> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://hpprinterguidecenter.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why Does My HP Printer Say Offline? How to Fix It

> Fix an HP printer showing offline by restarting devices, checking Wi-Fi, clearing the print queue, updating drivers, and using HP Print and Scan Doctor.

[Get Started Here
→](<https://flosyr.com/?2PhSLkah4q72iUzaTOOlpL3jTemNlTo8ylfECpHdSvKOaxNqEouXeNLE5 >)

When your HP printer shows as offline, it usually means the printer and your computer are not communicating. The fastest fix is to restart everything, then check a few common settings.

## Quick fix: restart everything

**Step 1**

Turn the printer off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

**Step 2**

Unplug your router for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the network to come back online.

**Step 3**

Restart your computer or mobile device.

**Step 4**

Try printing again.

If the printer is still offline, work through the causes below.

## Other causes and fixes

### Printer disconnected from Wi-Fi

If your printer lost its Wi-Fi connection, it will appear offline. On the printer control panel, open the **Network** or **Wireless** menu and check the connection status. If it shows disconnected, run **Wireless Setup Wizard** or **Wi-Fi Protected Setup** to reconnect. For exact steps, check your printer manual on [support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com).

### Wrong printer selected or duplicate printer copy

Your computer may be sending jobs to a copy of the printer that is no longer active.

> **On Windows**
>
> **Step 1**
>
> Open **Settings** > **Bluetooth & devices** > **Printers & scanners**.
>
> **Step 2**
>
> Select your HP printer and make sure it says **Default**.
>
> **Step 3**
>
> If you see multiple copies of the same printer name, remove the ones that show **Offline** or have a grayed-out icon.

> **On Mac**
>
> **Step 1**
>
> Open **System Settings** > **Printers & Scanners**.
>
> **Step 2**
>
> Select your HP printer and click **Set as Default** if needed.
>
> **Step 3**
>
> Remove any duplicate or inactive printer entries.

### "Use Printer Offline" is enabled on Windows

Windows can set a printer to work offline, which blocks print jobs.

**Step 1**

Open **Settings** > **Bluetooth & devices** > **Printers & scanners**.

**Step 2**

Select your HP printer and click **Open print queue**.

**Step 3**

Click **Printer** in the menu bar and make sure **Use Printer Offline** is not checked. If it is checked, click it to turn it off.

### Print queue is stuck

A stuck job can block new prints and make the printer appear offline.

**Step 1**

Open the print queue for your HP printer.

**Step 2**

Select all jobs and click **Cancel** or **Remove**.

**Step 3**

Restart the printer and try printing a new document.

### Printer IP address changed

If your printer uses a dynamic IP address, it may have changed and broken the connection.

**Step 1**

Print a network configuration page from the printer control panel, usually under **Network** > **Print Network Configuration**.

**Step 2**

Note the current IP address.

**Step 3**

On your computer, remove the printer and add it again using the new IP address, or let the setup tool find it automatically.

### Outdated or corrupted driver

An old or broken driver can cause communication errors.

**Step 1**

Go to [support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com) and enter your printer model.

**Step 2**

Download the latest driver or the **HP Smart** app for your operating system.

**Step 3**

Install the software and follow the setup prompts.

### Use HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)

HP provides a free diagnostic tool for Windows that can automatically find and fix offline issues.

**Step 1**

Download **HP Print and Scan Doctor** from [support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com).

**Step 2**

Run the tool and select your printer from the list.

**Step 3**

Click **Fix Printing** and follow the on-screen instructions.

## If that didn't work

If your printer is still showing offline after trying the steps above, visit [support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com) for model-specific guidance, live chat, and additional troubleshooting tools.

## Related articles

* [Wi-Fi connection problems](/troubleshooting/wifi-connection-problems)
* [Connect your printer to Wi-Fi](/getting-started/connect-to-wifi)
* [Install drivers and software](/getting-started/install-drivers)


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