In this article, we will discuss several HP printer offline issues. We will also provide solutions to all these issues.
Table of Contents
What Causes an HP Printer to Go Offline? [Quick Guide]
An HP printer will go offline due to the following reasons:
1. Outdated Drivers
HP printers require drivers to function properly. The drivers enable the printer to understand the data that is sent from the computer. These drivers require an update from time to time to enable the HP printer to maintain its effectiveness.
However, when an HP printer’s driver is out-of-date, it is no longer able to serve as the communication bridge between the printer and the computer. Hence, the computer cannot identify the printer, and sometimes might be the reason why your HP printer appears offline.
2. Connection Issues
For your HP printer to work, it must be properly connected to your computer and access point or router as the case may be. If any connection (wired or wireless) isn’t properly done, it could cause your HP printer to go offline even though it is plugged into the power outlet.
3. A Settings Error
There are a lot of settings on your HP Printer to change the operation of your machine. There are also settings you could change on your computer or router that could affect your printer’s performance. Therefore, if your HP printer displays “offline”, then it could be due to an error in the settings of your printer, computer, or router.
Now that you know the reasons for your HP printer offline error, let us look at how to fix an HP printer that is offline.
Why Does My HP Printer Say Offline On My Mac? [How to Fix]
If your HP printer is offline on Mac, you can fix it by trying the following troubleshooting:
1. Run Diagnose & Fix
How to Run Diagnose & Fix App
Follow the steps below to run Diagnose and Fix application:
Step 1: If you don’t have the HP Smart application, click here to download it for your Mac.
Step 2: Go to the HP Smart application on your computer.
Step 3: Create a new account if you don’t have one. If you have an account, simply sign in.
Step 4: Then open the Diagnose and Fix application. To do this, click on “Printers”, then click on “Diagnose & Fix”.
Step 5: Click on “Start”.
Ensure that the app is kept open while you run the troubleshooter.
Step 6: If any issue is detected, just follow the on-screen instructions.
If your HP printer is offline on Mac, then this troubleshooting should fix it.
If it doesn’t, then move to the following option…
2. Remove then Re-add your HP Printer
If your HP printer keeps going offline on Mac, then removing and re-adding the printer might fix the issue.
How to Remove and Re-add HP Printer on Mac
To remove and then re-add your HP printer on your Mac, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Click on the Apple icon.
Step 2: Click on “System Preferences”.
Step 3: Click on “Printers & Scanners” or “Print and Fax” or “Print and Scan” depending on your Mac version.
Step 4: Highlight your HP printer, and click on the “-“(minus) sign. You can find the sign below the printers’ list.
Step 5: Click on “Delete Printer”.
Step 6: Click on the “+” (plus) sign.
Step 7: Choose your HP printer from the listed devices.
Step 8: Click on the field for “Print Using” or “Use”.
Step 9: From the dropdown options, choose “AirPrint”.
Step 10: Click on “Add”.
3. Reset your Mac’s Print System
If your HP printer is showing “offline” on Mac, then resetting the device’s print system might be the solution to the problem. This reset process fixes errors by clearing print jobs that are pending, printer’s preferences, and removes all printers that have been added.
How to Reset Print System on Mac
Do the following to reset the print system on Mac:
Step 1: Click on the Apple icon.
Step 2: Click on “System Preferences”.
Step 3: Click on “Printers & Scanners” or “Print and Fax” or “Print and Scan” depending on your Mac version.
Step 4: On the list of printers, right-click anywhere.
Step 5: Click on “Reset printing system”.
Step 6: Click on “Reset” to verify your choice.
Step 7: Type in the administrator name as well as password.
Step 8: Click on “OK”. Doing this will complete the process.
Step 9: After the completion of the reset, you can then re-add your HP printer using the instructions we gave earlier.
4. Set Up a Manual IP Connection (For Wireless Connection)
How to Set Up a Manual IP Connection for your HP Printer on Mac
Do the following to set up a manual IP connection for your HP printer on Mac:
Step 1: Print out a Wireless Network Test Results or Network Configuration page.
Step 2: Look for the printer’s Wireless Status, Subnet Mask, IP Address, URL, and Default Gateway on the printed out Wireless Network Test Results or Network Configuration page.
Step 3: Make sure that the “Status” is shown as “Connected” in the “802.11 Wireless” section.
Step 4: Look for the printer’s Wireless Status, Subnet Mask, IP Address, URL, and Default Gateway in the “802.11 Wireless” section. If the IPv4 and IPV6 numbers are different, then use the one for IPv4 alone.
Step 5: Look for the “URL(s) for Embedded Web Server” in the “General Information” section.
Step 6: Using a computer that is using the same network your HP printer is connected to, open a browser and then type in the URL before pressing Enter on your keyboard.
This action should cause your HP printer’s EWS (Embedded Web Service) to open. If it doesn’t, then you should use another browser.
Step 6: Click on the tab labeled “Networking” or “Network” in your HP printer’s EWS.
Step 7: Look for the Wireless menu and open it.
Step 8: Click on “IPv4 Configuration”.
Step 9: Choose “Manual IP”, and then supply your HP printer’s information.
You can auto-fill the fields by clicking on “Suggest a Manual IP Address”. However, you need to ensure that the details in the field match the details of your Wireless Network Test Results or Network Configuration page.
If “Suggest a Manual IP Address” is unavailable, then simply type in the details for the required fields.
Step 10: Click on “Apply” and wait for the confirmation of the changes.
Step 11: Click on the Apple icon.
Step 12: Click on “System Preferences”.
Step 13: Click on “Printers & Scanners” or “Print and Fax” or “Print and Scan” depending on your Mac version.
Step 14: Click on the Plus (+) sign.
Step 15: Choose the tab labeled “IP”. You can find it at the Add window’s upper bar.
Step 16: Locate the Address field, and type in the IP address of your HP printer.
Step 17: From the dropdown options for “Protocol”, choose “HP Jetdirect – Socket”.
Step 18: Go to the field for “Name”, and type in your HP printer’s name.
Step 19: Then select “Generic PostScript Printer” in the field for “Use”
Step 20: Click on “Add”, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.
The above troubleshooting should change your HP printer from offline to online on Mac for all Mac OS including HP printer is offline on Macbook pro and HP printer is offline on Mac Big Sur.
If it doesn’t, then you can contact HP for help.
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HP Printer Offline after Windows 10 Update [Quick Fix]
Do the following to fix your HP printer offline issues after a Windows 10 update:
i. Restart your computer.
ii. Confirm that your HP printer is compatible with Windows 10.
iii. Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor application.
iv. Install your printer’s current driver and software.
v. Contact HP support for further assistance.
You can also try the general troubleshooting we shared earlier for fixing HP printer offline issues.
HP Printer Offline after Power Outage [Solutions]
If your HP printer goes offline after a power outage, you can bring it back online with any of the methods below:
1. Reset your Modem or Router
You can reset your modem or router to remove your HP printer from its offline status by simply unplugging the power cable before plugging it back in after some minutes.
Once you reset your router, the network connection will then reboot thereby bringing your HP printer back online. This action should fix the issue. However, if it doesn’t, then go to the following method.
Note that this method is for HP printers that use a wireless network connection.
2. Reset your Network Settings to Default
How to Reset the Network Settings of your HP Printer to Default
To reset your network settings to default, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Find your HP printer’s control panel.
Step 2: On the printer’s dashboard, find “Network Setup”, and click on it.
Step 3: Tap “Restore Network Settings”.
Step 4: Choose “Yes” when the confirmation window is displayed.
Step 5: Print out the Network Configuration Page to confirm that all the settings are back to default.
Step 6: Restart your HP printer.
Once your printer has restarted, do the steps below to complete the setup:
Step 1: Find your HP printer’s control panel.
Step 2: Open your HP printer panel’s dashboard.
Step 3: Go to the menu for “Settings”.
Step 4: Click on the option for “Wireless Settings”.
Step 5: Tap on “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” or “Wireless Setup Wizard” when another window appears.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
After the process is complete, try reestablishing a connection. If it connects, the issue has been fixed. If it doesn’t connect, then try the next method.
Note that this is exclusive troubleshooting for HP wireless printers.
3. Disable the SNMP Protocol
How to Disable the SNMP Protocol
To disable the SNMP protocol, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open your computer’s control panel.
Step 2: Choose “Devices and Printers”.
Step 3: Look for and right-click your HP printer.
Step 4: Click “Printers Properties”.
Step 5: Click on the tab labeled “Ports”.
Step 6: Click on “Configure Port”.
Step 7: Then confirm if “SNMP Status Enabled” is checked, if it is uncheck it.
Step 8: Click on “OK”.
Step 9: Close the program.
Once, all steps have been followed accordingly; restart the printer and check if it is now online.
If your HP printer is still offline after all these, then contact HP support.
If your HP printer is showing offline on print server, then disabling the SNMP protocol should fix the issue.
HP Printer Offline after Changing Cartridge [Reasons & Solutions]
The following reasons could cause your HP printer to go offline after changing the cartridge:
1. A Faulty Cartridge was installed
Your HP printer might be offline because you installed a faulty cartridge. It could also be that the cartridge is empty. Therefore, the only way to clear restore your HP printer online is to change the cartridge again if this is the cause.
2. Your HP Printer Requires a Key press
Some HP printer models require a key press to be put into online mode after the cartridge has been changed. The key to be pressed is usually on the printer’s control panel.
So you need to know if that is applicable to your model by consulting your user manual. If you don’t have the manual, simply get one online from HP’s official website.
HP Printer Offline Driver Unavailable [Solved]
The “HP printer offline driver unavailable” error is due to the following:
1. Your Windows need Updating
Your Windows 10 software could be outdated which is why the printer cannot connect with Windows. Therefore, you need to install the current Windows to resolve this problem.
2. Issues with your HP Printer Driver
Your HP printer driver could be corrupted or missing. In such a case, the error will be displayed and your printer won’t print. You can bring your HP printer back online by uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.
HP Printer Offline Documents Waiting [Quick Fix]
If your HP printer is offline due to “documents waiting” error, then you can fix it using the troubleshooting options below:
1. Clear your Printer’s Print Spooler
How to Clear Print Spooler
Do the following to clear your print spooler:
Step 1: Turn off your printer.
Step 2: Unplug your printer.
Step 3: Press the Windows and “R” keys on your keyboard. This will launch the Run program.
Step 4: In the Open box, type in “services.msc”.
Step 5: Click on “OK”.
Step 6: Right-click on “Print Spooler”.
Step 7: Choose “Stop”.
Step 8: Press the Windows and “E” keys on your keyboard to open your computer’s file explorer.
Step 9: Open this folder path: “C:\Windows\System 32\Spool\Printers.
Step 10: Press “Ctrl” and “A”. This action will cause all the Printers folder’s listed files to be selected.
Step 11: Click “Delete” on your keyboard.
Step 12: Open the window for Services again.
Step 13: Right-click “Printer Spooler”.
Step 14: Select “Start”.
Step 15: Shut down your computer.
Step 16: Plug in your HP printer and power it on.
2. Reinstall your Printer Drivers
If the above option doesn’t work, then reinstalling the drivers might do the trick. Therefore, you will have to uninstall the driver and then reinstall it.
You can use the instructions we shared already in this article on how to uninstall and reinstall the printer driver.
3. Disable the “Use Printer Offline” Option
The document waiting error could be because your HP printer’s “Use printer offline” option is enabled. Therefore, to fix this error, simply disable this option.
We shared how you can do this earlier in this article: How Do I Change My HP Printer Status from Offline to Online? [Detailed Guide]. Follow the steps we shared to take your printer offline.
4. Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor Application
With the aid of the HP Print and Scan Doctor app, you can clear the document waiting error and get your HP printer back online.
To run HP Print and Scan Doctor, click this link: HP Printer Printing Blank Pages – How to Run HP Print and Scan Doctor, and follow the instructions provided.
How to Fix HP Printer Offline Error Processing Command
Follow the troubleshooting steps below to fix HP printer offline error processing command:
1. Restart your Print Spooler
How to Restart Print Spooler
Follow these steps to restart your print spooler:
Step 1: Go to your Windows search box and type in “services.msc”.
Step 2: Locate and click “Print Spooler”.
Step 3: Click “Stop”.
Step 4: Then wait a bit before clicking on “Start”.
Step 5: Exit the services window.
2. Cancel Pending Documents
How to Cancel Pending Documents on your HP Printer
To cancel pending documents, do the following:
Step 1: Navigate to the Printers Folder.
Step 2: Right-click your HP printer.
Step 3: Click on “Open”.
Step 4: If you find any pending documents, click “Printer”.
Step 5: Then click “Cancel all pending documents”.
Step 6: Exit the window. After that, restart your computer.
Check and confirm if the error has been fixed. If it isn’t, move on to the next troubleshooting.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall Current HP Printer Software and Drivers
Another solution to fix the error processing command that is responsible for your HP printer going offline is to uninstall and then reinstall the updated version of your HP printer software and drivers.
We have discussed how you can do this already in this article. Simply follow those instructions to get your printer back online.
4. Install Antivirus and Antimalware
The error processing command on your HP printer can be resolved by installing an antivirus and antimalware on your computer if you don’t have one already.
Make sure that you get a quality antimalware and antivirus program. After purchasing one, ensure that you run a scan to find any infection or malware on the computer.
5. Replace any Faulty Cable
Confirm that all your cables are in good working condition. If you notice any damage to your power cable, USB cable, Ethernet cable, etc. ensure that you replace such a cable as it could prevent the detection of the connection between your HP printer and computer or router.
After doing the above, you can now run a test print to see if the issue is resolved. If it is not, then you should try printing from another computer. If you still can’t print, then you should contact HP support for further assistance.
Why Is My HP Printer Offline On iPad? [Reasons & Solutions]
If your HP printer is offline when using an iPad, then follow these troubleshooting steps to fix the problem:
1. Check USB Connection
Your HP printer might be offline on your iPad because of a wrong USB connection. Therefore, you should confirm that the connection is okay.
To do this, simply turn off your printer and reseat the cable back into your printer and computer. Make sure that the cable is fit properly into the slot.
Once you have done the above, try printing a document. If it doesn’t print, then try the next troubleshooting.
2. Reset your HP Printer
How to Reset HP Printer
To reset your HP printer, do the following steps:
Step 1: Turn on your HP printer.
Step 2: Disconnect the printer’s power cord from your printer.
Step 3: Then unplug the cable from the socket.
Step 4: Wait for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Then plug the cord back into the socket.
Step 6: Reconnect the printer’s power cable to your printer.
Step 7: If your printer doesn’t turn on automatically, then turn it on by pressing the power button.
Step 8: Print from your iPad.
If it prints, then the issue has been resolved. If it doesn’t, then move to the next step.
3. Remove Extra Printers from the List
How to Remove Extra Printers from your iPad Device List
To remove extra printers that are associated with your iPad, do the following:
Step 1: Search for your printer on your iPad.
Step 2: Click on “Print & Scan”, “Print & Fax” or “Printers & Scanners”.
Step 3: Locate your HP printer in the list displayed.
Step 4: If there is more than one queue for the printer, remove the extra ones.
Step 5: To do the above, just click on the printer you want to remove and then click on the minus (-) button.
Step 6: Ensure that the printer that displays “idle” is not removed.
This should fix the issue; if it is not fixed, then go to the next option.
4. Add your HP Printer
How to Add your HP Printer on your iPad
Step 1: Search for your print on your iPad.
Step 2: Click on “Print & Scan”, “Print & Fax” or “Printers & Scanners”.
Step 3: Locate your HP printer in the list displayed and select it.
Step 4: In the Use field that has your printer name, select “Airprint”.
Step 5: Click on “Add” to add the printer.
This should fix the problem. You should also try the other solutions on how to take your HP printer offline which we shared already.
If your HP printer is offline on iPhone, then you can also use these troubleshooting options to resolve the issue.
HP Printer Goes Offline When Connected To VPN [How to Fix]
If your HP printer goes offline when connected to VPN, then you can fix it by disconnecting from the VPN in use. After that, try accessing your HP printer again.
Your connection between your HP printer and your computer should be direct. In other words, make use of a USB cable.
Another way to fix the issue is to adjust the configuration of the VPN and grant yourself LAN access.
Making use of a different VPN solution can resolve the issue. They are great for securing data and they won’t affect your HP printer.
If you own a Brother that is always going offline, you can read this Brother printer goes offline to learn how to fix the problem.
Other HP Printer Offline Issues
Below are articles on this site that provide solutions to other HP printer offline issues that this article didn’t cover.
How Do I Change My HP Printer Status From Offline To Online? [Detailed Guide]
If you are asking the above question, the answers you seek are in this article: How do I change my HP printer status from offline to online? [Detailed Guide]. In that article, we discuss in detail some troubleshooting options that can help you get your HP printer back online.
HP Printer Offline after New Router [How to Fix]
If you are complaining about your HP printer going offline after adding a new router, this article: HP printer offline after new router [How to Fix] will provide you with the solutions to this problem.
The above solutions discussed in this article cover printer offline issues for the following HP printer models:
HP 8600, HP f300, HP Officejet 3830, HP Deskjet 3050 aj 611, HP Officejet 4650, HP 8610, HP 5520, HP Deskjet 1510, HP Laserjet 1020, HP Deskjet 1000, HP Deskjet 1050, HP Deskjet 1010, HP Deskjet 1112, HP Deskjet 1110, HP Laserjet 1320, HP Deskjet 2600, HP 2700, HP 2540, HP 2710, HP 2620, HP Deskjet 2630, HP Deskjet 2652, HP Deskjet 2622, HP 3700, HP Deskjet 3630, HP 3755, HP 3835, HP 3833, HP 3632, HP Deskjet 3752, HP Deskjet 3720, HP Deskjet f4100, HP 4520, HP 4630, HP 4500, HP 4155, HP Deskjet 4152, HP Deskjet 4120, HP 5200, HP 5255, HP 5740, HP 5540, HP 5220.
HP 5000, HP 5530, HP 5258, HP Deskjet 5820, HP Deskjet 5075, HP 6960, HP 6970, HP 6950, HP 6978, HP 6968, HP 6400, HP 6600, HP 6830, HP 6962, HP 6055, HP 7740, HP 7800, HP envy 7640, HP 7100, HP 7855, HP 7520, HP 8710, HP 8020, HP 8600, HP 8620, HP 8720, HP 8025, HP 8715, HP 8030, HP 9010, HP 9020, HP 9015, and HP Officejet pro 9010.