How to Fix HP Printer Offline Error? [Windows & Mac]

You can set up your print system on your PC using a manual. However, you can fix an error code or message only with proven and reliable methods. And when it comes to an offline HP printer issue, you can easily get it back online. Go through the guide and get the causes along with the solutions to fix the HP printer offline error on Windows or Mac.

What Does an Offline Printer Error Mean on Your PC?

If you have received the offline error message, it can be challenging to understand the reason or remove it instantly. But it does not mean you cannot get it fixed or the print system is broken. It simply requires standard methods with step-by-step instructions. When you encounter these issues, look for the causes below.

1. Driver Problems (Outdated/ Missing/ Corrupt)
2. Printer Spooler Error
3. Use Printer Offline Mode Enabled
4. The Printer is Not Set as the Default
5. Network (Wireless or Ethernet) Connection Issue
6. Incorrect Settings and Preferences Configuration

There could be other causes as well. And the reasons mentioned above are the usual ones behind the offline issue. So, let’s check out the resolving methods in order to fix them.

How to Resolve an HP Printer Offline Issue on Windows?

These instructions will address the top 5 fixes according to the issues faced by the users. Get started to fix the issue with quick and easy steps for your Windows PC. However, remember not to try all of the methods to fix one problem.

Method 1: Set the Printer As Default

Usually, your printer appears offline when it is not set as the default device. Due to this, your PC will be unable to recognize the print system. So, set it as default and start working on your print jobs.

Windows 10

1. Go to the Windows Search tab and find Devices.
2. Then, tap Printers and Scanners from the list.
3. Next, navigate to Let Windows Manage My Default Printer.
4. After that, uncheck the box next to it.
5. A list of printers will appear, then click the model name you want.
6. Now, tap on the Manage option.
7. If multiple names are given, select the printer with idle or online status.
8. Finally, try to print.

Windows 8 & 7

1. Navigate to the Windows search tab.
2. Find the Devices option in the control panel.
3. Then, click Devices and Printers from the available list.
4. Now, right-click the name of the active printer.
5. After that, select the “Set as default printer” option.
6. In the end, try to print a test document.

If the issue still remains, try another method to fix the issue.

Method 2: Disable Use Printer Offline

If you have enabled the “Use Printer Offline” feature to use it for remote work, it won’t print any document. You will need to disable the function in order to use the print jobs online.

Window 10

1. Select the Start menu in the first step.
2. Go to the Settings app and click on Devices.
3. Then, open the Printers & Scanners menu.
4. Select the model name you are using in the list.
5. Now, open the Print queue under Printer.
6. Finally, ensure to disable the Use Printer Offline feature.

Windows 11

1. Check and make sure the printer is powered on.
2. Connect the print system to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC or mobile.
3. Now, go to the Windows Start menu.
4. Open the Settings app next.
5. And click on Bluetooth & Devices.
6. After that, open the Printers and Scanners.
7. Next, select your print system and open Print Queue.
8. Navigate to the Printer section.
9. Check that the Use Printer Offline option is not selected.
10. If it is, disable it and click on Use Printer Online.

Method 3: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

If you cannot resolve the offline problem for your printer model, use your PC to diagnose and fix connection problems. Here are the steps on how to do it:

1. Make sure the paper is loaded into the main tray.
2. Then, power on your printer.
3. After that, download the HP Print and Scan Doctor app.
4. Follow the prompts to install, then open the tool.
5. Click Start on the welcome screen.
6. Select your print system and run the diagnostic.
7. If your printer cannot be found, click on My Product is not listed.
8. Thereafter, follow the steps to fix the connection error.

Method 4: Create TCP/ IP Port (Windows)

Add a printer port to your PC compatible with the IP address of your print system. Here is how to configure it:

1. Print a Network Configuration report or Wireless Network Test Results.
2. Go to the Network Configuration Page.
3. Find the IP address of your print system.
4. In Windows, search Printers & Scanners and open it.
5. Tap the name of your printing device.
6. Next, select the Manage button.
7. Select Printer Properties and navigate to the Ports tab.
8. In the next step, click the Add Port option.
9. Choose “Standard TCP/IP Port” and tap New Port.
10. Enter the IP address of your printer, and press Next.
11. Choose a new Standard TCP/IP Port from the list.
12. In the end, click the OK button.

Important: If you see two printers in the list of devices, leave them to be. Do not remove or uninstall either of the names.

Method 5: Troubleshoot the USB Printer

Check the USB cable for damage and recommended length, and then restart the PC and print system.

1. Start with turning off the printer and computer.
2. Then, unplug the USB cable from the PC and printer.
3. After that, you need to check the cable.
   1. If you have found the cable damaged, replace it.
   2. And if the cable is fine, try connecting it to a different USB port on your PC.
   3. For a USB hub or docking station, try connecting it directly to the PC.
4. Next, connect the cable to your print system.
5. Turn on your PC and wait for the restart process to finish.
6. Power on your printer and wait for the PC to install the new device.

These are the steps to resolve an offline printer issue on your Windows PC. All these methods will help you get back online and start the print jobs within minutes.

How to Get HP Printer Back Online on a Mac Device?

If you are using a Mac device and need to fix the offline issue, here are some methods to get the online status back.

Method 1: Re-add the Printer

In this method, try to remove, then re-add the printer from the print queue. It will help you clear the error state in Mac.

1. Press the Spotlight icon and look for Printers & Scanners.
2. In the Printer & Scanners folder, click the printer name.
3. Then, tap Remove Printer or the Remove option.
4. Click Remove Printer or Delete Printer on the prompted screen.
5. Thereafter, press Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax or the “Add button.”
6. Now, choose a model in the list.
7. Again, press the Add button.
8. Finally, try to print and see if the documents are printing.

Method 2: Create a Manual IP Connection

You can use the information on a Network Configuration Page to set up a manual IP address for your print system. Then, you can use it to connect your Mac device.

1. Print your Network Configuration Page.
2. On the following page, find the following:
   1. Wireless Status
   2. IP Address
   3. Subnet Mask
   4. Default Gateway and URL
3. Go to your Mac and open an internet browser.
4. Then, enter one of the URLs into the address field.
5. Thereafter, tap Enter to open the Embedded Web Server (EWS).
6. In the EWS, click the Network or Networking tab.
7. Open the Wireless menu option and tap IPv4 Configuration.
8. Select Manual IP and then enter the printer information.
9. Next, click Apply and save the manual IP address settings.
10. Go to the main menu bar and press the Spotlight icon.
11. Now, look for the Printers and Scanners option and open it.
12. Press Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax or Add button.
13. Go to the Add Printer window and select the IP icon.
14. Enter the manual IP address in the Address field.
15. Next, select the AirPrint option from the Protocol menu.
16. Here, wait for your Mac device to connect to the printer.
17. Enter a model name in the Name field.
18. Click Add to complete the setup.
19. Finally, tap Add to finalize the setup.

Method 3: Troubleshoot Your USB Printer Connection

In this method, check for damage to your USB cable and restart your PC and printer.

1. Power off the printer and the PC.
2. Then, disconnect the USB cable from the PC and printer.
3. After that, you have to check the cable.
   1. If the cable is damaged, replace it.
   2. If the cable is fine, plug it into a different USB port.
   3. For a USB hub or docking station, connect the cable directly to the PC.
4. Now, connect your cable to the print system.
5. Power on the PC and add your printer.

The troubleshooting methods for your Mac device are finalized above. Use these solutions to fix your offline printer issue. If you are unable to understand the fixes, you can connect with our printer experts on our Support page. Whether you need help with printer installation or fixing the error codes, we are available 24/7 to offer our assistance.