Is your HP printer offline? Discover easy, step-by-step solutions to get your HP printer online fast. Troubleshoot connection, driver, or status issues with clear instructions.
Is your HP printer showing offline? Try these clear steps to get it back online easily:
Check connections: Ensure your printer is securely connected via USB or properly joined to your wireless network. Look for a solid wireless light (not blinking) or a securely plugged-in cable.
Restart devices: Power off your printer, computer, and router. Unplug the printer briefly, then reconnect and turn everything back on.
Set as Default Printer: Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers, right-click your HP printer, and select "Set as Default Printer."
Clear Print Jobs: Open the print queue from Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, select "See what's printing," and cancel all pending jobs.
Verify Printer Status: Make sure your printer is not set to “Use Printer Offline” in the printer menu.
Common causes: Connection issues (USB/Wi-Fi), outdated or corrupt drivers, print queue errors, or "Use Printer Offline" setting enabled.
Check printer power and cables: Make sure the printer is ON and cables are secure.
Check wireless connection: If using Wi-Fi, confirm the printer is connected to the right network. Restart router and printer if needed.
Restart your printer and computer: Power off the printer and computer, then restart both.
Set as default printer: In Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Select your HP printer and click "Set as default."
Clear print queue: Open your printer queue and cancel all print jobs. Restart the print spooler (type "services" in Windows search, find "Print Spooler," restart it).
Disable "Use Printer Offline": In the print queue window, uncheck "Use Printer Offline."
Update or reinstall drivers: Go to Device Manager > Printers > Update or uninstall and reinstall using the HP website.
Advanced tips: Assign a static IP address, disable SNMP status, or run the HP Print and Scan Doctor for automatic troubleshooting.
Pro tip: Regularly update drivers and keep your printer software current to minimize future offline errors.
Use HP Smart App for Diagnosis
The HP Smart App can automatically detect and fix printer offline problems. Download it from HP’s official site.
Manually Reset HP Printer Settings
Hold the Wireless and Cancel buttons simultaneously to reset the printer. Reconnect it to your Wi-Fi network afterward.
Update HP Drivers via HP Support Website
Visit HP Customer Support – Software and Driver Downloads, enter your model number, and install the latest updates.