Easy fixes for HP printer offline error

The HP printer offline error is the most common error faced by HP printer owners. The error occurs when your computer and printer can't communicate correctly. There can be various reasons for this communication breakdown. However, it is not so difficult to fix the printer offline error and get your printer back online. 

 

In this blog, we have first stated the reasons causing your printer to go into offline mode. Then, we explained the solutions that you could readily implement by yourself. 

 

Why is your HP printer offline?

 

If you are wondering why is my HP printer offline, then here is the list of primary reasons for the error:

  • Loose connection of the printer from the power outlet
  • Connection error between the printer and the PC
  • The printer is set for offline use
  • Outdated or faulty printer driver
  • Low ink level or paper jam
  • Error with print spooler

Now, you know all the possible reasons that can cause HP printer offline error. Let’s move on to the fixes to resolve the error.

 

Prompt fixes to get your HP printer back online

Try these solutions to fix the HP printer offline error:

Verify HP printer connection

  • First, check and re-fix the HP printer connection from the power source. 
  • Then, check the connection between the computer and your HP printer.
  • If the printer connection is through wifi, then ensure that the printer is using the same network as the PC.

 

Reboot the devices

  • First, power off the computer and the printer.
  • Now, wait for 10 to 15 seconds.
  • After that, restart both machines and try printing something to check if the printer is back online or not.
  • If the printer is still offline, try other solutions.

 

Make your HP printer as default printer

  • Open the Control Panel on your PC from the Start menu search.
  • Then, click on the “View devices and printers” option, which is under “Hardware and sound” settings.
  • From the list of devices, go to the printer list and right-tap on your HP printer for options.
  • Now, click “Set as default printer” from the options and use your HP printer as the default printer.

 

Uncheck the printer offline use setting

  • Open Control Panel on your PC through the Start Search or Run app.
  • Then, open the printer list by clicking “View devices and printers,” located under “Hardware and sound” settings.
  • From the printers list, right-tap on your HP printer and click the “See what’s printing” option.
  • Now, tap the “Printer” tab for the menu in the opened window.
  • Lastly, review the option “Use Printer Offline.” If there is a checkmark on the option, then uncheck it and exit the setting.

 

Update the HP printer driver

  • You can install the driver through the HP Smart App.
  • If you don’t have the HP Smart App, you can download it from the HP support website. 
  • However, if you want to install the driver manually, then first download the latest driver from the HP support app. 
  • Then, open “Device Manager” by inputting “devmgmt.msc” in the Run app. 
  • You can find the Run app by right-clicking on the Start icon.
  • Now, expand the “Print queue” option in the device manager to see the printer list.
  • Right-tap on your HP printer to see options.
  • Select “Search automatically for drivers” after hitting the “Update driver” option.
  • After the computer finds the driver, follow the instructions to complete the installation process.

 

Restart the print spooler

  • Open the service list by inputting “services.msc” in the Run app.
  • In the list, find “Print spooler” and right-tap on it for options.
  • Now, select “Restart” from the options to restart the print spooler service.
  • Restarting will also clear the print queue. 
  • Also, ensure that the print spooler startup type is automatic. 
  • To review the startup type, select “Properties” from the options.

 

Conclusion

Now, you can easily fix the HP printer offline error using the solutions from this blog. If the solutions don’t help you get your printer back online, then your printer might be using a WSD port. In that case, you need to add a new TCP/IP port. Also, give access to your printer through the computer’s firewall and anti-virus software. 

Additional to these tips, we would recommend installing the HP Print and Scan Doctor App on your PC to troubleshoot such errors.

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