HP printers set the standard for delivering highly effective yet basic devices. They are highly advanced and designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing defects. However, customers can see HP printer offline notifications in the notification center on their computer or on the HP printer's screen. However, it is not a big issue to fix. If your HP printer is showing as offline for the first time, it can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to resolve the HP Printer offline issue. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get your HP printer back online.

Why does my HP printer say offline?

There are several reasons why your HP printer says offline:

• There may be loose wires or cables causing the HP printer to go offline.
• Maybe you connect your HP printer to the low bandwidth router which results in a poor network connection and your HP printer shows an offline error.
• Maybe your HP printer and computer didn't connect to the same WiFi network.
• You may have not set your HP printer as default on your computer.
• You may be printing with an offline mode on your computer.
• An outdated printer driver or firmware can sometimes also cause the printer to go offline.
• There may be a paper jam issue on your print spooler.

Why is my HP Printer Offline but connected to WiFi?

If your HP printer is showing as offline even though it's physically connected to the same network as your computer, several factors could be causing this issue. Here are some common reasons why your HP printer is offline but connected to WiFi:

Network Connectivity Issues

• If you connect your printer wirelessly, then check that the network connection is not poor.
• Make sure that there are no disruptions that affect the printer connection.
• If you connect your printer via an Ethernet cable, then make sure the cable is properly plugged in. Also, make sure that the network ports on your printer and router are properly functional.

Printer Configuration Settings

• Changes in printer settings or configurations can cause HP Printer offline. Check the printer's control panel or web interface settings to confirm it is in online mode.
• Also check that your printer is not set to "Use Printer Offline" mode in the printer settings on your computer. Check this in your computer's printer properties or settings.

Printer Drivers and Software

• Outdated or corrupted printer drivers might create connectivity problems and make your HP printer offline. Check that you have the most recent printer drivers installed on your computer.
• You can download the printer driver from the printer manufacturer's website.
• Check that the printer software or management utilities are properly installed and operating. Some printer software may have tools for resolving connectivity issues.

How to Fix HP Printer offline?

Turning your HP printer from offline to online basically involves adjusting settings on your computer and printer to ensure proper connectivity. Here's how you can turn your HP Printer Online:

Method 1: Check the Printer and Network Connection

When your HP printer is offline, the first thing you need do is to check the printer and network connection. To do so, turn off the printer for 25-30 sec and turn it back on. Furthermore, ensure that the wire is securely plugged in and that the router functions properly.

Method 2: Disable the Printer Offline Setting

The second solution is to disable the "Use Printer Offline" option. If this option is enabled in your printer, then you are unable to print. To turn off this Offline Setting, follow the steps below:

• First, open the Settings window by pressing the 'Windows + I' keys and then select Devices.
• Choose the Printers & Scanners tab and then a printer device. Click on this printer device and select Open Queue.
• After that a new window appears, select Printer and deselect Use Printer Offline.

Method 3: Update the HP Printer Driver and Firmware

HP Printer Driver Update

• Visit the HP website and check for the most recent driver for your printer model.
• Then download and install the latest version of your HP printer driver.
• Updating the driver can resolve compatibility issues and increase printer performance.

HP Printer Firmware Update

• Visit the HP website and look for the most recent firmware update for your printer model.
• Then, download and install the latest version of HP printer firmware.
• Updating the firmware can resolve compatibility issues, increase performance, and improve the overall functioning of your printer.

Method 4: Set your printer as the default

• Open the Printers and Scanners settings.
• Then, click the printer device and select Open Queue.
• Click Printer and select Set as Default Printer.

Method 5: Restart Print Spooler Service

• Press the Windows key + R, type "services. msc," and press Enter.
• Scroll down in the Services box until you see "Print Spooler."
• Right-click "Print Spooler" and select "Restart."
• This refreshes the print spooler service, which frequently resolves HP printer offline issues.

Method 6: Reinstall the printer

Reinstalling the printer resolves many printer issues, including the HP Printer Offline error. Follow the steps below to reinstall the printer.

1. Do not connect your HP printer and PC via any medium.
2. Go to Start and then select Programs and Features.
3. Then select the appropriate option to open the Program and Feature window.
4. After that, uninstall the HP printer model from the list of installed apps.
5. Now install the latest printer software from 123.hp.com/setup.
6. Continue following the on-screen instructions to reinstall the printer on your computer.
7. Once you've completed these procedures, the HP Printer offline problem will be resolved.

Method 7: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

The HP Print and Scan Doctor is the most effective tool to fix HP printers offline. Download and install the HP Print and Scan Doctor. Follow the below instructions to fix the offline issue and resolve any connectivity issues.

1. Go to the HP Support website and download the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool.
2. Then open the download folder on your computer and double-click the HP Installer file.
3. The Doctor application is installed on your PC.
4. Open the tool, click Start, and then choose a printer from the list.
5. If you have trouble establishing the connection, click Retry.
6. Finally select the option Fix Printing.

How to Fix HP Printer Offline Error on Mac?

Perform Basic Troubleshooting

• Check all cable connections between your printer and the network router or computer, depending on how you connected to the printer. Make sure no cords have fallen loose and that the printer is turned on.
• Check the printer tray for paper jams. Make sure there is enough paper in the printer tray and that it is correctly oriented. If you get a "Low Ink" message on your printer, replace the empty ink cartridges.
• Click the "Apple" menu and then select "Software Update" to install any available updates.
• Click the "Apple" menu and then choose "Restart" from the drop-down menu.
• In the Dock, click "System Preferences" and choose "Print & Scan." If there's a yellow light next to the printer name, double-click on the printer's name from the Printer list. Select "Resume."
• Open a document that you need to print and press the "Ctrl-P" to print your documents.

Re-Add Printer on MAC

• Select the "Spotlight" icon from the top menu bar, then search for "Printers and Scanners".
• Choose your printer from the list. > Click the "Remove Printer" option > When prompted again, select "Remove printer".
• Click "Add a printer" and then select your printer from the list.
• Finally, click "Add" to finish the process.

Resetting the Printing System

• Click the "Spotlight" symbol in the top menu bar to open "Printers and Scanners".
• Right-click on the white box and choose the "Reset printing system" option.
• Then click "Reset".
• Finally, restart your printer.
• Then, add your printer again (as instructed in the preceding section).

How to Troubleshoot an HP Printer Offline Issue?

• Check Physical Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected between the printer, computer, and power source.
• Update Printer Drivers: Step-by-step guide on updating or reinstalling printer drivers to ensure compatibility with the operating system.
• Verify Network Connectivity: There should be no poor internet connection. Check that the prnter and computer areare connected to the same wifi network.
• Restart Devices: Proper procedure for restarting both the printer and computer to resolve temporary glitches causing the offline status.
• Disable Firewall/Antivirus: Guidance on temporarily disabling the firewall or antivirus software to see if they are blocking the printer's connection.
• Reset Printer: Instructions for performing a reset on the printer to restore it to its default settings and potentially resolve connectivity issues.

Conclusion

All these above methods can assist you in resolving the HP printer offline problem and, as a result, you can begin using your printer. HP printers are less prone to faults; however, sometimes they may show offline. To keep your HP printer functioning well, update it to the most recent drivers. However, it fixes various printer issues, and Hewlett-Packard is constantly releasing new bug-free software updates. If your HP printer is offline or not working, please refer to the HP manual or chat with us. Our printer professionals and support teams are always available to assist you in resolving the offline printer error. Click Here to View Our Customer Reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my HP printer to go back online?

Turn the router back on if you're using a network printer. When connecting a computer to the network name (SSID) of a Wi-Fi network that your printer is connected to, unplug it first and then reconnect it to the same network name.

Why does my HP printer keep saying it’s offline?

Make sure the USB cord is firmly in place if you're connecting using one. Try using an alternative USB cord if your problem still doesn't go away. To connect to your printer via a wireless network, take the following actions: You can restart your printer by unplugging the power cord, turning it off, and waiting for ten seconds.