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Printers

My printer is offline. How do I reconnect it?

Offline usually means the computer can see the printer name, but cannot talk to the printer right now. Start with the connection and the stuck print queue before deleting anything.

The short answer

Turn the printer off and back on, make sure the printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network, cancel any stuck print job, then remove and re-add the printer only if it still shows offline.

Now try it on your device

Choose your path

Pick the device or situation that matches the screen in front of you.

3 options

Steps for Windows

  1. 1Open Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners.
  2. 2Select the printer and open the queue. Cancel anything that is stuck.
  3. 3Back on the printer page, make sure the printer is not set to use offline mode.
  4. 4If it still says offline, remove the printer, restart the printer, then add it again from Printers & scanners.

If Windows shows more than one copy of the same printer, try the newest one first.

One safety note

Do not install random driver tools from ads.

Before you change settings

1Wait two full minutes after turning the printer back on. Many printers reconnect slowly.
2Check the printer screen for a Wi-Fi icon or a network name.
3Make sure the computer is not on a guest Wi-Fi network while the printer is on the main network.

What to know first

What this usually means

  • The router restarted and the printer did not reconnect.
  • The computer changed to a different Wi-Fi network.
  • A print job is stuck and holding the queue.
  • There are two printer entries and the old one is selected.

Do not do this yet

  • Do not install random driver tools from ads.
  • Do not reset the printer to factory settings until you know the Wi-Fi password.
  • Do not pay a support number that appears in a search ad.

Copy this to Emily

You do not need perfect technical words. Send the plain version and a screenshot if you have one.

My printer says offline. I use [Windows/Mac], the printer brand is [brand], and the printer is connected by [Wi-Fi/USB]. What should I try next?