Unable to Print from iPhone Since Last Firmware Update: How to Fix It

If you are unable to print from your iPhone since the last firmware update, the problem may be related to printer compatibility, AirPrint communication, network settings, or a change introduced by the printer or iPhone software update. The good news is that most printing problems can be resolved without replacing the printer.

An iPhone normally detects compatible printers through the same Wi-Fi network. After a firmware update, however, the printer may temporarily lose its network connection or stop communicating correctly with your phone. Follow the troubleshooting steps below to identify the cause and restore mobile printing.

Why Did My iPhone Stop Printing After a Firmware Update?

Firmware updates are designed to improve printer performance, security, and compatibility. Occasionally, an update can change network behavior or reset certain printer settings.

Several things can cause printing to stop, including:

• The printer is no longer connected to Wi-Fi.
• Your iPhone and printer are using different networks.
• AirPrint communication is not working correctly.
• The printer firmware did not install properly.
• A router update changed network settings.
• The printer has gone offline.
• The iPhone has cached outdated printer information.
• The printer is not compatible with the current iOS version.
• A printer manufacturer’s mobile app needs to be updated.

Before making complicated changes, start with the simplest troubleshooting steps.

1. Restart Your iPhone and Printer

A basic restart can often resolve temporary communication problems.

Turn off your printer and wait approximately 30 seconds. Turn it back on and allow it to finish its startup process.

Next, restart your iPhone. Once both devices are ready, try printing the same document or photo again.

Restarting clears temporary communication errors and allows the printer and iPhone to establish a fresh connection.

2. Check the Wi-Fi Connection

Your iPhone and wireless printer generally need to be connected to the same local Wi-Fi network when using AirPrint.

On your iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Wi-Fi.
3. Check the name of the connected network.
4. Make sure it is the network you normally use with the printer.

Then check the printer’s network settings. If the printer shows a different Wi-Fi network, reconnect it to your current network.

Be especially careful if your router provides separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Depending on the printer and router configuration, devices connected to separate networks may not be able to discover one another.

3. Check Whether AirPrint Is Available

AirPrint allows compatible iPhones and printers to communicate without installing traditional printer drivers.

To test it, open a photo, webpage, email, or document on your iPhone and select the Share option. Look for Print.

Select Choose Printer and wait a few moments for available printers to appear.

If your printer appears, select it and send a test print.

If the printer does not appear at all, the issue is likely related to network discovery, printer settings, compatibility, or communication between the devices.

4. Make Sure the Printer Is Online

Look at the printer’s control panel or indicator lights. An error message, flashing network icon, paper warning, or offline status can prevent printing.

Check for common problems such as:

• Empty paper tray
• Paper jam
• Low or empty ink or toner
• Open printer door
• Network connection error
• Printer paused or offline
• Hardware error

Resolve any displayed error before attempting another print job.

Read Also: HP Printer Not Printing from iPhone After iOS Update: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

5. Remove Stuck Print Jobs

A print job that became stuck during or after the firmware update may interfere with later jobs.

If you see a print job that remains pending, cancel it and try sending a new document.

For a simple test, print a small photo or one-page document rather than a large file. This helps determine whether the problem is related to the particular document or to the printer connection itself.

6. Restart Your Router

If the printer and iPhone appear to be connected to Wi-Fi but cannot communicate, restart your router.

Disconnect the router from power, wait about 30 seconds, and reconnect it. Give the network a few minutes to become available.

Reconnect your iPhone if necessary and confirm that the printer is also connected.

Then attempt another AirPrint job.

A router restart can resolve local-network discovery problems that appear after firmware or network changes.

7. Update the Printer’s Mobile App

Some printers can be managed through a manufacturer’s mobile application. If you normally use an app instead of AirPrint, make sure the app is updated.

An outdated application may not work properly after an iOS or printer firmware update.

Open the App Store and check for available updates. If an update is available for your printer application, install it and try printing again.

If the application reports that the printer is offline, use its network setup or printer discovery feature to reconnect the device.

8. Check for Another Firmware Update

Sometimes a printer manufacturer releases a follow-up firmware update after identifying compatibility or connectivity problems.

Open the printer’s official settings menu or management application and check whether another firmware version is available.

Do not interrupt the printer while firmware is being installed. Power loss during an update can potentially cause additional problems.

If the printer manufacturer provides firmware release notes, check whether they mention iOS, AirPrint, wireless connectivity, or mobile printing improvements.

9. Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi

If the printer’s wireless connection appears unreliable, reconnect it to your network.

First, remove the existing Wi-Fi configuration from the printer if the printer’s menu provides that option. Then select your wireless network and enter the password again.

After reconnecting, wait until the printer confirms that it is online.

On your iPhone, you can also forget and reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network:

1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the information icon next to the network.
3. Choose Forget This Network.
4. Reconnect using the Wi-Fi password.
5. Test the printer again.

This can help when the iPhone has an outdated or corrupted network configuration.

10. Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone

If other network-based services are also behaving strangely, resetting network settings may help.

Go to:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings

Be aware that this removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, along with certain network configurations. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password before proceeding.

After the reset, reconnect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and test the printer.

11. Try Printing From Another App

The problem may not be the printer itself. A particular application could be experiencing a compatibility problem.

Try printing from another supported application, such as Photos or Safari.

If printing works from one application but not another, the printer and iPhone are probably communicating correctly. In that case, update or troubleshoot the application that is failing.

12. Check Printer Compatibility

Not every printer supports AirPrint.

Older printers may rely on a manufacturer’s application or another printing method. If your printer worked previously but stopped after an update, check the manufacturer’s current compatibility information.

The important question is whether your specific printer model supports the printing method you are trying to use.

A firmware update can also change compatibility behavior, so checking the latest documentation for your exact model is worthwhile.

13. Restore the Printer’s Network Configuration

If nothing else works, you may need to reset the printer’s network settings and configure Wi-Fi again.

This is different from performing a complete factory reset. A network reset generally removes saved wireless information while leaving other printer settings intact.

After resetting the network:

1. Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Confirm that it shows an online status.
3. Connect your iPhone to the same network.
4. Open a printable document.
5. Select Print.
6. Choose the printer.
7. Send a small test job.

Avoid performing a full factory reset unless the printer manufacturer’s instructions specifically recommend it.

What If the Printer Still Does Not Appear on My iPhone?

If the printer remains invisible, concentrate on network discovery rather than print settings.

Check that:

• Both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• The printer is powered on.
• The printer has a valid network connection.
• Your router is working normally.
• Guest Wi-Fi is not isolating devices.
• The printer supports AirPrint or your chosen printing method.
• Any required printer application is current.

If other devices can print successfully but the iPhone cannot, the issue is more likely to involve the iPhone’s network configuration, iOS compatibility, or the printing application.

When Should You Contact the Printer Manufacturer?

Consider contacting the printer manufacturer if the problem started immediately after a firmware update and remains after basic troubleshooting.

Have the following information available:

• Exact printer model
• Current printer firmware version
• iPhone model
• Current iOS version
• Wi-Fi setup
• Error messages displayed by the printer
• Whether the printer appears in the iPhone’s printer list
• Whether other devices can print

This information can help support personnel determine whether the firmware update introduced a known compatibility issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I print from my iPhone after updating my printer firmware?

The firmware update may have changed network settings, affected AirPrint communication, or introduced a compatibility problem. Restarting the printer, checking Wi-Fi, and reconnecting the printer are good first steps.

Why does my printer disappear from AirPrint?

A printer can disappear from AirPrint if it loses its network connection, connects to a different network, or stops advertising its AirPrint service. Restarting the printer and router can restore discovery in many cases.

Do I need a printer app to print from an iPhone?

Not necessarily. Compatible printers can often use Apple’s AirPrint feature without a separate printer application. However, some printer models require or provide their own mobile application.

Should I reset my iPhone to fix printing?

A complete iPhone reset is usually unnecessary. Try restarting the devices, reconnecting Wi-Fi, and resetting network settings before considering more drastic measures.

Can a printer firmware update cause printing problems?

Yes. Although firmware updates are intended to improve printers, changes to networking, security, or compatibility can occasionally affect communication with mobile devices.

Final Thoughts

If you are unable to print from your iPhone since the last firmware update, don’t assume that the printer has failed. Start by restarting the iPhone and printer, checking that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and testing AirPrint with a simple document or photo.

If the printer still cannot be discovered, reconnect it to Wi-Fi, update its mobile application, check for a newer firmware release, and consider resetting the iPhone’s network settings. If the problem began immediately after a firmware update and continues despite these steps, the printer manufacturer’s support documentation may provide model-specific guidance or information about a known compatibility issue.