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Printers are digital devices with plenty of moving parts. Because of them, it’s normal for printers to make a bit of noise when you use them. While some noises are normal, excessive noise indicates that your printer is experiencing a problem.
It’s normal for printers to beep, whirr, or click when turning on. Besides that, they also whirr, click, squeak, and make other noises while printing. When printers are too loud, you can fix it by resetting the printer, updating its software, removing jams, and reinstalling cartridges. If that doesn’t work, professional repairs are the next option.
In this guide, you’ll discover what noises are normal for printers and which ones suggest there’s a problem. Then, you’ll learn the 5 ways to fix a printer that’s making noises.
What Sounds Do Printers Normally Make?
Firstly, it’s essential to understand that all printers make some noise. However, as long as these noises happen within acceptable levels and at the right moments, you don’t have to worry about your printer having a problem.
Generally, you can expect your printer to make regular noises when you turn it on (during the power-up phase) and while the device is printing a document.
Besides that, your printer will also make noise if it’s self-troubleshooting or self-cleaning as part of its regular maintenance procedures.
Some normal noises you’ll hear during the power-up phase include:
- Beeping
- Motor whirring
- Clicking
When you hear these noises after turning the printer on, that means the device is preparing itself for normal use.
As you’re printing a document, you’ll also hear noises like:
- Motor whirring
- Paper moving noises
- Clicking noises
- Squeaking noises
These noises happen as the printer moves paper from its input tray to the printing area and as the device moves the printer cartridges to where they’re needed.
As long as these noises happen when they should and aren’t too loud, that means your printer is working correctly.
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Read: Why Printer Not Printing In Color? – Troubleshooting Guide
How Do I Know If My Printer Is Bad?
You’ll know your printer is bad when the noises it makes are unusual because they’re either too loud or occur when they shouldn’t.
Some noises that are clear indications of a printer problem include:
- Grinding noises
- Buzzing noises
- Excessive beeping that indicates an error has occurred
When these unusual noises occur, you’ll have to begin troubleshooting your printer. Remember to disconnect the printer from its power source before you examine it closely, as that will reduce the risk of injury to your fingers.
Never forget that your printer has several moving parts that can hurt you. Besides that, some parts are extremely hot to the touch and can burn your fingers if you touch them.
Read: How To Fix Problem “Printer Offline”? – Troubleshooting Guide
How Do You Fix A Noisy Printer?
A printer in excellent working order should never make too much noise. But if yours does, here are 5 quick troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the printer and its noises.
#1 Reset Printer
How it helps: The first step to troubleshooting a noisy printer is to reset the device. A quick and simply reset will allow the printer to go through its power-up phase once more.
In doing so, the printer will likely self-correct any minor issues with its moving parts and eliminate the loud noise it was making earlier.
How to do it: Power cycling is the quickest way to reset your printer. To do that, first, disconnect the printer from the wall socket. Then, leave the printer alone for at least 60 seconds.
During that time, the printer will clear its memory and any errors that might cause it to behave incorrectly. Once the 60 seconds pass, turn the printer back on and allow it to go through its power-up phase.
The power-up phase will help to clear any physical errors, such as problems with the moving parts that might cause loud noises.
Read: 3 Ways How To Fix Printer Paper Jam?
#2 Remove Jams
How it helps: Some loud printer noises like grinding and squeaking are caused by jams. The most common example is a paper jam, where a paper gets stuck between the printer’s rollers or other moving parts.
However, paper isn’t the only thing that can cause printer jams. Foreign objects can also find their way into the printer’s inner workings, causing jams that lead to loud noises.
As such, you can fix printer noises by removing the jam that’s causing them in the first place.
How to do it: To remove a noisy printer jam, you’ll have to access the printer’s inside compartments. For safety reasons, always disconnect the printer from its power source before you do this.
At the same time, pay attention to warning labels on the printer to protect your fingers from burns.
When you’re ready, open the printer’s doors and remove its paper trays (if it has any). Doing that allows you to inspect the printer for objects that are causing jams.
Gently remove the object causing the jam from inside the printer to eliminate the noises it causes.
Read: Why HP Printer Not Communicating With Computer?
#3 Update Drivers and Software
How it helps: Your printer relies on software to function correctly. Software like drivers and print management programs ensure that the printer receives clear instructions from your computer to print your documents.
Unfortunately, outdated software can cause your printer to exhibit erratic behaviors, including making loud and unusual noises.
How to do it: To update your printer’s software, visit the manufacturer’s website. Printer manufacturer websites list compatible software based on the printer’s model number.
Find your printer model number and download the appropriate software updates.
#4 Reinstall Cartridges
How it helps: The printer’s ink cartridges are some of the only removable parts. If those parts are misaligned or wrongly installed, they can also be the source of printer noises.
By removing and reinstalling printer ink cartridges, you can ensure that they’re correctly aligned and noiseless.
How to do it: With the printer turned off, open the window that conceals the ink cartridges. Then, gently remove each cartridge by pressing the tabs keeping them locked in place.
While the cartridges are out, check that there are no foreign objects inside that might be causing loud printer noises. Then, push the ink cartridges back into place until you hear a loud click.
#5 Get Professional Help
Let’s suppose #1 to #4 failed to fix the printer’s noises. In that case, the noises likely come from a part of the printer that only a qualified technician can troubleshoot and fix.
In that case, you’ll want to contact your printer manufacturer and have them fix the printer for you.
Depending on the terms of your printer warranty, you might get the repairs or a replacement printer free of charge.
Read: How To Connect Brother Printer To Wifi?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few more questions and answers to help you fix your noisy printer:
How Do I Stop My Printer From Making Noise?
The best way to stop your printer from making noise is to place it on a level surface. Printers can sound much louder than usual when placed on uneven surfaces. Besides that, remove any papers or foreign objects that might be stuck inside the printer.
Why Is My Printer Making Loud Noises?
Printers will make loud noises if foreign objects or papers are jammed inside the unit. Besides that, misaligned cartridges or worn-out gears can also cause the same problem to happen.
Why Is My Printer Whistling?
A printer will make whistling noises when the quiet print mode is enabled. The whistling sound results from the printer motor operating at a lower speed.
Why Does My Printer Sound Like A Machine Gun?
Printers will make machine gun-like noises when debris or foreign objects are stuck inside the unit, typically around its moving parts. The repetitive noise happens because the printer tries to move its components but fails because of the jam.
How Do You Update Printer Drivers?
Printer drivers are typically updated automatically. However, you can also update them manually by downloading the latest version through the manufacturer’s website.
