Why Is My Printer Offline? Complete Guide How to Fix Printer Offline Issue
Having a printer that is offline can be a frustrating experience for anyone, especially you need to print an important documents or photos. But don’t worry, we are here to help you troubleshoot and get your printer back online. In this article we will guide you about the reasons of “printer offline” status and provide you with step-by-step solutions to fix it.
Printer Offline
When your printer displays an offline status, it means that it’s unable to communicate with your computer or the network. This problem can happen due to various reasons, including:
- Connection issues between the computer and the printer or network.
- Outdated or incompatible printer drivers.
- Misconfigured printer settings.
- Network problems affecting wireless printers
Common Reasons For Printer Offline Status
Connection Problems
One of the primary reasons for a printer being offline is a faulty connection. This can occur if the USB or Ethernet cable connecting the printer to your computer is loose, damaged, or disconnected. Similarly, wireless printers can go offline if there are connectivity issues with the Wi-Fi network.
Outdated Printer Drivers
Printer drivers act as a bridge between your computer’s operating system and the printer hardware. Outdated or incompatible drivers can result in communication errors and lead to an offline status.
Network Issues
If you’re using a network printer, network connectivity problems can cause the printer to go offline. This can include issues with the router, network configuration, or firewall settings.
How to Fix Printer Offline Problem
Now that we understand the potential causes, let’s proceed with troubleshooting your offline printer issue.To identify and resolve the problem follow these steps one by one.
Check Printer Connection
Ensure that all physical connections between your printer and computer are secure. Verify that the USB or Ethernet cable is properly connected, or if you have a wireless printer, ensure it is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
Restart the Printer
Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches. Turn off your printer, wait for a moment, and then turn it back on. This can refresh the printer’s internal settings and establish a new connection.
Update Printer Drivers
Visit the manufacturer’s website or use their dedicated software to check for the latest printer drivers. Download and install any available updates to ensure compatibility and resolve any known issues. Here are few popular printer manufacturers drivers download pages.
Check Network Connection
If you’re using a network printer, check your network connection to rule out any connectivity problems. Ensure that your computer and printer are connected to the same network and try restarting your router.
Disable Offline Mode
Sometimes, printers have an offline mode feature that can be enabled accidentally. Go to your printer settings or control panel and disable the offline mode if it’s turned on.
Steps:
Click on Start button >> Devices >>Printers & Scanners >>, select your printer >> Open print queue >>Under Printer confirm that “Use Printer Offline” is not selected.
Clear Print Queue
A stuck print job in the print queue can cause the printer to go offline. Open the print queue on your computer, cancel any pending print jobs, and clear the queue. This allows a fresh start and resolves any potential conflicts.
Steps:
Click on Start button >> Devices >>Printers & Scanners >>, select your printer >> Open print queue >> press right click on print queue panel and select “Cancle All Documents”.
Restart Print Spooler Service
The print spooler service manages print jobs in the Windows operating system. Restarting this service can help resolve printer offline issues. Open the Services menu, locate the “Print Spooler” service, and restart it.
Run Printer Troubleshooter
Most operating systems, including Windows and mac OS, provide built-in printer troubleshooters. Run the troubleshooter specific to your operating system, as it can automatically detect and fix common printer problems.
Remove and Reinstall The Printer
If the printer remains offline despite attempting the previous troubleshooting steps, removing and reinstalling the printer can help resolve any underlying software issues.
Removing:
Click on Start button >> Devices >>Printers & Scanners >>, select your printer and click on “Remove Device”.
Reinstalling:
Click on Start button >> Devices >>Printers & Scanners >> click Add a printer or scanner.
( Make sure printer is power on and connected ).
Additional Tips and Tricks
If the above steps didn’t resolve the printer offline issue, here are some additional tips to consider:
Check for firmware updates: Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and see if there are any firmware updates available for your printer model. Updating the firmware can address compatibility issues and improve overall performance.
Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus: In some cases, overprotective firewall or antivirus settings can interfere with the printer’s connection. Temporarily disable these security measures and check if the printer comes back online.
Contact technical support: If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and your printer is still offline, it’s advisable to reach out to the printer manufacturer’s technical support or consult a professional technician for further assistance.
Conclusion: Printer Offline
Dealing with a printer showing an offline status can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps you can solve the printer offline issue.It’s important to follow the troubleshooting steps in a systematic manner, starting from the simplest solutions and progressing to more complex ones. By doing so, you can identify and resolve the issue causing your printer to go offline.
