How Do I Change My HP Printer Status from Offline to Online? [Detailed Guide]

If you are asking “how do I change my HP printer status from offline to online?” we advise that you read this article because it has the answers you seek. 

Try the following troubleshooting options to get your HP printer from “offline” to “online”:

1. Turn Off your HP Printer’s Smart Install

How to Turn Off your HP Printer’s Smart Install

To turn off your HP Printer’s Smart Install, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to the control panel on your printer’s home screen and choose the “Service” menu.

Step 2: Locate the option for “Smart Install”.

Step 3: Choose “Off”.

Step 4: Restart your computer.

Step 5: Try printing.

If your HP printer is offline and still not printing, then try the next option.

2. Run the HP Print and the Scan Doctor

You can get your HP printer back online by running the HP Print and the Scan Doctor.

How to Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

Follow these steps to run HP Print and Scan Doctor:

Step 1: Download the application using this link.

Step 2: After downloading the application, from your computer’s download location, run the downloaded file HPPSdr.exe. 

The application might require you to act as the computer’s administrator for you to run it.

Step 3: If prompted, click “Yes” to confirm that source of the file is trusted.

You don’t need to worry about the application because it is an HP tech support team application.

Step 4: The application will open. When it does, click “Start”.

Step 5: Select your HP printer.

Step 6: If you can’t find your printer, then you have to restart your HP machine.

Step 7: Once the printer has restarted, open the application again and then click on “Retry”.

Step 8: The application should discover possible connection issues with your machine. You will have to follow the on-screen prompts to fix the issues.

Step 9: If it asks that printer updates be turned on, simply click “Yes”.

Step 10: Continue with the on-screen prompts and then click on “Yes” when you are asked if you want the printer set as default.

Then check if your HP printer is back online, if it is, then the issue has been resolved.

If your HP printer is still offline and greyed out, then go to the troubleshooting option below.

3. Set your HP Printer as Default

Setting your HP printer as default can get your offline HP printer back online. Simply follow the steps below to do so:

How to Set your HP Printer as Default on Windows 10

Follow the steps below to set your HP printer as default on Windows 10:

Step 1: Type “Devices” in the search box.

Step 2: Choose “Printers & Scanners”.

Step 3: Uncheck the option “Let Windows manage my default printer” if it is checked.

Step 4: Select your HP machine from the listed printers.

Step 5: If your HP device is listed more than once, then choose the version with online or idle status.

Step 6: Click on “Manage”.

Step 7: Click on “Set as default”.

If your HP printer is offline in Windows 10, then doing the above should fix it.

If it doesn’t, then you need to check the next option…

How to Set your HP Printer as Default on Windows 8

Follow the steps below to set your HP printer as default on Windows 8:

Step 1: On your computer’s Start screen, type “Printer”.

Step 2: Then click on “Printers & Scanners”.

Step 3: Click on your HP printer from the list of displayed devices. If your printer appears more than once, select the one that isn’t grayed out.

Step 4: Right-click on your printer.

Step 5: Click “Set as default printer”.

Now try to print a document. If your HP printer is still offline on Windows 8 after this, then you should move to the option below…

How to Set your HP Printer as Default on Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Follow the steps below to set your HP printer as default on Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

Step 1: Click on “Start”.

Step 2: Type “Printer” in your computer’s search box.

Step 3: Click on “Devices and Printers”.

Step 4: Right-click your HP printer.

Step 5: Click “Set as default printer”.

If this HP printer offline fix for Windows 7 doesn’t work, try the next option…

How to Set HP Printer as Default on Windows XP & Earlier Versions

Follow the steps below to set your HP printer as default on Windows XP & earlier versions

Step 1: Click on “Start”.

Step 2: Click on “Printers and Faxes” or “Settings” depending on the Windows version.

Step 3: Then click on “Printers”. You can also get to “Printers” via the “Control Panel”.

Step 4: Find your HP printer and click on it to highlight it.

If you don’t find your printer, then it hasn’t been installed

Step 5: Then right-click your printer.

Step 6: Click on “Set as Default”.

This should fix the error. However, if your HP printer is still offline in word or any app, then do the option below…

4. Confirm that you selected the Right PortHow Do I Change My HP Printer Status from Offline to Online?

How to confirm that the Right Port is Selected for your HP Printer

Do the following to confirm that the right port is selected:

Step 1: Go to your computer’s printer list. We shared how to do that for different Windows versions above.

Step 2: Right-click on your HP printer.

Step 3: Click on “Printer Properties”.

Step 4: Click on the tab labeled “Ports”. This will cause a ports list to appear.

Step 5: Check and confirm that the port(s) selected as well as the description are the same as the printer’s connection type.

Ensure that the description of the port type has either “IP” or “network”.

If multiple lists are displayed for the exact port type, then you can use another port for the Port selection.

Step 6: Click on “Configure Port”. Ensure that Port’s IP address and that of your HP printer match.

If a WSD port is selected, skip to the next troubleshooting option.

If a network port is selected, skip to troubleshooting option number 9.

If an IP port is selected, ensure that the IP address of your printer matches that in the field for IP Address or Printer name. Then click on “OK”. You can get the IP address of your HP printer by printing out a Network Configuration Page.

Step 7: Click on “Apply”.

Step 8: Click on “OK”.

Step 9: Try printing a document. If it prints, then your HP printer offline issue has been fixed.

If it doesn’t print, then move to the item below.

5. Confirm the Status of the Printer Port and Windows Services

How to Confirm the Status of the Printer Port and Windows Services

Do the following to confirm that your HP printer makes use of a WSD port:

i. Type in “Control Panel” in the Windows search box.

ii. Click on “View devices and printers”.

iii. Right-click on your HP printer.

iv. Click on “Printer Properties”.

v. Click the tab labeled “Ports”. Then confirm if your HP printer makes use of a WSD port.

If it uses a WSD port, then do the following (skip the following if it does not):

i. Search for “Services” in the Windows search box.

ii. Look for “Function Discovery Provider Host” and “Function Discovery Resource Publication” in the list.

iii. Check the columns labeled “Status” as well as “Startup”.

iv. If these are currently running and the option for “startup” is set to automatic, then move to the following step.

v. If it is set to manual, right-click on your printer name before choosing “Properties”.

vi. The startup type should be changed to automatic.

vii. Under service status, click on “Start”, and then click on “OK”.

viii. Go to “Device and Printers”, and then press “F5” on your keyboard.

ix. Click on your HP printer, and then check its status.

Confirm if this removes your HP printer from the offline status.

However, if it doesn’t, then you need to print out a network configuration report. This can be done via your printer’s wireless menu or settings.

After printing the report, do the following:

i. Right-click your HP printer.

ii. Select “Properties”.

iii. Click on the tab labeled “Ports”.

iv. Choose “Add Port”.

v. Choose “Standard TCP/IP Port”.

vi. Click on “New Port”.

vii. Add a new port using the details from the report you printed earlier.

viii. Go to “Device and Printers”, and then press “F5” on your keyboard.

ix. Click on your HP printer, and then check its status.

If your HP printer device is still offline, then try the next option…

6. Check All Your Connections

To take an HP printer offline, you need to check all your connections and confirm if they are well connected.

How to check if your HP USB Printer is Well Connected

If your HP printer is offline and connected via USB, you can remove it from the offline status by checking the connection.

To check your USB cable connection and fix your HP printer offline status, do the following:

Step 1: Turn off your HP printer and PC.

Step 2: The USB cable should be disconnected from your HP printer and computer.

Step 3: Then carefully inspect your USB cable for any form of damage.

If there is any damage or the cable is more than 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches), then you should replace it.

If there is no damage or the cable is less than 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches), then you should connect the cable to another USB port on your PC.

Ensure that the port is either a USB 2.0 or higher.

Ensure that the cable is connected to your computer directly instead of via a USB hub.

Step 4: Connect the USB to the HP printer. Make sure that it is tightly secured on both ends.

Step 5: Turn your PC back on and allow it to complete its startup.

Step 6: Turn on your HP printer. Depending on your computer’s operating system, the computer will either install the printer automatically (Windows) or you will have to add it manually (Mac).

If your HP printer is offline with a USB connection, then the above steps should fix the issue.

How to check if your HP Wireless Printer is Well Connected

If your HP printer is on a wireless network, then do the following to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Restart the HP printer, and then wait for 10 seconds before disconnecting the printer’s power cable from your HP printer.

Step 2: Turn your personal computer off.

Step 3: Then connect your printer cord to your HP printer before turning your printer on again.

Step 4: Disconnect your printer’s cord from the wireless router.

Step 5: Wait for about 10 seconds then reconnect the cord back to the router.

Step 6: Wait for a while (about some minutes) for the internet connection to be re-established.

Step 7: Turn on your personal computer when the internet connection is reestablished.

Step 8: Connect your HP printer to the wireless network with the aid of the HP Smart software or the HP wireless setup wizard.

Step 9: Try printing a wireless report. This will help you determine and discover the connectivity issues that might still exist.

Step 10: You can locate the report in your HP’s printer wireless menu or the network settings.

Other things you can do include:

i. Move your devices (printer and computer) close to your wireless router.

ii. Take your HP printer out of sleep mode. Just pressing the power button should do the trick. This works especially if your HP printer goes offline after reboot.

iii. Enable Bluetooth. This is for those using an Android iOS to print.

If the issue is not resolved, you can also contact your network administrator or the manufacturer of your router. If your HP printer is offline but connected, then you should also contact HP to help you solve the issue.

How to check if your Ethernet-connected HP Printer is Well Connected

If your HP printer is offline with an Ethernet connection, then do the following to fix the issue:

Step 1: Turn off your HP printer.

Step 2: The Ethernet cable should be disconnected from your printer and router.

Step 3: Check if there is any damage to the cable. You should also confirm that the cable is indeed an Ethernet cable rather than a phone cable.

These cables can be mistaken for the other as they are quite similar. The only difference is that an Ethernet Cable is bigger and has 8 wires on its end that are visible.

Step 4: Connect the Ethernet cable to another LAN or Ethernet port on your courter.

Step 5: Plug the Ethernet cable into your HP printer. Ensure that it is well secured at both ends.

Step 6: Turn on your HP printer.

Step 7: Check the lights of the Ethernet Port on your HP printer to confirm if it is a successful connection. Steady green light and a blinking orange light are the confirmation you should look out for.

Step 8: Print out a Network Configuration Report page.

Step 9: Ensure that the printer’s Network Status is set to “Ready”. You can find this under the section for “General Information”.

7. Ensure that your HP Printer’s setting isn’t on “Use Printer Offline”

How to confirm that your HP Printer isn’t set to “Use Printer Offline”

To confirm that your HP printer setting isn’t on “Use printer offline”, do the following:

Step 1: Go to your computer’s printer list. We shared how to do that for different Windows versions above.

Step 2: Right-click on your HP printer.

Step 3: Click on “See what’s printing”.

Step 4: Choose your HP printer.

Step 5: If there is a checkmark beside the “Use Printer Offline” option, then click on it to unselect.

Step 6: Now try printing. If it prints, then your HP printer has been removed from offline status.

If it doesn’t print, then you should try the next option…

There are other offline issues that affect HP printers that we didn’t cover in this article. Hence, we recommend that you read this article: HP printer offline to learn how you can solve these other issues.

8. Uninstall HP Printer Software

Uninstall HP printer using any of the methods below:

How to Uninstall HP Printer Software from Windows 10

Follow the steps below to uninstall HP printer software from Windows 10:

Step 1: Search for “Apps & Features” on your Windows 10 and click on it to open when the results are displayed.

Step 2: Locate your HP printer on the list.

Step 3: Click on your printer.

Step 4: Click on “Uninstall”.

Step 5: Follow the prompts on the screen to uninstall the software.

Step 6: Once the uninstallation is complete, restart your PC.

This method is for Windows 10 users.

How to Uninstall HP Software from HP Printer Folder

Follow the steps below to uninstall HP printer software from the HP printer folder:

Step 1: Go to the computer’s Start menu.

Step 2: Click on “All programs”.

Step 3: Click on “HP”.

Step 4: Click on “HP printer”.

Step 5: Choose “Uninstall Product Software”.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

If the HP printer folder can be seen in your computer’s Start menu, then this method can be used.

How to Uninstall HP Software from Devices and Printers

Follow the steps below to uninstall HP printer software from Devices and Printers:

Step 1: Go to your computer’s Start menu.

Step 2: Click on “Devices and Printers”.

Step 3: Right-click on your HP printer.

Step 4: Click on “Remove device”.

Step 5: Restart your computer.

This method should be used if the “Add a printer” wizard was used to initially install your HP printer.

9. Install/Update your HP Printer Driver

How to Install the Current HP Printer Software

To install the current HP printer software, do the following:

Step 1: Click this weblink.

Step 2: Click on the printer icon when the “Let’s identify your product to get started” screen appears.

Step 3: Enter your printer model.

Step 4: Click on “Submit”. Your printer’s page for “Software and drivers” will be displayed.

Step 5: The options will vary depending on your model. However, select the “Full Feature Software and Driver” or “Full Solution” option.

Step 6: Click on the file name, then click on “Download”.

Step 7: Click on “Run” to begin the download. Take note of the download location.

Step 8: When the download is complete, go to the download location and double-click on the file to begin the installation.

Step 9: Follow the prompts on the screen to install the software.

How to Update your HP Printer Driver Using Windows Update

To update your HP printer driver using Windows update, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Restart your PC: Doing this will allow you to ensure that former updates were properly installed.

Step 2: On your keyboard, press your Windows key.

Step 3: Then type “Check for Updates”.

Step 4: Click on “Download” to start the installation if it doesn’t install automatically.

You will need an internet connection for this.

The Windows update settings can also be changed here according to your preference.

How to Update your HP Printer Driver Using Device Manager

To update your HP printer driver using device manager, do the steps below:

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard,

Step 2: Then type “Device Manager”.

Step 3: Choose your HP printer from the available listed devices.

Step 4: Right-click on your HP machine.

Step 5: Choose “Update driver software” or “Update driver”.

Step 6: Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software”.

Step 7: Follow the promptings and instructions on the screen to install the driver update.

Step 8: Restart your PC.

The above solutions will also work if your HP printer says offline on your laptop.

If none of the above troubleshooting works, then you should try printing using another device such as your mobile phone, laptop, or another computer. This will enable you to determine if the problem is with your printer or the computer you tried to print from.

If you can print from another device, then you know that the issue is not from your HP printer.