HP Printer Offline Fix: How To Get Your Printer Back Online

How To Get Your Offline HP Printer Back Online

If you've just changed your HP toner or ink cartridge and your printer has unexpectedly gone offline, there's no need to panic. There are several ways to get your offline HP printer back in the game. 

Follow the steps below!

Check the Printer Connection

• Check that your printer is connected correctly to your computer or wireless network.
• If it's a USB connection, make sure the cable is securely plugged into the printer and computer.
• Verify that the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network if it's wireless.

Restart Your Devices

Restart your printer, computer, and router. Sometimes a simple restart can fix connectivity issues.

• Turn off your printer and unplug it. 
• Restart your computer and router. 
• Turn on your printer and try printing again.

HP Printer Is Offline Fix [5 Solutions 2024]

Set the Printer as Default

• Open your computer’s "Control Panel.”
• Go to "Devices and Printers."
• Right-click on your HP printer and select "Set as Default Printer."
• This guarantees that your computer recognizes the printer as the default device.

Check Printer Status

• Open your computer’s "Control Panel.”
• Go to "Devices and Printers."
• Right-click on your HP printer and select "See what's printing."
• Check for any print jobs stuck or pending in the print queue window. If yes, cancel them.

Restart the Print Spooler Service

• Press the Windows key + R, type "services.msc," and hit Enter.
• In the Services window, scroll down and find "Print Spooler."
• Right-click on "Print Spooler" and select "Restart."
• This will refresh the print spooler service, which can often resolve offline issues.

HP Smart Desktop App

If your printer is offline, use the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP Smart app to resolve issues. 

Here’s how:

• Open the HP Smart app on your Windows or Mac. Download it if needed.
• For Windows, click the wrench icon in the bottom left. For Mac, select the printer dropdown in the top menu.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to fix the printer.

Update Printer Driver

• Visit the HP website and search for the latest driver for your printer model.
• Download and install the latest version of your printer driver.
• Updating the driver can fix compatibility issues and improve printer performance.

Updating Printer Firmware

• Visit the HP website and search for the latest firmware version for your printer model.
• Download the latest firmware version for your printer and install.
• Updating the firmware can address compatibility issues, improve performance, and enhance the overall functionality of your printer.

Disable Use Printer Offline

• Open your computer’s "Control Panel.”
• Go to "Devices and Printers."
• Right-click on your HP printer and uncheck "Use Printer Offline" if it's enabled.
• Turning off this option should bring the printer back online.

Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

• Turn off your firewall and antivirus software to check if they block the printer's connection.
• If the printer comes online after disabling the security software, adjust the settings to allow printer communication.

Clear the Print Queue

• Open the Printers & Scanners window in Windows.
• Click on your printer and then click on the Manage button.
• Click on the Open Queue button.
• Select all the print jobs in the queue and then click the Delete button.

Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor

• Access the HP website to download the HP Print and Scan Doctor, and then launch it on your computer.
• The HP Print and Scan Doctor will scan your printer for problems and will try to fix them automatically.

How To Fix HP Printer Offline Error (Windows/Mac)

Note: Though it might initially seem like a simple problem, the issue of HP printers frequently showing as offline continues to persist. Some users believe this connectivity issue often requires complex troubleshooting methods that provide only temporary solutions. This ongoing problem not only affects productivity but also impacts the overall perception of the brand, leading some to consider alternatives.

A Final Word on Fixing Your Offline HP Printer

If none of these steps resolve the offline issue, you may need to consult HP printer support for further assistance in getting your HP printer to print.

Remember, refer to your printer's manual for specific troubleshooting steps related to your printer model.

Rob Errera

Rob Errera is an award-winning journalist embedded in the world of printers and printing supplies. Rob has nearly two decades of experience writing about cutting edge technology, business trends, and the ever-evolving industry of printing.