This error can be due to many reasons, like an outdated printer driver, incorrect settings, a stuck printing queue, and so on. But they can also be as basic as your printer is in Sleep mode. To check it, use any button or its Power button to make sure it’s properly turned on. For many printer-related errors, HP also has its official troubleshoot app. But, you can also try other solutions from your end, like creating a manual IP connection, restarting the Spooler service, fixing the printer driver, and so on.
How to Fix Printer is Offline on HP?
Before we begin with the solutions below, let’s check a few basic factors. First, ensure your printer is not in Sleep mode. Use any button or its Power button to make sure it’s properly turned on. Another quick fix you can try is to power cycle your printer. Turn the printer off and then unplug all the power cords. Wait for around thirty seconds. Then, connect your printer and turn it back on. If you’re still having issues with your printer, here are some effective solutions to apply:
Check Issues With Your Network
Since the printer error message is mostly tied to issues with the network, you can start by fixing it. Firstly, check if your printer is properly connected. If you’re using a LAN cable, check if the cable is damaged and not working properly. If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, check its strength and see if it’s turning on and off randomly. You may need to restart your router if there are problems with your Wi-Fi connection. If there are other factors hindering the connection, like heavy downloads, pause or cancel them as well.
Troubleshoot PC to Printer USB Connection
First, it’s also worth checking if your printer is properly connected to your PC. Here are the steps you can follow:
Use HP Print and Scan Doctor
HP is regularly collecting information about errors with its printer. So, whenever you have this issue, you can use the official and free HP Print and Scan Doctor tool on Windows. This diagnostic tool primarily helps you fix many common errors, like the printer being offline, connectivity issues, corrupted drivers, and a stuck printer queue.
Turn Off Use Printer Offline Mode
It’s also important to check if your printer is in offline mode. If yes, it’s one of the reasons why you’re getting the printer offline error. Here’s how you can turn this mode off:
Change Default Printer
If you’ve not set your current printer as default, another printer might be connected to your network. When this happens, your current print shows as offline. So, you can check and set your active printer as the default one. If you can’t find this option, there’s a chance you’ve selected the Let Windows manage my default printer setting. You can turn it off by following these steps:
Remove Printer Queue
Having a stuck printer queue can also lead to connectivity issues with your printer. So, another solution you can try is to erase the printer queue.
Restart Print Spooler Service
After clearing the printer queue, we also recommend restarting the print spooler service. This service helps to manage the printer queue. Sometimes, the Print Spooler can stop working properly and create issues with the printer and the network.
Start Function Discovery Services
Lastly, an extra solution to fix network issues with your printer is to check the network-related services. In the services app, it’s best to have the Function Discovery services running together. This step especially works if your printer has a WSD port on your printer.
Create a Manual IP Connection
If you’re having issues with the printer going offline, creating a manual IP connection is helpful. First, you’ll need to print a network configuration result page from your printer. This works even when it says that it’s offline. Then, you can use that information to create an IP connection and connect your printer to the same network wirelessly.
Create a Local Port for Printer
After creating a manual IP connection, you can also create a new local port for your printer. Doing so will allow Windows to connect to the printer with a new address.
Update Printer Driver
You can also try fixing issues with your printer connection by refreshing the printer driver. You can update the printer driver. If you want to reinstall the driver, click on Uninstall Device and then restart your Windows. Windows will automatically install the best suitable driver when you open your PC. Or, you can visit the manufacturer’s website and install the latest printer driver.
