How to Fix Printer Offline Issue (Windows & Mac)

🗓️ Posted on April 13, 2026

How to Fix Printer Offline Issue (Windows & Mac)

Sometimes your printer may show as “Offline” even when it is properly connected. This prevents you from printing documents and can be frustrating. The issue usually occurs due to connection problems, incorrect settings, or driver errors.

Why Does Printer Show Offline?

  • Poor or lost connection between printer and computer
  • Printer is set to offline mode
  • Outdated or corrupted drivers
  • Print queue stuck with pending jobs
  • Network or Wi-Fi issues

Step 1: Check Printer and Connection

Before applying advanced fixes, ensure basic connectivity.

Steps:

  • Make sure the printer is turned ON
  • Check USB cable connection (for wired printers)
  • For wireless printers:
    • Ensure printer is connected to Wi-Fi
    • Confirm PC and printer are on the same network
  • Restart both:
    • Printer
    • Computer

Step 2: Set Printer to Online Mode

Sometimes Windows sets the printer to offline mode.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Go to Devices and Printers
  3. Right-click your printer
  4. Select See what’s printing
  5. Click Printer (menu bar)
  6. Uncheck Use Printer Offline

Step 3: Set Printer as Default

If another printer is set as default, your printer may appear offline.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners
  3. Select your printer
  4. Click Set as Default

Step 4: Clear Print Queue

Pending or stuck print jobs can cause offline errors.

Steps:

  1. Open Devices and Printers
  2. Right-click your printer → See what’s printing
  3. Click Cancel All Documents
  4. Restart your printer

Step 5: Restart Print Spooler Service

The print spooler manages all print jobs.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter
  3. Find Print Spooler
  4. Right-click → Restart

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause communication issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager
  2. Expand Printers
  3. Right-click your printer → Update Driver
  4. Choose Search automatically

    If problem continues:

  • Uninstall the printer
  • Download latest drivers from official website (HP, Canon, Epson, etc.)
  • Install again

Step 7: Check Printer Port Settings

Incorrect port configuration can make printer offline.

Steps:

  1. Open Devices and Printers
  2. Right-click printer → Printer Properties
  3. Go to Ports tab
  4. Ensure correct port is selected:
    • USB (for wired)
    • TCP/IP (for network printers)

Step 8: Run Printer Troubleshooter

Windows can automatically detect and fix issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
  3. Click Printer → Run
  4. Follow instructions

Step 9: Disable SNMP Status (Advanced Fix)

This helps in network printer issues.

Steps:

  1. Open Printer Properties
  2. Go to Ports tab
  3. Select your port → Click Configure Port
  4. Uncheck SNMP Status Enabled
  5. Click OK

Step 10: Print a Test Page

After fixing the issue, verify the printer.

On Windows:

  1. Go to Devices and Printers
  2. Right-click printer → Printer Properties
  3. Click Print Test Page

On Mac:

  1. Go to Printers & Scanners
  2. Select printer
  3. Click Options & Supplies
  4. Print test page

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Printer Still Offline

  • Restart router (for Wi-Fi printers)
  • Reconnect printer to network

2. Wrong Network

  • Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi

3. Driver Issues

  • Always use official drivers
  • Avoid outdated software

4. Frequent Offline Problem

  • Assign a static IP address to printer

Pro Tips

  • Keep your printer firmware updated
  • Avoid weak Wi-Fi signals
  • Use original cables and accessories
  • Restart devices regularly for better performance

Conclusion

The printer offline issue is common but easy to fix with the right steps. By checking connections, updating drivers, and adjusting settings, you can quickly bring your printer back online and resume printing without interruptions.