Why your printer is offline and how to fix it

Why your printer is offline and how to fix it

If you’ve ever said “Why is my printer offline?” you understand how frustrating it can be when your printer stops responding or fails to work at all. Don’t worry, printer issues are easier to resolve than you would think.

Why Is Printer Offline?

When your printer goes offline, a notification will usually appear on your computer, or it will simply stop working.

The issue is usually related to your printer’s Wi-Fi or connection to your computer. Various issues may also arise, such as your PC and printer not connecting, or an improper setup causing your device to seem offline.

Printer Offline? Here’s How to Troubleshoot and Resolve the Problem

Check Your Printer, Cables and Connections

When technology fails, always look at the basics first. Is your printer on, and do you have paper in the input tray? There’s sufficient ink or toner? Is the control panel displaying any error messages or blinking lights?

Make sure that your printer is powered on and that all wires are securely attached. If you’re connected by cable, test it in all of your device’s ports and try a different one to ensure that the cable isn’t the issue. If you’re using Wi-Fi, connect a cable between your printer and computer to test if it’s working. Or the problem could be with your network connection.

Verify Your Internet Connection

Check that your internet connection is active and that your printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Your printer’s built-in menu will show you which network it is linked to, or you may refer to your printer’s manual for further information on adding a Wi-Fi network.

If your connection is functional but your printer is still offline, try the following actions on your computer if you are using Windows 10 or 11.

Restart both your printer and your PC

For 30 seconds, turn off your computer and printer. Then restart them both and test the printer connection. This will sometimes resolve the issue.

Set The Printer To Default

This ensures that your computer uses the correct printer for print and scan jobs. Here’s how it’s done:

  • Choose Start, then Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
  • Select your printer, then select the option Open queue.
  • Select Set As Default Printer, then unchecked Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline if they are checked.
  • If a notification appears that reads, “Setting this printer as default means Windows will stop managing your default printer,” click OK.

Clear All Pending Print Jobs

To clear the print queue, follow the given steps:

  • Click on the start button,then go to the Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
  • Select your printer, then click Open queue.
  • Select any of the papers listed under Document Name, then Document > Cancel.

Run Printer Troubleshooter.

  • Click on the Start button, then click Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
  • Select your printer, then click Manage.
  • Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions to see if Windows can detect any problems.

Disable Use Printer Offline Status

Your printer will not work if it is set to Use Printer Offline mode.

To disable first go to Start menu > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Then select your printer and press the Open Queue button. Make sure that Use Printer Offline is not checked under Printer.

Uninstall / Reinstall The Printer

Remove your printer from the computer, then go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners. Select Remove device after selecting the printer to be removed.

Plug your printer back into your computer and turn it on to reinstall it. For wireless printers (or if your printer does not appear automatically), click Add a Printer or Scanner and then pick your printer. You can do this manually by selecting The printer I want isn’t shown here and adding it manually.

Reinstall Printer Driver

Reinstalling printer driver may appear hard, but it is actually simple:

  • Navigate to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners to begin. Click on the option Print server properties under Related Settings.
  • Select your printer’s driver under Drivers and click Remove > Remove driver and driver package > OK.
  • Return to the Printer Server Properties window and click Drivers then click Add. To reinstall your printer driver, you can use the Add Printer Driver Wizard.
Hope this guide will help you in get back your printer online from the offline state. Or you can contact our technician to assist you.

Also Read: Fix Your Printer Printing Blank Pages