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.
- Brother App Cannot Find Your Device: Causes and FixesThe Brother app cannot find your device when your phone and printer are on different Wi-Fi bands or local network discovery is blocked. Fix this by...
- Google Cloud Print Has Shut Down: Migration and AlternativesGoogle Cloud Print was permanently discontinued on December 31, 2020, and no longer routes any print jobs. You must migrate your devices to native...
- Epson App Printer Is Not Found: Causes and FixesThe Epson app cannot find your printer due to local network permission blocks, active VPNs, or band steering on your router. Verify your mobile device...
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.