Why Does My HP Printer Say Offline? [Top 5 Solutions]

One of the most common issues is, "Why does my HP printer say offline." In this post, we have described the main causes of this problem as well as the top 5 solutions.

When your HP printer cannot communicate with your computer, its status may be considered offline. To bring it back online from offline on your Windows or Mac, you'll need to troubleshoot the main cause behind the problem. Usually, HP printer offline error is caused by jammed paper, connection or wire issues, outdated firmware, etc. You can apply the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool to resolve the offline status error on the HP Envy or HP wireless printer. Also, you can reset your printer, reinstall it, or set it as the default printer.

To know more about this error, its major causes, and its solutions, you can scroll down.

Why Does My HP Printer Keep Going Offline?

There are several reasons for this, but the most common is a network problem.

When the HP printer repeatedly shows an offline error, you have some wireless connection problems. HP printer wireless errors can arise for a number of reasons. This problem becomes all the more infuriating when you have to print your most important files. This offline printer issue can occur with wired or wireless HP printers.

You can either take the help of HP printer technicians or follow our troubleshooting steps below to resolve the offline issue properly.

Top 5 Solutions To Fix HP Printer Offline Issue

These solutions will address many issues. If the issue is fixed, don't feel you have to go through all the steps. However, it's best to do them in this order, as the easiest solutions are listed first and require the least effort and technical knowledge.

Solution 1: Restart Your HP Printer And Computer

Shut down your HP printer and computer for 30 seconds. After that, turn them both on again and test your printer connection. Sometimes it will resolve the glitch.

Solution 2: Set The Printer As Default

You should show the default printer preference manually. Follow the below steps to fix this problem for Windows 10. Before we begin, ensure you've downloaded and installed all Windows 10 updates.

1. Go to the search bar or ask Cortana to open the Devices tab. 

2. After that, select the Printers and Scanners option. 

3. Make sure the "Let Windows manage my default printer" is unchecked. 

4. If Required, tap on the box to deselect it. 

5. Select the printer from the given list. 

6. If the printer is listed multiple times, choose the version showing inactive or online status. 

7. Then, tap on the Manage option. 

8. Lastly, tap on Set as default.

Solution 3: Check Your Connection

Depending on how the HP printer is connected to your computer, you may have many reasons why the HP printer is still showing as offline. If you use a USB cable to connect, make sure it's securely in place. If the problem continues, consider using a different USB cable.

If you use Wi-Fi to connect to the printer, follow the below steps:

1. Restart the printer by switching it off, waiting 10 seconds, and disconnecting the power cable.

2. After that, you need to shut down your PC. 

3. Connect the power cable to the printer and turn the printer back on.

4. Then, disconnect the power cable from Wi-Fi. 

5. Wait for 10 seconds before reconnecting it.

6. It will take some time for your internet to be back on.

7. When it's done, you have to turn on your PC. 

8. Connect the printer to Wi-Fi using the Wireless Setup Wizard or HP Smart app. 

9. Print a wireless report to see what connectivity problems may still be present.

10. Find this report in the network settings of the printer. 

If the problem continues, it may be the work of your Wi-Fi maker or network administrator. Connection problems can be difficult to diagnose after these steps, so if you still can't find your HP printer online, contact a technical specialist.

Solution 4: Update Printer Drivers

Outdated printer driver software can also cause printer-related problems. If the above solution couldn't get the HP printer online, then update the drivers and see if that helps. In order to update drivers, follow the steps below:

1. Right-click the Start button and select the Device Manager option.

2. Expand the Print Queue section and right-click on the printer.

3. After that, tap on the Update Driver option.

4. On the next screen, select the Search automatically for the drivers option.

5. Wait for Windows to update the drivers to the latest version.

Solution 5: Use HP Print And Scan Doctor To Check the Connection

The best solution is to download HP Print and Scan Doctor to check your printer's connectivity, as this software was created to fix HP printer offline error. Follow the steps given below to learn the process:

1. To get started, download HP Print and Scan Doctor.

2. After that, run the software on your computer.

3. Once it opens, click on Start, and select the printer.

4. If it's not on the list when selecting a printer, turn off the printer and try again.

5. If you've connection issues, follow the HP Print and Scan Doctor steps.

6. If it prompts you to turn on printer updates, hit the Yes button.

7. If you are prompted to make the printer the default printer, tap[ the Yes button.