Technology

Why Does My Printer Say “Offline” And How to Fix It?

In the last few decades, printers have seen a drastic evolution. They have become accessible and convenient to facilitate diverse printing needs starting from photos to documents, school projects and more from the comfort of your home. 

However, it can get extremely annoying when your printer suddenly stops working at the most unexpected moments. If you’re facing a similar issue then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the issue, the ways to troubleshoot it and how to get a printer back online.

Reasons Why Does My Printer Say Offline?

Do you also feel annoyed and wonder “why does my printer say offline at the most unexpected moments?”  Then check out these reasons to help you understand the issue more clearly. 

  • There might be some problem with the cable connecting your printer to the computer. 
  • Your printer must be facing a connectivity issue especially if it’s a wireless one. 
  • You might have made an error while installing the printer or the software. 
  • This might be a sign to upgrade your printer drivers. 
  • An empty ink cartridge and the full print queue can also cause your printer to go offline. 

How to Fix A Printer When It Stops Working

Ensure proper cables and network connectivity: The first thing that you should consider checking is that the cable connecting your computer to the printer isn’t damaged. Moreover, try to connect it to other devices to make sure the problem is not with the cable. 

In case you have a wireless printer, ensure that your printer and computer are connected to a stable and active Wifi connection.

  • Restart your devices: Try rebooting the connected devices and turn them off for a while. Now, restart them and re-establish the network connection to check if your printer is back online.
  • Check the companion app: The latest printers come with companion apps that allow users to access the functions of the printer through them. If you own a digital printer with one such feature, try to navigate and check important controls like ink and paper levels and run troubleshooting on the companion app. 
  • Check if your printer is in offline mode: To see if your printer is in offline mode or not, open Windows 11, and tap on Start> Settings> Bluetooth and devices> Printers and scanners. Now, navigate and select your printer. Then, open the “Open print queue” and at the bottom of the Printer Dropdown, ensure the “Use Printer Offline” mode isn’t selected. 

Conclusion 

To conclude, if your printer is still facing offline issues and wondering “why is my printer offline” then the best solution is to set it to the default settings or seek the help of a professional. Moreover, it’s important to make sure there isn’t a hardware problem. In case there’s a hardware problem, try to reach out to the technician to repair it at the earliest. 

Did you find this article on how to get printer back online helpful? Let us know through your valuable feedback. 

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