Although HP printers are renowned for their dependability and efficiency, customers occasionally run across the annoying “offline” warning when attempting to print. Numerous factors, including improper settings, poor connectivity, or software flaws, might cause this difficulty. Thankfully, you can easily resume printing after resolving the HP printer offline issue by following a few troubleshooting steps.
“HP Printer Offline”: What Does It Mean?
Even when your HP printer is turned on, the “offline” status indicates that it is not linked to your computer, network, or WiFi. The printer is unable to receive or process print jobs from the computer in this state. This can occur for a number of reasons, such as a weak network connection, incorrect settings, or issues with communication between the computer and the printer.
Now that we know what the problem is, let’s examine how to diagnose and resolve the “HP Printer Offline” issue.
1. Confirm The Connection Of The Printer
Checking the printer’s fundamental connection to the computer or network is crucial before moving on to more complicated troubleshooting procedures.
Wired Linking:
- Validate that USB is inflexibly attached to computer and printer.
- The printer and computer might not be able to communicate properly if the cable is broken or loose.
- To rule out faulty port, try utilizing diverse USB port on PC.
Wireless Connection:
- Confirm that printer is still linked to equivalent WiFi network as computer if you’re using a wireless printer.
- The printer may occasionally disconnect from the network.
- Look for the WiFi symbol on the printer’s control panel.
- You might need to relink printer to network if it is flashing or displaying an error.
- Validate that the same WiFi network is linked to your PC as well.
- The printer can show as offline if the networks aren’t compatible.
2. Restart Computer and Printer
Many connectivity glitches can sporadically be fixed with a simple start over. Restart your computer and printer:
- Printer: Switch off the printer, wait ten to fifteen seconds, and then switch it back on. By doing this, the printer’s internal system will be reset, and the connection will be restored.
- Computer: Restarting your computer will also assist fix any connectivity issues or temporary software issues that may be the reason for the offline status.
3. Select “Online” Mode For The Printer
Checking your computer’s printer settings is the next step. Occasionally, the printer could inadvertently be in “Use Printer Offline” mode.
- Here’s how to turn off Windows’ offline mode:
- Click on Start.
- Enter on Control Panel.
- On Devices and Printers, click.
- Choose See what’s printing.
- Click Printer at top of print queue panel, and validate that Printer Offline option is not picked.
For those that utilize Macs:
- Click Printers & Scanners after opening System Preferences.
- From list, pick HP printer.
- Press “Open Print Queue” knob.
- In the event that the status is “Offline,” choose Set as Default Printer by right-clicking on the printer’s icon.
4. Install or Update The Printer Drivers
The printer may seem offline due to outdated or faulty printer drivers. You need update or reinstall the printer drivers to fix this problem.
- To apprise printer drivers, right click Start knob and choose Device Manager to unveil Device Manager.
- Find your HP printer by expanding the “Printers” section.
- To elevate driver, right click on printer and choose Apprise.
- To allow Windows to locate and fix any apprises, choose Search mechanically for efficient driver software.
As an alternative, you may look for your printer model on the HP support website and transfer fresh driver.
Reinstalling Printer Drivers
- Reinstalling printer drivers involves opening Control Panel Devices and Printers section.
- To remove the HP printer, right click on it and choose Remove Device.
- Reinstall the printer after restarting your computer and linking it to network or via USB.
- To transfer and fix fresh drivers, visit HP Support Website.
5. Look for Problems with the Printer Queue
Print jobs may occasionally become trapped in the printer’s queue, making it unable to process fresh ones. To solve this:
- Go to settings for Printers & Scanners.
- You may choose to see what’s printing when you right click on HP printer.
- Cancel or eradicate any print jobs that are entombed.
- Try printing a fresh document once the queue has been cleared to see whether the printer reconnects.
6. Turn Off Antivirus or Windows Firewall
Antivirus software or Windows Firewall may sporadically prevent printer and computer from collaborating. Turn off firewall and antivirus software for while, then see if printer is shown as online.
To Turn Off Windows Firewall:
- Steer to Windows Defender Firewall in Control Panel.
- Choose to activate or deactivate Windows Defender Firewall.
- Select the option to disable the public and private network firewalls.
- Try printing one again. After the test, re-enable the firewall if the printer appears to be online.
- For instructions on temporarily disabling third-party antivirus software, go to the program’s support manual.
7. Clear the Printer Network Configuration
- The offline status might be caused by the network settings if your printer is wirelessly connected. To fix delinquent, you can retune printer network settings.
- Go to Wireless or Network settings on control panel of printer.
- Choose either Reset Network Settings or Restore Network Defaults.
- Re-join printer to WiFi after retuning it, then attempt printing once more.
8. Reset The Printer
A complete printer reset might resolve the offline problem if all else fails. Restoring the printer to its original configuration will do this. To find out how to do a factory reset, consult the handbook that came with your printer.
End Thoughts
Although troubleshooting a “HP Printer Offline” issue might be irritating, most problems can be swiftly fixed with the correct procedures. To begin, validate that the printer is not in offline mode, restart your computer and printer, and check the basic connection. Resetting network settings, deleting the print queue, and updating drivers might all help fix the problem.
