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Fix Printer Offline – Printer Troubleshooting Guide | TroubleshootMyPrinter




How to Fix: Printer Offline

The printer shows as ‘Offline’ in the operating system despite being powered on and connected. This is one of the most common printer issues and can be caused by connectivity problems, driver issues, or incorrect system settings. This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to fix printer offline on any printer, regardless of brand or model.

Common Causes

This problem is most often caused by one or more of the following:

  • Printer is set to ‘Use Printer Offline’ mode in Windows
  • Network connectivity issues between computer and printer
  • Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
  • Print spooler service has stopped running
  • IP address conflict or change on network printers

Step-by-Step Solution

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue. Test your printer after each step.

  1. Step 1: Check that the printer is powered on and has no error lights or messages on its display panel
  2. Step 2: Uncheck ‘Use Printer Offline’ in the printer queue window (Printer menu > Use Printer Offline)
  3. Step 3: Restart the Print Spooler service: open Services (services.msc), find Print Spooler, right-click and select Restart
  4. Step 4: Verify network connectivity by pinging the printer’s IP address from a command prompt
  5. Step 5: Remove and re-add the printer through Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
  6. Step 6: Update or reinstall the printer driver from the manufacturer’s website
  7. Step 7: Power cycle the printer by turning it off, unplugging it for 30 seconds, then reconnecting and powering on

Brand-Specific Troubleshooting

Some printer brands require slightly different troubleshooting approaches. See the brand-specific guidance below.

Hp Printers

HP printers often go offline due to HP Smart app conflicts. Try running the HP Print and Scan Doctor utility, which automatically diagnoses and fixes most offline issues. Also check that the HP Print Service is running in Windows Services.

For more Hp-specific troubleshooting, visit our Hp Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Canon Printers

Canon printers may show offline due to the BJNP protocol conflicting with SNMP. In printer properties, go to Ports tab and ensure the correct port is selected. The Canon IJ Network Tool can help diagnose connectivity issues.

For more Canon-specific troubleshooting, visit our Canon Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Epson Printers

Epson printers frequently go offline when the Epson Connect service loses connectivity. Use Epson Printer Connection Checker to diagnose. On EcoTank models, ensure the ink tanks are not critically low, as this can trigger an offline status.

For more Epson-specific troubleshooting, visit our Epson Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Brother Printers

Brother printers may show offline due to firewall blocking the Brother NetBIOS port. Ensure ports 137-139 and 9100 are open. The Brother Status Monitor utility can help identify the specific cause of the offline status.

For more Brother-specific troubleshooting, visit our Brother Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Related Problems

Users experiencing printer offline often encounter these related issues:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer keep going offline even after I set it online?

This usually indicates an underlying connectivity issue. The most common causes are an unstable WiFi connection, the printer’s IP address changing via DHCP, or the Print Spooler service crashing repeatedly. Try assigning a static IP address to your printer and ensure your WiFi signal is strong at the printer’s location.

How do I fix a printer that shows offline on Windows 11?

In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, and click ‘Open print queue.’ In the queue window, click the Printer menu and uncheck ‘Use Printer Offline.’ If the issue persists, restart the Print Spooler service by typing ‘services.msc’ in the Run dialog, finding Print Spooler, and restarting it.

Can a low ink or toner level cause a printer to show offline?

In most cases, low ink or toner does not directly cause an offline status. However, some printer models, particularly certain Epson and Canon models, may pause printing or display as offline when ink levels are critically low or cartridges are not recognized. Replace or reseat the cartridges to resolve this.

Need brand-specific help?

This guide covers the general fix. For model-specific instructions, find your printer brand below and navigate to your exact model for tailored troubleshooting steps.