Symptoms
- Computer shows the printer status as 'Offline'
- Print jobs sit in the queue and never print
- Printer itself appears on and ready
- Was working before, then suddenly shows offline
Likely causes
- CommonPrinter's Wi-Fi or network connection droppedWireless printers frequently lose their network connection after router reboots or sleep modes.
- CommonPrinter set to 'Use Printer Offline' in Windows settingsWindows sometimes flips this setting on its own after a connection hiccup.
- CommonPrinter is asleep or in power-save modeMany printers show as offline to the computer while in a low-power sleep state.
- PossibleIP address changed (for network printers)If the printer's IP address changed, the computer may still be trying to reach the old one.
- PossiblePrint spooler service stuckThe background Windows service that manages printing can hang and needs a restart.
What to do
- Check that the printer is powered on and, if wireless, connected to Wi-Fi (many have a Wi-Fi status light or icon on their display).
- On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, click your printer, and make sure 'Use Printer Offline' is turned off if present.
- Restart the printer by turning it off, waiting 15 seconds, and turning it back on.
- Restart the computer's print spooler: search 'Services,' find 'Print Spooler,' right-click, and choose Restart.
- For network printers, confirm the IP address hasn't changed by checking the printer's own network settings menu against what's saved on the computer.
- Remove the printer from the computer's device list and re-add it fresh.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router if the printer keeps dropping its connection.
Tools and parts
- None
When to call a pro
If the printer still shows offline after reinstalling it and restarting the router, and this happens repeatedly, a technician can check for a failing network card in the printer.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.