Check the Printer Connection
An offline printer error can often be fixed by first checking the printer connection. Make sure that your printer is securely connected to the power source and that all cables are plugged in properly. Also, verify that the USB or Ethernet cable is firmly connected to both the printer and your computer. If you are using a wireless printer, ensure that it is connected to your Wi-Fi network and that the signal is strong.
Restart your Printer and Computer
If the printer connection is not the issue, try restarting both your printer and computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can solve temporary glitches and get the devices reconnected. Turn off your printer, unplug it from the power source, and wait for a few minutes. While waiting, shut down your computer. After a few minutes, plug the printer back in and turn it on. Once the printer has restarted, turn on your computer and see if the offline error has been resolved.
Set the Printer as Default
Another common reason for a printer to display an offline error is that it is not set as the default printer on your computer. To fix this, go to the Control Panel on your computer and navigate to “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners” settings. Locate your printer in the list of installed devices, right-click on it, and select “Set as Default Printer.” This will ensure that any print jobs are sent to the correct device.
Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can also cause your printer to go offline. To rectify this, you can update the printer drivers. There are two ways to do this – manually or automatically. To manually update the drivers, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for the latest drivers for your printer model. Download the drivers and install them on your computer. Alternatively, you can use driver update software that automatically scans your system for outdated drivers and installs the correct ones. This can save time and ensure that all your drivers are up to date.
Check Printer Status and Clear Print Queue
If none of the previous solutions have solved the offline error, you can check the printer status and clear any print jobs stuck in the print queue. On your computer, go to the Control Panel and access the “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners” settings. Find your printer in the list of devices and right-click on it. Choose “See what’s printing” to open the print queue window. If there are any print jobs listed, right-click on them and select “Cancel” or “Delete” to remove them. Once the print queue is clear, check if your printer status changes to online. If it does, try printing a test page to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
