Printer offline issues often arise due to problems with the printer's connection, the printer hardware itself, or the devices and software used to communicate with it. These issues can stem from various factors, including network connectivity, printer status, driver compatibility, print queue congestion, and system or software conflicts. In this True Image guide, we'll explore some of the most common reasons printers go offline and provide troubleshooting steps to help you resolve these issues.
Index
- Definition of Printer Being Offline
- Reasons for Printer Being Offline
- Poor Network - Weak or Unstable Network Connection
- Printer Status - Power and Supplies
- Driver Issues - Outdated or Incompatible Drivers
- Printer Queue Issues - Stuck Print Jobs
- Software or Operating System Issues - System Updates
- Solution for Converting Brother Printer from Offline to Online
- 1. Disconnect Any VPN Connections
- 2. Restart Your Device and Printer
- 3. Check the Connectivity Status
- 4. Bring Your Printer Online Through Settings
- 5. Cancel Any Stuck Printing Tasks
- 6. Reinstall the Printer
- 7. Update the Printer Driver
🎀Definition of Printer Being Offline
"Printer offline" means that the printer is not currently available for printing tasks. This status usually indicates that there is an issue with the printer's connection to the computer or network, or with the printer itself. When a printer is offline, it cannot receive or process print jobs from the computer or other devices. In short, printer offline has a big impact on workplace productivity.
However, the troubleshooting tips provided here can benefit most printer brands, including HP, Brother, Samsung, Canon, Ricoh, Xerox, Sharp, and many others. MacOS and Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10) are examples of universal operating systems that these printers may be used with. While various operating systems may have different specifics, the underlying reasons for a printer being offline are usually the same.
🎀Reasons for Printer Being Offline
As we mentioned before, an offline printer usually indicates an issue with the printer's connection, the printer itself, and so on. This is because three components are involved in the printing process: your printer, your operating devices (such as a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone), and any wired or wireless communication medium (such as a cable or router). In short, malfunctions, connectivity problems, and compatibility issues might cause the printer to go offline. Hence, we'll list a few of the typical reasons why printers go offline so that you can better comprehend them.
Poor Network - Weak or Unstable Network Connection🍀
If your HP printer is offline, a weak or unstable network connection could be the culprit. This can be caused by:
Poor Internet Connection: Intermittent internet issues can disrupt the printer's ability to communicate with the network, leading to an "HP printer offline" error.
Faulty USB Cable: If you're using a USB connection, a damaged or loose cable can cause the printer to perform poorly or go offline.
Printer Status - Power and Supplies🍀
Another common reason for an HP printer to be offline is due to issues with its power and supplies. Make sure:
Power On: The printer is turned on and fully functional.
Sufficient Paper, Ink, and Toner: There's enough paper loaded in the tray, and the ink or toner cartridges have adequate levels.
Error Messages: Check the printer's display panel or status light for any error messages or warnings that could indicate a problem.
Driver Issues - Outdated or Incompatible Drivers🍀
Outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent your HP printer from understanding or accepting commands, leading to an "HP printer offline" status. Make sure:
Outdated Drivers: Your printer drivers are up to date. An previous motive force might not be like minded together along with your modern working system.
Driver Incompatibility: Any recent updates or changes to your system haven't caused compatibility issues with the existing driver.

Printer Queue Issues - Stuck Print Jobs🍀
A congested print queue can cause your HP printer to go offline. To resolve this, try:
Clearing the Queue: Regularly clearing the print queue to ensure smooth operation.
Printer Spooler Service: Check for issues with the printer spooler service on your computer, which can also lead to offline errors.
Software or Operating System Issues - System Updates🍀
Sometimes, system updates can cause communication issues between your HP printer and your computer. Make sure:
Operating System Updates: Your operating system is up to date to maintain compatibility with your printer.
Software Conflicts: There are no conflicts with other software installed on your computer that could disrupt printer communication.
🎀Solution for Converting Brother Printer from Offline to Online
If your printer is offline, don't worry - there are several quick steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here are some effective troubleshooting methods to get your printer back online, including disconnecting any VPN connections, restarting your device and printer, checking the connectivity status, bringing your printer online through settings, canceling any stuck printing tasks, reinstalling the printer, and updating the printer driver.
1. Disconnect Any VPN Connections✅
VPNs can change your IP address, which might cause your printer to go offline. Disconnecting from the VPN can often resolve printer offline issues.
2. Restart Your Device and Printer✅
A simple restart can often fix many issues, including printer offline. Turn off your computer and printer, wait a few moments, and then turn them back on.
3. Check the Connectivity Status✅
Ensure that your printer is well related on your device. For USB-connected printers, check the cable connections. For network printers, verify that they're connected to the router and that your device is connected to the same network.
4. Bring Your Printer Online Through Settings✅
Sometimes, printers go offline due to software settings. Here's a way to carry it lower back online:
- Open the Printers window in Windows 10.
- Right-click on your printer and select "See what’s printing" or "Print Server Properties.
- Look for an option that says "Use Printer Offline" and uncheck it.
5. Cancel Any Stuck Printing Tasks✅
If there are print jobs stuck in the queue, they might be causing the printer to go offline. Cancel these jobs from the printing task window.

6. Reinstall the Printer✅
Removing and then re-adding the printer can help refresh the connection and install the latest drivers:
- Go to "Devices and Printers" in the Control Panel.
- Right-click on your printer and select "Remove device.
- Once the printer is removed, click "Add a printer" and follow the prompts to add it back.
7. Update the Printer Driver✅
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause connectivity issues. Updating the driver can often fix these problems to get your printer online:
- Go to Device Manager in Windows.
- Find your printer, right-click, and select "Update driver."
- Follow the prompts to search for and install the latest driver.
For more detailed steps, you can refer to our blog, Why Is My Canon Printer Offline, for further reading. If your printer is not responding, you can also refer to our blog about the causes and solutions of printers not responding.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most printer offline issues. If you're still experiencing problems, it might be time to consult with a technician or consider getting a new printer to avoid high maintenance costs.