Experiencing issues with your iPhone’s Print Center can be frustrating. Many users have reported a problem where, after a print job, the Print Center screen remains stuck, displaying messages like “Print order” or “No docs waiting” even when there are no pending print tasks. This can be more than just an annoyance, as it obscures other apps and functions. If you’re facing this persistent issue on your iPhone, you’re not alone, and thankfully, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it.
One of the first observations from users encountering this problem is that it seems to appear after completing a print job. The expected behavior is for the Print Center to automatically close once printing is finished. However, in these cases, it stubbornly stays on the screen. While the core functionality of your iPhone isn’t necessarily impaired, the stuck Print Center overlay can disrupt your workflow.
A frequently mentioned temporary fix, as highlighted by several users in online discussions, is to reboot your iPhone. Turning your device off and then back on often clears the stuck Print Center screen. While effective in the short term, rebooting is not a permanent solution and can be disruptive if you have to do it every time you print something. Users are understandably looking for a more lasting solution to prevent the Print Center from getting stuck in the first place.
To address this issue more effectively, consider these troubleshooting steps. First, ensure that your printer is functioning correctly and is properly connected to your Wi-Fi network if you are using a wireless printer. A stable connection is crucial for AirPrint to work seamlessly. If the printer itself has connectivity problems, it might cause issues with the Print Center on your iPhone.
Another step is to check for iOS updates. Software glitches can sometimes cause unexpected behavior in apps and system processes. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS, as updates often include bug fixes that could address issues with system features like the Print Center. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates.
Force closing the app you were printing from might also help. Sometimes, the issue might originate from the application that initiated the print job. Close the app completely and then check if the Print Center clears. To force close an app, swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or double-click the Home button on older models) to bring up the app switcher, and then swipe the app card upwards to close it.
If the problem persists, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings. This can resolve underlying connectivity issues that might be affecting AirPrint and the Print Center. To reset network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will reset your Wi-Fi passwords, so you’ll need to re-enter them.
iOS 17.1.1 Print Center Issue
In conclusion, while a reboot is a quick workaround for a stuck Print Center on your iPhone, it’s not a permanent fix. By checking your printer connection, updating iOS, force closing apps, and resetting network settings, you can troubleshoot the problem more thoroughly. If you continue to experience this issue, it might be beneficial to contact Apple Support for further assistance, as it could indicate a more specific software bug that needs attention. Hopefully, these steps will help you regain smooth printing functionality from your iPhone and keep your Print Center working as expected.