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Asked: 2024-09-27T00:26:27+05:30 In:

What are the simple methods to check the status of the print queue in Ubuntu?

I could really use some help with my printer situation. So, here’s the deal: I’m on Ubuntu, and my printer is acting all sorts of wonky lately. I’ve tried printing a bunch of things, but nothing seems to come out, and I can’t even tell if the print jobs are stuck or if the printer is just playing hard to get.

I’ve heard there are some simple methods to check the status of the print queue, but honestly, I could use a bit of a rundown on how to do that. Like, is there a command I can run in the terminal, or do I need to navigate through some menus? I’m relatively new to Ubuntu, and the whole print management part is kind of frustrating!

And speaking of frustration, I’ve also had some mishaps trying to cancel jobs before, which usually ends up with me feeling like I’m part of some tech horror movie. Do I need to go through some convoluted steps to see what’s in the queue, or is there a quick button I can press?

I’m guessing I can probably find this info in the settings somewhere—or maybe there’s a tool I can install that makes it easier. I’ve heard it’s possible to access the print queue directly from the Desktop Environment, but I’m not sure how intuitive that is for a beginner. Do I just need to open the Printers section? And then what?

If anyone has some quick tips or a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow, that would be amazing! I really want to avoid pulling my hair out over this. Printers should just work, right? Anyway, I would appreciate any advice or pointers you can share to help me figure out if the jobs are stuck or if there’s just a communication breakdown happening here. Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers


    1. To check the status of your print queue on Ubuntu, you can utilize the terminal. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and run the command lpstat -p -d. This will list the printers configured on your system along with their statuses. If you want to see the current print jobs in the queue, you can use lpstat -o, which will display all pending print jobs along with details such as the job ID and the printer it’s assigned to. Alternatively, you can also manage your printers through the GUI. Navigate to the “Settings” application, then find “Printers” in the sidebar, where you should see an overview of your printer(s), their statuses, and any pending jobs. You can click on a printer to view the detailed queue and manage jobs more intuitively.

      If you find that there are jobs you want to cancel, you can do this both in the terminal and the GUI. In the terminal, simply use the command cancel to cancel a specific print job, where job_id is the identifier shown from the lpstat -o command. In the GUI, after selecting the printer in the “Printers” settings, you can click on the jobs listed in the queue, and there will typically be an option to cancel them directly. This should help you manage your print jobs without the added frustration of complicated steps. Remember to ensure that your printer is turned on, connected, and properly configured in Ubuntu, as these are fundamental prerequisites for troubleshooting print-related issues.




    2. Printer Troubleshooting on Ubuntu

      Printer Troubleshooting on Ubuntu

      Sounds like you’re having a tough time with your printer! No worries, let’s break it down. Here are a few easy steps to check your print queue and hopefully get things rolling (or printing) again.

      Checking Print Queue via Terminal

      If you’re comfy with the terminal (or want to give it a shot), you can use the following command:

      lpstat -p -d

      This command will show you the status of the printer(s) and the default printer – if you have set one.

      Graphical Approach: Using Settings

      If you want to go through the menus, here’s how you do it:

      1. Open the Settings from the main menu.
      2. Click on Printers.
      3. Here you should see your printer listed. Click on it.
      4. From there, you can manage the printer, see print jobs, and cancel anything that’s stuck.

      Canceling Print Jobs

      If you find that some jobs are stuck, just right-click on the job in the list and select Cancel. Easy peasy!

      Using CUPS Web Interface

      There’s also a web interface you can use that’s kind of handy:

      1. Open your web browser.
      2. Type http://localhost:631 in the address bar and hit Enter.
      3. This is the CUPS interface. You can see all printers, jobs, and more!

      Install Printer Management Tool

      If you want something more user-friendly, there’s a tool called Simple Scan you can install that helps with printing. Use this command in the terminal to install it:

      sudo apt install simple-scan

      Final Thoughts

      Printers can be frustrating, but with these tips, you should be able to get back on track without too much stress. Remember, you’re not alone in this battle against technology!


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