It can be frustrating when your HP printer is not online and indicates an “offline” message, and it becomes a hindrance to your workflow. The problem appears on Windows and the Mac operating system as well.
Fortunately, there are quite easy ways that will help eradicate this problem soon. This article will take you through the easiest solutions for having an HP printer not an online solution for both computers.
What Does HP Printer Offline Mean?
It usually means that the computer cannot access your HP printer, and this device comes as “offline” in the status of the HP printer.
These issues could be caused by connectivity problems, outdated drivers, or improper settings on your printer.
Why HP Printer Not Online
Many more reasons lead to your HP printer going offline:
- Weak or interrupted Wi-Fi signals disconnect your printer.
- Outdated or corrupted drivers: Printer drivers need to be updated every now and then to keep them in the app.
- Incorrect Printer Settings – The default settings are not set up correctly, and that leads to a system not functioning properly.
- Hardware Issues – Faulty cables or printer parts cause an offline error.
How to Fix HP Printer Offline on Windows
1. Check Printer Connections
- Ensure that your HP printer is properly connected to the computer or network.
- If you are using a USB cable, check if it is disconnected or broken.
2. Restart Printer and Computer
At times, restarting the printer and computer can solve the error “HP printer not online.” Just close your printer and computer and wait for some seconds before turning them back on.
3. Set Printer as Default
Click the Windows key followed by the Control Panel icon.
- Click “Devices and Printers.”
- Right-click your HP printer and select “Set as Default Printer.”
This will ensure that your computer communicates with the right printer.
4. Update Printer Drivers
- Download the updated drivers of your model from HP’s website.
- Install the new drivers and restart your computer.
5. Disable ‘Use Printer Offline
- Open “Devices and Printers.”
- Right-click on your HP printer and click on “See what’s printing.”
- Remove the check mark saying “Use Printer Offline.”
How to Fix HP Printer Offline on Mac
1. Check the Printer Connections
- Your Mac and HP printer should be connected to the same Wi-Fi.
- For wired printers, check the USB cable.
2. Reset Printing System
- Open “System Preferences,” then go to “Printers & Scanners.”
- Right-click anywhere in the list of printers and click “Reset Printing System.”
- Now, add your HP printer again by clicking the “+” button.
3. HP Printer Drivers Updates
- Download the latest drivers from HP’s website.
- Install the drivers and restart your Mac computer to let the changes take effect.
4. Clean Print Queue
- Select System Preferences in your Mac.
- Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
- Select your HP printer and click on “Open Print Queue.”
- Cancel pending print jobs.
5. Check for macOS Updates
- macOS updates should include the bug fixes that a particular printer might require
- Look for updates at “System Preferences” > “Software Update.”
How to Make Your HP Printer Online: Pro Tips
- Update your printer drivers since old drivers cause problems with compatibility. Periodic updates may help avoid some of it.
- Check Network Stability: Determine if your Wi-Fi network is stable and then check that your printer is online with the correct network.
- Update Printer Firmware: Firmware updates are always available for HP; keep on checking for updates at regular intervals.
When to Seek Help
If none of the above steps can help you solve your HP printer not online problem, then it is best to seek professional help. You can reach out to HP support or visit reliable websites like https://printernotworking.com/ for professional guidance.
You can troubleshoot the HP printer showing offline on Windows or Mac without much of a headache. Working through the steps above to troubleshoot some of the most common fixed “HP printer not online” problems has you set, printing with no more woes.