How to Fix HP Printer Showing Offline Issue?

Need solutions to fix the HP printer showing offline issue? Printing device errors are like allergic reactions. You eat something unsuitable, and it will respond with unwanted sickness. The same goes for these devices. When an error occurs, your device must have encountered an unsuitable condition. 

Now, the most important question is how do you fix it. Do not worry, as it is the most common issue you will encounter in any type of printer. Here, you will learn different types of reasons and solutions to get rid of the problem.  

Before getting ahead with the resolving methods, let’s get to know the reasons behind them. 

What Does it Mean When an HP Printer Says Offline?

If you have encountered this error code, it can be really tricky and irritating to get through it. Also, do not think your printing device is broken or beyond repair. However, an offline printing device status would not let you communicate with the commanding devices or print jobs. You cannot assign a new task or even clear the pending jobs. 
 

Read Also:- How to Fix HP Printer in Error State? [Causes & Fixes]
 

Before you go ahead with aligning the printing tasks, do the troubleshooting first. In case you have restored print queues, cancel them until it is back online. However, remember to save the projects for later. Here are the reasons that can cause the error to act up. 

1. If you are using outdated or corrupted drivers
2. In case the connection between devices isn’t strong or failed
3. If there is a settings error in the printer.

Each of these problems can be resolved easily. There are various solutions to help you through the process. If your issue is fixed with one of the solutions, you can move. There is no necessary requirement to follow 

through with all the methods. These are the suggestions that fit the issue. Let's begin without further ado. 

How to Switch HP Printer Shows Offline to Online (Windows)?

In this section, you will find instructions that will address the offline issue. When your printing device is unable to communicate with the PC, it shows offline status. 

Solution: Set the Printer as Default

In this method, you might need to indicate the default device preference manually. If you are using a Windows 10 device, do the following and fix it. Before starting the correction methods, install the Windows 10 update.

For Windows 8 Users

1. Open your Windows device.
2. Then, tap the Windows icon.
3. Now, click the Settings icon.
4. After that, navigate to the Devices option.
5. Next, tap on the Printers and Scanners.
6. Now, you need to select the printing device.
7. The screen will display more than one version now (If).
8. Then, select the version that is not grayed out.
9. After that, right-click “Set as default printer” and select it.
10. Once done, try to print again.

For Windows 10 Users

1. Go to the Search tab, or you can use Cortana to launch devices.
2. Then, tap on the Settings icon on the start menu.
3. Now, open the Devices folder.
4. After that, choose the Printers & Scanners option.
5. Next, uncheck “Let Windows Manage My Default Printer.”
6. A list of printing devices will appear on the screen.
7. Choose your device series from the list.
8. If it is listed multiple times, choose the version with idle or online status.
9. Click the Manage icon in the next step.
10. Now, you need to tap the “Set as Default” option.

For Windows 11 Users

1. Check and make sure the device is switched on.
2. Then, check if it is connected to the same network as your Computer.
3. Next, the built-in menu of your machine will show the network.
4. Alternatively, you can also check the manual for more details.
5. Now, verify the printing device is not assigned “Use Printer Offline mode.
6. Choose the Start button and select Settings.
7. Select the Bluetooth Devices option.
8. Then, go to the Printers & Scanners option.
9. Now, choose your device and tap on the Open print queue.
10. Under the Printer section, ensure to uncheck Use Printer Offline.

If the error message is still displaying on the device, apply the second method listed below.

How to Fix HP Printer Offline Status to Online (Mac)?

If you are a Mac user, you can try these methods to fix the error message. 

Method 1: Run Diagnose & Fix Tool

Find and run the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP Smart app for your Mac device. 

1. Go to the HP smart app and open Diagnose & Fix.
2. Download the app if you do not have one.
3. Now, click the model series and tap Printers in the top menu bar.
4. After that, tap on the Diagnose & Fix icon.
5. Tap the Start button in the next step.
6. If an issue is found, follow the prompts to remove it. 

If the issue is fixed yet, choose one of the additional resources and look for the specific issue or error message that is troubling you.

Method 2: Remove and Re-add the Printer

Go to the print queue and delete your printing device. Then, you will need to re-add it. 

1. Click the Apple menu and tap System Preferences.
2. Next, you need to tap Printers & Scanners.
3. Alternatively, you can click Print and Scan.
4. Then, highlight the device you need to remove.
5. Go to the bottom of the list of printing machines.
6. Now, you have to tap the (-) minus sign.
7. Next, click the Delete Printer option.
8. After that, tap the Plus sign (+) and follow the steps.
9. Lastly, select and re-add your device. 

From your Mac device, you can run the Diagnose tool or re-add the printing device. It will help you troubleshoot the offline issue.

How to Fix an HP Printer's Offline Issue Using a WSD Port?

In this method, you will need to resolve the offline printer issues to check if it uses the WSD port. Do the following to fix the issue. 

Solution: Confirm Printer Port and Windows Service Status

Step 1:

1. Tap the Start menu and open the Control Panel.
2. Then, tap the View Devices and Printers option.
3. Next, you have to right-click your device name.
4. After that, choose the Printer Properties option.
5. Now, click the Ports tab and search if it uses a WSD port.

Once you make sure it uses the WSD port, follow the below steps.

Step 2:
 

1. Tap the Windows icon and go to Services.
2. Then, scroll through the list.
3. Find Function Discovery Provider Host.
4. Now, look for Function Discovery Publication.
5. After that, verify the Status and Startup columns.
6. Check if they are appearing as running and startup type is given “automatic.”
7. If it appears blank, change the startup type to automatic.
8. Then, you need to tap on Start under Service Status.
9. After that, click the OK button.
10. Now, go to the Devices and Printers window.
11. Press the F5 button in the next step.
12. Tap the printing device name and verify the status. 

Once you have modified the settings, you will need to perform the network configuration report. 

Step 3:
 

1. Right-click the device series and choose Printer Properties.
2. Next, you can go to the Ports tab.
3. Now, you are required to select the Add Port option.
4. Choose the Standard TCP/ IP Port.
5. Then, you have to click the New Port option.
6. Here, use the network configuration report.
7. After that, go back to the previous screen, “Devices and Printers window.
8. Now press the F5 button.
9. In the end, check the status. 

If the device is back online, it means the problem has been resolved. If it did not, apply the method given here.

How to Remove HP Printer Offline Error Via HP Print and Scan Doctor?

Use this tool to resolve your query about why the HP printer shows offline. HP Print And Scan Doctor application helps you identify and get rid of errors. Here are the instructions to perform it. 

1. Launch the application and click on it.
2. Then, run the application on your device.
3. You must be in administrator mode to perform this.
4. If you are asked, select the Yes button.
5. It will allow you to permit the file.
6. Tap the Start button and select your gadget.
7. If your printer is not listed, you will need to restart it.
8. Then, tap on Retry in the Print and Scan Doctor app.
9. The app will allow you to identify potential connection issues.
10. Follow the prompts and tap Yes.
11. Continue to follow through with the prompts and tap on Yes. 

You will get to know if it worked once the status changes from offline to online. Now, you have to perform the next method if the problem is persistent.

How to Fix Offline HP Printer Issue Via Wireless Setup Wizard?

One of the major causes behind it is a connection error. Therefore, do the following and stabilize the device connection. 

1. Start off by turning off your printing machine and restarting it.
2. Then, wait for 10 seconds, and disconnect the power cord.
3. Next, you need to switch off your Computer.
4. Connect the power cord to the printing device.
5. Now, turn on your machine.
6. Detach the power cord from your wireless router.
7. After that, give it 10 seconds before reconnecting the device.
8. It will take a few minutes to set back the device.
9. Use the HP wireless setup wizard or the HP Smart software.
10. Then, connect your device to a network.
11. Now, print a wireless report and check if the connectivity issue is still there.
12. Go to the Network settings or the Wireless menu of the printer.

This is a complete guide with various methods to help you resolve the HP printer showing the offline issue. However, an error can sometimes be persistent, especially when you are not tech-savvy. To ease your query, connect with our professionals at Printer Tales. We are available 24/7 at your service. You can call us at +1-877-469-0297 or +44-800-054-8150 or write to us at info@printertales.com.