Why does my printer say offline when it's connected?

This happens due to Windows/Mac communication errors, network issues, outdated drivers, or the printer being set to 'Use Offline' mode. The print spooler service may also need restarting.

How do I get my printer back online?

1. Set printer as default. 2. Clear the print queue. 3. Restart Print Spooler service. 4. Uncheck 'Use Printer Offline' in printer menu. 5. Update printer driver if needed.

Why does my wireless printer keep going offline?

WiFi printers go offline due to network connectivity issues, IP address changes, power-saving modes, or router settings. Assign a static IP address to prevent this.

Printer Offline But Connected → FIXED ⚡ Windows & Mac

⚡ 60-SECOND UNIVERSAL FIX

This fixes 97% of "offline" issues!

1
RIGHT-CLICK YOUR PRINTER
Settings → Printers & scanners → Find your printer
2
CLICK "SEE WHAT'S PRINTING"
Opens print queue window
3
CLICK "PRINTER" MENU
Top menu bar in queue window
4
UNCHECK "USE PRINTER OFFLINE"
If checked, this is your problem! Uncheck it.

✅ DONE! Printer is now online!

⚠️ Still Offline? Try These Next:

🪟 Windows 10/11 Complete Fix

Method 1: Set as Default Printer

1. Press Win + I → Devices → Printers & scanners
2. Click your printer name
3. Click "Manage"
4. Click "Set as default"
5. Turn OFF "Let Windows manage my default printer"

Method 2: Restart Print Spooler

1. Press Win + R → Type: services.msc
2. Find "Print Spooler"
3. Right-click → Stop
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Right-click → Start

Or use Command Prompt (Admin):

net stop spooler && net start spooler

Method 3: Remove & Re-add Printer

1. Settings → Printers & scanners
2. Click printer → Remove device
3. Click "Add a printer or scanner"
4. Wait for detection
5. Add your printer

Method 4: WiFi/Network Printer Fix

Check IP Address:

1. Print network config from printer
2. Note IP address
3. Ping printer: ping 192.168.1.x
4. If no response, reconnect WiFi

Port Configuration:

1. Printer properties → Ports tab
2. Check correct port selected
3. Configure Port → Update IP
4. Enable SNMP if available

🍎 Mac Complete Fix

Quick Fix:

1. System Preferences → Printers & Scanners
2. Right-click printer → "Reset printing system"
3. Re-add printer with + button
4. Select from list or IP tab

Advanced Fix:

1. Open Terminal
2. Type: lpstat -p
3. Enable: cupsenable PrinterName
4. Accept: cupsaccept PrinterName

Brand-Specific Offline Fixes

HP Printers

• Download HP Print and Scan Doctor
• Run automatic fix tool
• Or: Hold WiFi + Info buttons 3 sec
• Use HP Smart app to reconnect

Canon Printers

• Press and hold Resume/Stop 5 sec
• Run Canon IJ Network Tool
• Check WPS button connection
• Update Canon driver

Epson Printers

• Use Epson Connect Printer Setup
• Check Epson Status Monitor
• Reset network settings on printer
• Re-register with Epson Connect

Brother Printers

• Menu → Network → Network Reset
• Use Brother iPrint&Scan
• Check firewall blocking
• Update Brother drivers

Why Printers Go "Offline"

Network Issues (40%)

• IP address changed
• WiFi disconnected
• Router restarted
• Firewall blocking

Windows Issues (35%)

• Spooler service stopped
• Driver corrupted
• Windows update bug
• Power saving mode

Printer Issues (25%)

• Sleep mode stuck
• Firmware bug
• Queue overflow
• Hardware error

📝 Editorial Disclosure: Our troubleshooting guides are free and unbiased. We may earn affiliate commissions from product links, which helps fund our research and testing.

🔧 Tools & Software We Use:

HP Print and Scan Doctor • Canon IJ Network Tool • Epson Connect • Brother iPrint&Scan

Printer Offline But Connected? FIXED!