Why is My HP Printer Offline? How to Bring it Online

My HP Printer is Offline

HP printer is well known for its excellent features and stable performance. HP users often encounter the HP Printer Status Offline error. When the printer and connected computer are unable to communicate, users can get the HP printer offline error.

This article covers the major reasons that cause HP printers says offline. We also explore the detailed solution to bring offline HP printers online. Users can carefully follow the troubleshooting checks to fix the HP Offline Printer error.

Why Does My HP Printer Says Offline: [Reasons]

  • Damaged USB Cable
  • Poor Network Connection
  • Power Issues
  • HP Printer Isn’t Set as Default
  • Incompatible or Corrupted Printer Software
  • Paper Jams
  • Ink Cartridges Not Properly Installed
  • Hardware Issues

Fortunately, users can easily fix the “offline Hp printer” issue by following the given solutions.

How Do I Get My HP Printer Back Online?

Users can carefully execute the troubleshooting checks to resolve Why My HP Printer is Offline error with your HP printer.

  • Check Physical Connection: 

Users can examine the physical and network connection between computer and printer in the following manner.

  1. Ensure that both ends of the USB cable are properly inserted in the respective ports.

    Check Physical Connection

  2. Check the USB cable for damage. If the USB cable is damaged, replace it with the new cable.

  3. Try to reconnect or make use of a different port.

  4. Network Printer users, ensure that printers and computers are connected to the same network.

  5. Restart the router.

  6. Restore the network settings of your HP printer.

    Network Settings HP Printer

  7. Try to connect with another network connection.
  • Examine Printer Hardware:
  1. Check if the printer’s ink cartridges are properly installed.

  2. Check the ink level of ink cartridges. Replace or refill ink cartridges if it indicates low ink or no ink.

  3. Clear the paper jam, if any.

  4. Ensure that enough papers are inserted in the paper tray.
  • Set HP printer as Default printer:
  1. Open Settings Application on Windows 10.

  2. Tap on the devices.

  3. Click on Printers & Scanners.

  4. Uncheck the option named ‘Let Windows manage my default printer’.

    Let Windows manage my default printer

  5. Click on your HP printer from the available printers.

  6. If your HP printer is listed multiple times in the list, tap on the HP printer that shows idle or online status.

  7. Click on Manage-> Set as the default option
  • Manually Set HP printer Online:
  1. Open the Control Panel.

  2. Click on the Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.

  3. It will show all the available devices. Right-click on your HP printer and select See what’s printing option.

  4. Under the Printer tab, uncheck the Use Printer offline option.
  • Update the Settings of Printer Spooler Services:

Users can change the Printer Spooler settings if the Printer Spooler not running properly.

  1. Open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type services.msc in the text box and press the ok button.

    Run Dialog Box Windows 10

  3. Locate and Right-click on the Print Spooler from the Services Window.

  4. Click on the Stop button from the screen.

    Stop Printer Spooler Option

  5. Navigate to the path C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all the files present in the Printers Directory.

  6. Open the Printer Spooler Services and tap on the Start button.
  • Update HP Printer Drivers:

It is good practice to regularly update printer driver software. Outdated or incompatible printer drivers might cause multiple printer issues.

  1. Press the Windows key +R to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type devmgmt.msc in the run dialog box to open Device Manager.

    Run Dialog Box Windows 10 and Type Devmgmt.msc

  3. Expand the Printers section.

  4. Right-click on your HP printer and select the update driver option.

    Update HP Printer Driver

  5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

  6. Follow the prompted instructions to update HP printer drivers.
  • Assign Static IP Address:

Wireless printers are often running with connectivity issues. Users can assign a static IP address to have a stable network connection.

  1. Press and hold the power button of your HP printer.

  2. After a few seconds, the configuration page listing the current IP address of your HP printer is printed.

  3. Turn on the connected computer and open the web browser.

  4. Type the current IP address of the HP printer in the URL address bar.

  5. Press enter to open the HP configuration screen.

  6. Go to Networking-> Network Settings.

  7. Click on the TCP/IP tab.

  8. Go to IP Configuration Method-> Manual.

  9. Enter the current IP address of the HP printer in the address box.

  10. Tap on Apply and OK button to save settings.

By referring to this article, Windows users can easily resolve the offline hp printer issue. Mac users can use the steps to troubleshoot the HP Printer Offline Mac. Users can also contact the HP support team for further questions.