Fix Printer Offline Issues, Easy Troubleshooting Guide

Why Is My Printer Offline?

Few things are more frustrating than hitting "Print" and seeing your printer show up as "Offline." This common issue can occur due to a variety of reasons—connectivity errors, outdated drivers, or system conflicts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top causes and step-by-step solutions to bring your printer back online.

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

Start by making sure your printer is physically connected and powered on. If you’re using a USB connection, ensure the cable is securely plugged in. For wireless printers, confirm that the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

Make sure the printer power light is on and not blinking.
Check for any paper jams or error messages on the printer screen.
If connected via USB, try using a different port.

Step 2: Restart Devices

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve offline printer issues. Restart your printer, computer, and router. This refreshes the network and resets any stalled print services.

Turn off the printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
Restart your computer while the printer is off.
Power everything back on and try printing again.

Step 3: Set Your Printer as Default

If multiple printers are installed on your device, your system may try to send print jobs to the wrong one. Make sure the correct printer is set as the default.

Windows: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and select your printer. Click “Manage” then “Set as default.”
Mac: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and select your preferred device from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job may prevent new ones from being processed, which can cause the offline status. Clearing the queue can reset the print spooler.

Open your printer settings and locate the print queue.
Cancel all pending jobs.
Turn off and restart the printer to refresh the system.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your printer to go offline. Visit the manufacturer’s website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.) and download the latest drivers for your model.

Uninstall the current printer driver.
Restart your computer.
Install the updated driver and reconnect the printer.

Step 6: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Most operating systems offer built-in troubleshooters that automatically detect and fix common printer problems.

Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Printer.
Mac: Remove the printer from Printers & Scanners and add it again after reboot.

Common Causes of an Offline Printer

Loose or faulty cables (for USB printers).
Printer connected to a different Wi-Fi network than your PC.
System set to "Use Printer Offline" mode.
Spooler service crash or conflict with antivirus software.

Still Offline? Try Removing and Re-adding Your Printer

If none of the above steps work, removing and reinstalling the printer is often the fastest solution:

Delete the printer from your system.
Restart your computer.
Reconnect the printer via USB or Wi-Fi and re-add it in system settings.

Need Help Fixing Your Offline Printer?

If your printer is still offline after following these steps, FixmyInk can help. We offer expert troubleshooting, remote support, and on-site repairs to get your printer back online—fast.