- Open Settings and tap on Apps > Messenger > Storage > Clear cache.
- Go to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Data saver > disable Turn on now toggle.
- Open General management settings > Reset > Reset network settings > Reset settings. Then, check again.
Basic Fixes:
- Enable and disable Airplane mode: Temporary connectivity issues can cause the Messenger app not to work properly. To fix this, enable Airplane mode . This will disable all device radio communications. Turn it off after a while, and try using the Messenger app again to check.
- Check Messenger server status: Issues in the backend can affect the Messenger app functions. To check, go to Downdetector’s server status page and see if any outage reports are visible. If so, wait before using the Messenger app again.
- Disable battery saver: Battery saver restricts app functions to save battery life. This can cause the Messenger app to show a “Waiting for network” error. So, once your device is sufficiently charged, disable the battery saver and check.
- Close and reopen the Messenger app: Open all background apps and close them on your Android phone. Then, reopen only the Messenger app and see if this fixes the issue.
- Check for Messenger app updates: App updates contain important bug fixes and security updates. So, if automatic updates have been disabled, check and install the latest Messenger app updates . Then, reopen the app and try using it again.
Fix 1: Clear Messenger App Cache
Over time, most Android apps build their caches to improve app functions. However, if this cache gets too big or corrupted, it can disrupt app functions instead. So, clear the cache for the Messenger app on your Android phone. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1 : Open Settings and tap on Apps . Tap on Messenger .

Step 2: Tap on Storage . Then, tap on Clear cache .

Fix 2: Turn off Data Saving Mode
Data savers help reduce mobile data usage. While they’re helpful if you’re on a metered connection, they can inadvertently cause the Messenger app to show the “Waiting for network” error by restricting data access. To ensure this does not happen, here’s how to disable the data saver on Android.
Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Connections . Then, tap on Data usage .

Step 2: Tap on Data saver and disable the Turn on now toggle. Then, tap on Apps that can always use data .

Scroll through the list of visible apps and ensure the Messenger app toggle is enabled on your Android phone.
Fix 3: Reset Network Settings
Certain custom network settings can also interfere with the Messenger app, preventing it from working properly. To fix this, reset all network settings on your Android phone . This will remove all custom network settings without affecting other device data. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open Settings and tap on General management. Tap on Reset .

Step 2: Here, tap on Reset network settings . Tap on Reset settings to confirm.

Fix 4: Reinstall the Messenger App
If you still get the “Waiting for network” error when using the Messenger app but are unsure why, uninstall and reinstall it. This will delete all app settings and data and replace them with a fresh copy. Follow the below steps to do it.
Step 1: Long-press the Messenger app and tap on Uninstall . Tap on OK to confirm.

Then, go to the Google Play Store and reinstall Messenger. Finish the setup and try using the app on your Android phone to see if the issue has been fixed.
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- Access the print queue on your computer and manually clear any stuck print jobs that might be causing the issue.
- Ensure you have the latest printer drivers installed. If not, update them or reinstall the drivers to resolve compatibility issues.
- Use your computer’s built-in printer troubleshooter tool to detect and fix common printer problems.
Preliminary Fixes
- Check Printer Connection : You should first try power cycling both your computer and printer. Refreshing the connection between your devices may solve this problem much quicker than you had anticipated.
- Check Pages and Ink : If your printer has run out of pages or ink, you may receive the ‘documents are waiting’ error. You should refill the ink or add more pages to your printer for a smooth operation.
- Check your Printer Status : Ensure your printer’s status is not set to offline. This will make the printer undetectable for your computer. As a result, your PC won’t be able to communicate with the printer.
Fix 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Step 1: Navigate to Settings . Then, open the System and select Troubleshooters .

Step 2: Select Other troubleshooter . Now, Run the printer troubleshooter from the following menu and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the troubleshooter cannot solve your problem, try restarting the Print Spooler service.
Fix 2: Restart the Print Spooler
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open a new Run window.
Step 2: Then, type services.msc and press Enter .

It opens the services menu.
Step 3: Scroll down to Print Spooler .
Step 4: Right-click on the service and select Stop .

The service should no longer be running now.
Step 5: Now, launch File Explorer and go to the following path.
C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers
Step 6: Delete the content of the folder. By doing that, you’ll delete the printing queue.
Note : Don’t delete the folder itself.

Step 7: Restart your computer.
Step 8: Go back to Print Spooler and restart the service.

Step 9: Set the Startup Type to Automatic .

If the steps above are too complicated, complete the same task from the Command Prompt menu.
Step 1: Launch the Command Prompt as admin.
Step 2: Run these commands and press Enter after each one.

net stop spooler
del /Q %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers\*.*
net start spooler
Check if the error is gone. If this doesn’t resolve, check out the next fix.
Fix 3: Reinstall the Printer Drivers
If your print drivers got corrupted, are missing, or are running outdated drivers, you may not print your documents. That’s why you need to update your drivers. Or reinstall them if they get corrupted.
Step 1: Launch the Device Manager . Then, go to Print Queues and expand the list.
Step 2: Select Update driver and check if the problem is gone.

If it persists, select Uninstall device to remove your current print drivers. Restart your computer. Your device will automatically install the latest print drivers.
Check if your printer still says documents are waiting to be printed.
Fix 4: Remove and Add Your Printer
If nothing worked, maybe re-adding your printer to your computer will do the trick. It’s a handy way to fix the printer ‘documents waiting’ error.
Step 1: Head to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners menu.

Step 2: Select your preferred printer.

You can check the printer’s details. You can run the troubleshooter from the same menu too.
Step 3: Click Remove .

Now, go back and select Add device . Once Windows detects your printer, click Add device .

You may need to cancel documents waiting to print and try again.
If the printing error only appears while using Google Chrome , check our dedicated guide to troubleshoot it. Before you rush to the nearest store to print your documents and files, use the tricks above to fix the problem.