How to Fix HP Printer Offline Error? [Top 5 Solutions]

HP printers are suitable for both home and office. There are so many printer models available for scanning and printing jobs. But, sometimes, you can go through an HP printer offline issue while doing your important tasks. It usually happens when the printer can’t communicate with a laptop or computer. Some significant causes of offline errors include outdated printer drivers, faulty print spoolers, paper jamming, cables or connection issues, etc.

Are you failing to print because of an offline printer? This post will cover some easy solutions that can make your printer online. So, when an issue occurs, you can fix it.

Solution 1: Examine Printer Offline Mode

You can’t expect your printer to print when you enable the offline mode. In this case, you can go to the Windows settings app and fix the problem. Here are the steps to resolve this.

Firstly, launch the Windows Settings app.
When the settings menu appears, click on the Devices.
Now, choose devices and then enter into printers and scanners.
After that, select your HP printer and tap on Open Queue.
Thereafter, move to the Printer tab and choose – Use Printer Online.
When you see the next window, make sure to uncheck the Use Printer Online option.

If you mistakenly enabled the printer offline, these steps will help your printer work.

Solution 2: Set Your Printer as a Default Printer

You can experience offline issues even if there is a successful connection. But you can solve it by setting your device as a default printer. Use your printer’s control panel to do it.

First, open the Run utility. You can use Windows and R keys.
Next, head to the Run command box and enter control.
And that you have to tap on OK.
In the subsequent step, navigate to the Control Panel menu.
Here, choose the option – Devices and Printers.
When you see the following windows, choose HP printer from the list.
Right-click on your printer and select Set as Default Printer option.

The HP printer offline will resolve once you set your device as a default printer. If you need help, you can jump to the following solutions.

Solution 3: Update Outdated HP Printer Drivers

Often, HP printer users find errors because of corrupted or out-of-date printer drives. One of the best ways they can fix HP printer offline issues is to update printer drivers. Here is a step-by-step process for it.

Move to the Windows menu.
Navigate to the taskbar’s search box and type in device manager there.
Next, double-click on the option and start the utility.
Now, move to the portable devices option and select the Printer Queue.
After that, expand and select the HP printer.
In the later step, right-click the option and select – Update Driver.
Finally, when the following window appears, choose – automatically for updated driver software.

When you update the printer driver, you may get relief.

Solution 4: Solve Printer Spooler Settings

Besides, a printer driver or a faulty printer spooler service can also cause offline error. In such a situation, you can reset settings to make your printer online.

Initially, the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + R key) opens the Run utility.
Now, type in services.msc in the Run command box.
After that, tap on OK and continue.
When you see the Services menu, move to the printer spooler.
Right-click on the above service and select Stop.
Later, move to the next steps.
Head to the address bar and type C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printer there.
Now, make sure to clear all pending files.
Finally, restart the printer spooler service.

Solution 5: Check for Ink Cartridge and Paper Jam Issues

The ink cartridges and paper jams can give an offline printer error. You can check these two to bring back your printer online. Make sure there is the right paper in the paper tray. Also, inspect all the parts of your printer for jammed paper. Here are some more steps you can follow.

Turn on your printer and check for loose cables.
Next, check if there is the right paper stock in the tray. If there is a need, you can add more papers.
Now, identify the paper jams inside. Clear all the paper jams efficiently.
Thereafter, open your printer and check the ink cartridge levels.

Conclusion

HP printer users can receive offline messages at any hour. An HP printer offline can often happen due to software and hardware faults. These include outdated drivers, faulty printer spooler settings, and the printer needs to be set as a default printer. Or there are some connectivity issues. Once you solve those errors, the printer can come back online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Troubleshoot the HP Printer Offline Error on Windows 10?

Did you find the offline printer on Windows 10? You can make your printer online with these simple steps.

Make sure your printer is connected to the power cable.
Later, check for internet connection issues.
If there is an outdated driver, update it to the latest version.
Reset printer spooler settings.
Uncheck the Use Printer Offline option.

Can I Use a Control Panel to Reconnect My HP printer?

Yes, you can use the control panel to reconnect and make your HP printer work. When your printer has a wireless connection, you can use control and configure settings and the connection status. The feature allows users to scan all the available networks – type in the SSID or network password to reconnect your printer and make it function.

How to Get Back HP Offline Printer Online?

When your printer goes offline, your first job is determining the cause. Once you find the reason, fixing the issues and bringing the printer back online will become easy. Some of the probable fixes you can try are: