrint: Unable to Communicate With Printer
What it means
The iPhone or iPad found the printer but the connection dropped part way through. This usually follows a weak Wi-Fi signal, the printer going to sleep, or the printer's IP address changing since it was added. Reconnecting both to the same network and reserving the printer's IP address on the router settles it.
Guides that cover this kind of fault
A guide written for Unable to Communicate itself is still being checked against the manufacturer's documentation. These cover the same underlying problem and are filed under mobile printing.
- Printer Not Printing From Android: Causes and FixesEnsure your Android device and printer are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network and disconnect any active VPN. If the printer still cannot be...
- iPhone Not Printing: AirPrint Troubleshooting and FixesTo fix an iPhone that is not printing, ensure both your iPhone and printer are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network and turn off any active VPN...
Common questions
What does the Unable to Communicate error mean on a printer?
The iPhone or iPad found the printer but the connection dropped part way through. This usually follows a weak Wi-Fi signal, the printer going to sleep, or the printer's IP address changing since it was added. Reconnecting both to the same network and reserving the printer's IP address on the router settles it.
Is the Unable to Communicate error serious?
Not usually. Codes at this level normally clear once the condition they describe is dealt with, and a printer that carries on working afterwards has nothing further wrong with it.
Different code or problem?
Switch off and unplug a printer before reaching inside it. If a fault involves the power supply or internal electronics, or the machine is under warranty, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician. Full disclaimer. Brand and code names are trademarks of their owners; PrinterFixUp is independent and unaffiliated.