How to fix an HP printer that’s offline

You're ready to print an important document, but your HP® printer has other plans—it’s showing as “offline,” and nothing is coming out. Frustrating, right? Whether it's a connection issue, outdated drivers, or a stubborn print queue, there are a few ways to get your printer back online.

Asurion Experts help people resolve common device issues like this every day. Whether you need assistance connecting a printer to Wi-Fi or using the document loader, we're here for you. Here are some potential reasons why your HP printer won't connect and what we recommend you do to get back online quickly. 

Why does my HP printer show as offline?

When your HP printer goes or appears offline, these are the usual suspects:

Connectivity issues

Connectivity is how your devices communicate. If your computer doesn't recognize your printer, a connectivity problem occurs. This may happen if your printer or computer has no Wi-Fi connection at all, or if a cable isn't plugged into both devices.

A computer or printer that isn't using accurate connection settings could make the HP printer appear offline.

Printer settings

Make sure the printer settings are in "online mode." If the settings are set to "offline mode," uncheck that option. Also, verify the correct printer is selected.

Driver issues

An outdated driver may interfere with a printer's performance. Driver issues can arise from your HP printer's firmware or other installed hardware and software.

Print spooler problems

A corrupted spooler (print job manager) may block everything from ever reaching the HP printer, forcing it offline.

How to troubleshoot an HP printer that's offline

Try these troubleshooting strategies to get an HP printer back online. 

Check printer and network connections

Disabled Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connections may cause an HP printer to appear offline.

Wi-Fi connections

1. Check the printer's wireless light. If it's solid, then it's connected to Wi-Fi. A blinking or off light indicates a bad Wi-Fi connection. 
2. Move the printer closer to the router if the Wi-Fi light is blinking. Closer proximity may improve Wi-Fi connection strength. 

Ethernet connections

1. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the HP printer and router. Check for any damage on the cable—exposed wiring or a broken connecter may warrant a cable replacement.
2. Reconnect the cable to the printer. Use a different port to insert the cable into the router.
3. Verify the network connection on your computer. 

USB connections

1. Unplug the USB cable between the computer and the HP printer. Look for any damage, and replace the cable if necessary.
2. Reconnect the USB cable to the printer. Plug the cable into the computer using a different port, if one is available.

Restart your devices

A simple restart may be all that's needed to get your HP printer running again. Restart the printer and computer. If you use an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, restart the router, too. Once all devices are running again, try to print your document. 

Change the printer's status to online

A printer may appear offline to your computer, even if it's properly connected. To see if that's the issue, follow these steps:

Windows users

1. Click Start.
2. Select Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
3. Click on your HP printer > Open Queue. 
4. Select Use Printer Offline. This will update the printer to online status.

Mac users

1. Click System Preferences.
2. Select Print & Scan.
3. Double-click the HP printer from the list if a yellow light appears next to its name.
4. Click Resume. If the yellow light changes to green, the HP printer is online.

Update or reinstall printer drivers

HP releases occasional firmware updates. If your printer doesn't have the latest firmware version, it may disrupt print processes. Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page to find recent firmware updates. You can search firmware updates based on the HP printer model type. 

Sometimes, reinstalling printer drivers can fix an HP printer that shows offline but is connected. If you don't see any firmware updates, consider deleting the existing printer drivers and reinstalling them from the HP website.

Clear and restart the print spooler

The print spooler is a system app that transfers print jobs from your computer to the HP printer. If it's corrupted, it may cause a printer to appear offline. 

Windows users

1. Click Start.
2. Type "task manager" into the search box. Select the Task Manager app when it appears.
3. In the search bar of the Task Manager app, type "spooler." 
4. Right-click on the Spooler service and select Restart. 

Mac users

1. Open the Apple menu.
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Right-click on the printers list and choose Reset Printing System.

Resetting the printing system deletes all printer drivers, so you'll need to reinstall them before you can access your HP printer.