How to fix an HP printer that’s offline

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart the printer and computer. A simple reboot can reconnect them.
• Check the Wi-Fi connection. Make sure your HP printer is on the same network as your computer.
• Set it as default. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and confirm it’s your default printer.
• Clear the print queue. Stuck jobs can keep a printer showing as offline.

You're ready to print an important document, but your HP® printer has other plans—it’s showing as “offline,” and nothing is coming out. Frustrating, right? Whether it's a dropped Wi-Fi connection, outdated drivers, or a stubborn print queue, there are a few simple ways to get your printer communicating with your computer again.

Asurion Experts help people resolve common device issues like this every day. Whether you need assistance connecting a wireless printer to Wi-Fi or troubleshooting your home network, we're here for you. Here is exactly why your HP printer won't connect and how to get it back online quickly.

Why does my HP printer show as offline?

When your HP printer goes dark on your computer screen, these are the usual suspects:

• Connectivity issues: If your computer and printer aren't on the exact same Wi-Fi network, or if a USB/Ethernet cable is loose, they can't communicate.
• Printer settings: Your computer's settings might have accidentally been switched to "Use Printer Offline" mode.
• Driver or Firmware issues: Drivers act as the translator between your computer and your printer. If they are outdated or corrupted, the communication breaks down.
• Print spooler problems: The spooler is the digital manager that lines up your print jobs. If a file gets corrupted while spooling, it can block all future jobs and force the printer offline.

How to troubleshoot an HP printer that's offline

Try these troubleshooting strategies to get your HP printer back online and printing smoothly.

1. Restart all your devices

A simple reboot clears temporary glitches and forces your devices to reconnect. Turn off your HP printer, restart your computer, and if you are printing wirelessly, restart your Wi-Fi router as well. Once everything powers back up, try printing your document again.

2. Check printer and network connections

If a restart didn't work, verify that your hardware is actually talking to your network.

• Wi-Fi connections: Look at the wireless icon/light on your HP printer's display. If it's solid blue or green, it's connected. A blinking or dark light means it has lost the Wi-Fi connection. Try moving the printer closer to your router to improve the signal strength.
• USB connections: Unplug the USB cable from both the printer and the computer. Check the cable for obvious damage and plug it back in securely. If your computer has multiple USB ports, try plugging it into a different one.
• Ethernet connections: If your printer is hardwired to your router, unplug the Ethernet cable and check for bent connectors. Plug it securely into a different port on the back of your router.

3. Change the printer's status to online

Your printer might be perfectly fine, but your computer thinks it's offline. Here is how to force it back online:

For Windows users:

1. Click the Start button and go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices (or Devices in Windows 10) > Printers & scanners.
2. Click on your HP printer, then select Open print queue.
3. In the new window, click the Printer tab in the top left corner.
4. Look for Use Printer Offline in the drop-down menu. If there is a checkmark next to it, click it to uncheck it. Your printer should immediately come back online.

For Mac users:

1. Open the Apple menu and click System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs).
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Click your HP printer from the list.
4. If the printer is paused, click the Resume button. If you see a yellow light next to the name, resuming the print queue should change it back to a green "online" status.

4. Clear and restart the print spooler

If a file is stuck in the digital pipeline, restarting the print spooler app will clear the traffic jam.

For Windows users:

1. Click the Start button, type Services, and hit Enter to open the Services app.
2. Scroll down the long alphabetical list until you find Print Spooler.
3. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.

For Mac users:

1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
2. Hold the Control key and click anywhere in the blank space of the printers list (or right-click the printer).
3. Choose Reset Printing System. Note: This deletes all your connected printers, so you will need to add your HP printer back to your Mac afterward.

5. Update or reinstall printer drivers

If you've tried all the above and the printer still says offline, your software might be the issue.

• Update the firmware: Firmware is the software installed directly on your printer. Use the HP Smart app on your computer or phone to check for and install any pending printer updates.
• Reinstall the drivers: Drivers live on your computer. Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page, type in your printer model, and download the newest drivers. Sometimes, completely removing the old printer from your computer and installing it fresh with the new drivers is the best way to permanently fix an offline error.

FAQ

Why does my HP printer keep going offline?

If your printer keeps flipping to offline, it’s usually a weak Wi-Fi signal, a network drop, or a driver issue. Even small network interruptions can make your computer lose communication with the printer.

Why is my printer connected to Wi-Fi but still offline?

Your printer may be connected to Wi-Fi—but not the same network as your computer. Double-check that both devices are on the exact same network name (SSID).

When should I reinstall my HP printer?

If restarting, reconnecting, and clearing the print queue don’t work, removing the printer completely and setting it up again can resolve deeper software conflicts.