HP printer offline is a common printer error that almost every HP user has experienced at least once. Somehow, the problem always seems to arise when you want to print a document urgently. But don’t worry; the issue does not indicate anything serious with your printer.
Your HP printer goes offline due to weak cable connections between the device and your PC, a poor internet connection, or a faulty printer driver. So, checking for these causes and making the necessary changes will help you eliminate them and resume printing.
If you’ve been searching for an effective HP printer offline fix to resolve the issue, the article is for you. Keep reading to know the best ways to get rid of this error.
Why Is the HP Printer Offline?
An HP printer offline in Mac or Windows does not receive new print commands. Here are some of the most common reasons behind your printer being offline. If you are wondering why is my HP printer offline, the following causes may be behind it.
1. Weak internet connection
2. The cable connections between your printer and your system are loose.
3. Your HP printer driver is outdated. Alternatively, the printer driver may be incompatible.
4. Your computer and printer do not share a single Wi-Fi connection.
5. Your HP ink cartridges are empty.
6. You haven’t set your HP printer as the default device.
How to Fix HP Printer Offline?
Here are some tried and tested measures to fix an offline HP printer.
1. Check the connection between your network and printer
You must have a good connection between your printer and network. Power off the HP printer for 30 seconds. After that, turn it on. Check for loose cable connections. If the connections are loose, your HP printer cannot take print jobs.
If this is the case, you may be surprised by how just tightening the cables can help. Also, see whether the Ethernet cable and router are properly fitted.
2. Update HP printer
If your printer driver is obsolete, you will face problems with printing. So, a great HP printer offline fix is to update the obsolete driver. Before doing that, check whether your current drivers are compatible with your HP printer model.
Go to the official website of HP, input your printer model, and find out the compatible drivers. If the driver is compatible, update it through the device manager.
● Hit the Windows key and X.
● Now, find the ‘Print queues’ option.
● Alternatively, look for the Printer category.
● Double-tap the section to expand it.
● Now, choose your printer and right-tap it.
● From the menu, get to the ‘Update driver’ option.
● After that, tap ‘Search automatically for drivers.’
● Let Windows search for updates.
● When the updates are installed, start your computer again.
3. Restart print spooler
The print spooler keeps print jobs in its memory. But when it stops working, you will find your HP printer offline. To bring it online, restart the service.
● Open the Services application.
● Find the ‘Print Spooler’ service in the Local Services section.
● Right-click it and choose ‘Restart.’
● Now, check whether your HP printer is back online.
4. Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor
HP has created a troubleshooting application, HP Print and Scan Doctor. This application helps you troubleshoot HP printer offline and other related problems. Use it as follows:
● Download the application from the official HP portal.
● Open the downloaded file and tap ‘Start.’
● Select your printer.
● Follow the prompts on the application.
● Keep following the prompts and tap ‘Yes’ if it asks to make your HP printer the default device.
5. Use the TCP/IP port
Do you find your HP printer offline but connected to Wi-Fi? You can fix it by using a TCP/IP port.
● A produce a Configuration Page. It will help you see the Ipv4 address of your printer.
● To get this address fast, press the ‘Wireless’ symbol on the panel of your printing device.
● Now, in the ‘Control Panel, ’ tap ‘Devices and Printers.’
● Right-tap your HP printer and then click ‘Properties.’
● Choose ‘Ports’ followed by ‘Add Port.’
● Now, choose ‘Standard TCP/IP port.’
● Choose ‘New Port’ and follow what the wizard says.
● Now, type in the correct IP address of your printer.
6. Disable Power Management
If your printer has power management settings that turn off the printer after a specific interval, disable it. It can also be a reason for your printer going offline.
Auto-off is turned on by default. To disable it, navigate to ‘Set up’ on the printer’s screen. Head to ‘Power Management’ followed by the ‘Sleep Mode.’ Now, turn off the auto-off.
7.nbsp;nbsp; Check the ink cartridgenbsp;
If you have used the fixes above but are still asking why is my HP printer offline, check the cartridges. We often forget to pay attention to how much ink the cartridges have. Sometimes, they may seem fuller but are not exactly so.
Moreover, if your printer is used by a couple of people, the cartridges will get empty fast. Sign into your HP account and examine the ink cartridge levels. Your HP account has a record of the important printer metrics, such as the ink levels. Alternatively, examine the ink status on your HP printing device.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my HP printer not printing with full ink?
If your HP printer has good ink levels but is still not printing, check the connection between your printer and the system. Also, find out whether the printer is set as default. You can check whether you have the latest printer drivers compatible with your model.
2. How can I fix HP printer problems?
Fix common HP printer problems by ensuring that your printer and computer are on the same network. Check whether there are any stuck print jobs in the queue. Also, examine the printer for visible signs of damage.
3. How can I reset my HP printer?
Turn on your printer and unplug the power cord from the device. Take out the cord’s other end also. After 60 seconds, connect the power cord to your HP printer and the power socket. The printer will automatically reset and turn on.
4. Why has my HP printer suddenly stopped printing?
If the cables linking your HP printer and computer become loose, the printer won’t function. So, check the ink levels and update the driver. Also, see whether both the printer and computer share the same wireless network.
Concluding Words
Now, you don’t need to look anywhere for the solution to the HP printer offline issue. The ones mentioned above are all you need to change the offline status to online. If you have any other query related to this issue, connect with HP printer support professionals.