In this article we'll talk about what "Locked printers" means in SimplyPrint.

What is a "Locked printer"?

If a printer is locked, it means you cannot use it: it can't be interacted with in any way; no commands can be sent to the printer, and almost all communication between the printer and our cloud is cut off.

This will happen if you have more printers than your subscription plan allows.

How does a printer become locked?

A printer becomes locked if you no longer have the required printer slots to use this. This can happen due to a subscription downgrade or printer slot account downgrades.

How can I unlock a printer? And is any data lost?

We lock printers rather than delete them, to give you a chance to unlock it, without losing any printer data or having to set up the printer anew.

To unlock the printer, you need to have an available printer slot. So if you've upgraded your plan or added more printer slots to your plan, you can unlock the printer by clicking the arrow-down button on the printer, and click "Unlock". This will then use up one printer slot, and unlock your printer, once again allowing for it to be used via SimplyPrint.

How long can a printer be locked?

Locked printers may expire after 1-2 months. You will see a little clock icon on the printer, and get an email before expiry. Once a locked printer expires, it will be permanently deleted.

Updated on: 15/08/2025