How to Get My HP Printer Back Online Wirelessly? (Easy Methods)

Is your HP printer showing an offline status on the display? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You’re all set to print an important document, and suddenly your printer shows an error message indicating it’s offline. This issue usually occurs due to common technical glitches in the printer or incorrect printer settings. If you are facing this problem, this guide will help you resolve it quickly, so read it till the end and try all the methods provided here.

The problem may get fixed in one attempt, or you may need to follow three to four methods. Stay patient and check whether your HP printer returns to an online state and resumes printing normally.

Method 1: Check Printer Connection

Check that your printer is properly connected to the device via network, USB, or Ethernet. Verify that the wires are securely connected and that the printer’s power light is on, indicating it is powered on. Also, verify that your printer and computer are on the same wireless network. If you're using a wireless connection, confirm that the printer’s Wi-Fi light is lit and not blinking. If it is blinking, it may indicate a weak or unstable network connection.

Method 2: Restart Your Computer, Router, and Printer

Let’s start with the fundamental method: simply restart your devices to resolve the technical glitch and get your printer back online.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

1. Close all open programs on your computer, and click the Windows icon at the bottom.

2. Click on the power button, and choose Restart.

3. Allow the computer to restart.

Step 2: Restart Your Printer

1. Press the power button on the printer to turn it off.

2. Disconnect the printer’s power cord from the wall outlet.

3. Wait for 1-2 minutes, and then reconnect the power cord to the wall outlet.

4. Press the power button to turn it on.

Step 3: Restart the Wi-Fi Router

1. Unplug the 'power cord' of the router from the wall outlet.

2. Reconnect the power cord to the wall outlet after 30 seconds.

Method 3: Uncheck the “Use Printer Offline” Option

When this setting is enabled on your computer, your HP printer may appear offline. However, you can easily uncheck this option by following the steps given below.

1. Go to the Start menu on the computer, and search for Settings.

2. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices, then select Printers & Scanners.

3. Select your printer’s name from the given list, and then click the Open Print Queue option.

4. Click Printer in the next window, then deselect the “Use Printer Offline” option to bring it back online.

This is how you can make your HP printer online. If the issue persists, you can go with the next troubleshooting method.

Method 4: Set the Printer as Default

A default printer is the one your computer uses by default when you send a print command. When the printer is not set as the default, your computer may show 'offline error messages'. Here are the steps to set it as the default printer.

1. Press the Windows and I keys together to open Settings.

2. Select the Bluetooth & Devices option, and click on Printers & Scanners.

3. Turn off the “Let Windows manage my default printer” option.

4. Choose the printer that you want to set as the default.

5. Finally, click Manage, then select Set as default.

Now, whenever you send a print command, your computer will recognize the HP printer as the default.

Method 5: Update or Reinstall the HP Printer Drivers

Printer drivers are important for proper communication between the printer and the computer. Therefore, if your printer goes offline, there is a high chance that its drivers are outdated or corrupted. You should visit HP’s official website and update the printer drivers using these steps.

1. Visit support.hp.com, and select the Software and Drivers option at the top bar.

2. Select "printer" as your product type, and search for your printer model in the search field.

3. You’ll see a list of necessary printer drivers to choose from.

4. Select the Download button next to the suitable printer software.

5. Allow it to download, and save it under the Downloads folder on your PC.

6. Go to the Downloads folder, and double-click on the driver’s file.

7. Grant permission to run it on your system.

8. An installation progress bar will appear; let it finish, then wait until it completes.

That’s "how to update the HP printer drivers". Once your printer drivers are updated, the HP printer will get back online.

   Frequently Asked Questions

Question

Why Is My HP Printer Showing an Offline Status?

If your printer shows an offline status, it may be caused by loose connections, the wrong wireless network, outdated printer drivers, incorrect printer settings, or a stuck print queue.

Question

How Do I Get My HP Printer Back Online From Offline Status?

It's easy to get an offline printer online. You can check the printer connection and restart your printer, computer, and router. Plus, set your printer as the default, and update the HP Printer Drivers. Following all these methods will get your printer back online.  

Question

How to Reconnect HP Printer to a Wireless Network?

Learn 'How to Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi', turn the printer on and make sure it is near the router. Open the HP Smart app and follow the on-screen steps to add the printer. Also, you can use the printer’s screen to choose your network and enter the password.

Source: how to get my hp wireless printer back online