How to Fix HP Printer Offline Error
By Jordan Kim
· About Zone Desire
Quick answer
An HP printer shows "Offline" when the computer cannot talk to it, usually after a Wi-Fi change, sleep mode or a changed IP address. Restart the printer, router and computer, reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi, and set it as the default printer in the HP Smart app.
What does “HP Printer Offline” mean?
Windows or macOS lost the connection to the printer, so print jobs wait in the queue.
What causes it?
- Printer lost Wi-Fi or changed IP address
- Use Printer Offline is turned on
- Stuck print queue
- Old driver
Steps to try
Stop when the issue is resolved.
- Turn off the printer, router and computer; turn them back on in that order.
- Print a Network Configuration page to check the printer is connected.
- Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers → open the printer → turn off Use printer offline.
- Clear the print queue.
- Open HP Smart and re-add the printer, or install the latest driver from HP support.
Need more support? Check the official help: HP Customer Support
FAQs
Why does my printer go offline every day?
Sleep mode and changing IP addresses cause it. Reserve a fixed IP for the printer in the router.
Does a USB cable help?
Yes. USB is a good test to rule out Wi-Fi problems.