Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To clear a stuck Ubuntu print job, first cancel it in the Printers app. If that fails, use CUPS status commands to identify the exact job and destination, then cancel only that job. Restore a stopped or non-accepting queue only after addressing the underlying printer or connection problem; use CUPS logs if the error continues.

Cancel the stuck job in Ubuntu’s Printers app

  1. Open Activities, search for Printers, and open the app.
  2. Open the printer’s job-count dialog and cancel the job that is stuck. Use the same dialog to pause or release a job when that is what you need.
  3. If the software cancellation does not work, Ubuntu’s help suggests trying the printer’s own cancel control. Removing paper is described only as a last resort to stop a large job; do not pull paper forcefully or risk damaging the printer. See Ubuntu’s instructions for canceling, pausing, or releasing a print job.

Check the CUPS queue before changing it

Open a terminal and inspect the queue and printer state before removing jobs or changing settings:

lpstat -t
lpstat -o

lpstat -t requests the full status set, while lpstat -o lists queued jobs. For a shorter view of printer status and the default destination, run:

lpstat -p -d

Note the destination name, job ID, status text, and whether CUPS is running. The output can help distinguish a single stuck job from a destination that is stopped or refusing new jobs. The CUPS lpstat manual documents these status options.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

Cancel only the identified job

Use the job ID from lpstat to target one job:

cancel JOB_ID

Replace JOB_ID with the actual ID shown in the queue; for example, do not type the placeholder text literally. The CUPS command reference documents cancellation by job ID in its command-line printing and options guide.

When clearing every job is intentional

Clearing an entire destination is more disruptive than canceling one job. CUPS documents cupsdisable -c DESTINATION as canceling all jobs on that destination and disabling it. Use it only when you intend to remove every queued job and stop that destination; do not use it as the first response to one failed print. See the CUPS destination enable and disable manual.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Restore a stopped or non-accepting destination

Use lpstat -t or inspect one destination with these commands to check its state:

lpstat -p DESTINATION
lpstat -a DESTINATION

Replace DESTINATION with the printer or class name reported by CUPS. Enabling a destination and allowing it to accept new jobs are separate controls, so check which state is actually reported.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
  • If the destination is stopped and the underlying issue has been resolved, run cupsenable DESTINATION to start it.
  • If it is not accepting jobs, run cupsaccept DESTINATION to allow new submissions.

The CUPS enable/disable documentation and CUPS acceptance-control manual describe these as distinct destination controls. Neither command repairs a disconnected cable, an offline or jammed printer, missing supplies, or a driver/backend fault. Correct the reported device or connection problem before restoring the queue, or it may immediately fail again.

Use CUPS logs if the error persists

CUPS logs record scheduler, driver, and backend activity. If ordinary log detail does not explain the problem, temporarily enable debug logging:

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
sudo cupsctl --debug-logging

Reproduce the failure and inspect the CUPS error log on the system. After collecting the relevant details, return logging to normal:

sudo cupsctl --no-debug-logging

Do not leave debug logging enabled after diagnosis. The CUPS command-line printer administration guide documents logging and these controls.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to include when asking for further help

If the queue commands and logs do not reveal the cause, gather the exact Ubuntu release, printer make and model, USB or network connection type, complete error message, relevant lpstat -t output, and pertinent log excerpt. Those details are necessary for model- and connection-specific driver or backend troubleshooting. A single restart command or driver fix cannot be assumed to apply across Ubuntu releases and printer setups.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.