Why Is My Printer Offline? How to Fix It on Windows and Mac
By PrinterCare USA Technical Team · Published September 17, 2026 · Independent guide
Why Does My Printer Say Offline When It Is Turned On?
An "offline" status generally means your computer cannot currently communicate with the printer through the configured connection.
Common reasons include:
The printer lost its Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
The computer and printer are connected to different networks
The printer's IP address changed
Windows is using an old or incorrect printer port
The print queue is paused or contains a stuck print job
The Windows Print Spooler is not working correctly
The printer queue on your Mac needs to be recreated
The printer driver or software is outdated or corrupted
Router settings are preventing devices from communicating with each other
Start with the simple checks before changing drivers or network settings.
How to Diagnose a Printer That Shows Offline
1. Check the printer itself
Make sure:
The printer is turned on
There are no paper jams
Paper is loaded
Ink or toner warnings are not preventing printing
The Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection appears normal
The printer is not displaying an error message
If the printer has a control panel, you can also print a Network Configuration, Network Status, or similar report to find its current IP address.
The exact menu varies by printer model.
2. Restart the printer
Turn the printer off. If possible, disconnect the power cable, wait about 30 seconds, reconnect it and turn the printer back on.
Give the printer enough time to reconnect to your network before testing again.
3. Make sure the printer and computer are on the same network
For a Wi-Fi printer, confirm that your computer and printer are connected to the same local network.
This is particularly important if your router has:
A guest Wi-Fi network
Separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names
Multiple access points
Mesh Wi-Fi
Device or client isolation
Some printer models support only certain Wi-Fi bands, so check the specifications for your particular printer if it repeatedly loses its wireless connection.
Cause 1: The Printer Lost Its Network Connection
If the printer does not have a valid network connection, your computer will not be able to reach it.
What to do
Restart the printer and check its wireless status.
If it does not reconnect:
1. Open the printer's Network or Wireless settings.
2. Confirm that it is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
3. If necessary, run the printer's wireless setup again.
4. Print a network configuration page and note the printer's current IP address.
If the printer repeatedly disconnects, also check your router settings and the printer manufacturer's recommended Wi-Fi configuration.
Cause 2: The Printer's IP Address or Windows Port Changed
This is an important problem to check when a network printer is connected but Windows continues to show it as offline.
Network printers normally receive an IP address from the router. Depending on your network configuration, that address can sometimes change.
If Windows is trying to communicate with an old address, printing can stop even though the printer itself is connected correctly.
Check the printer port in Windows 11
Go to: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
Select your printer and open Printer properties. Then open the Ports tab.
Compare the configured printer connection with the printer's current network information.
You may see a WSD port, TCP/IP port, hostname, or another connection type depending on how the printer was originally installed.
Important: Do not assume that a WSD port is automatically faulty. WSD works correctly for many printers. The important question is whether Windows is communicating with the printer through the correct connection.
If the configured address is wrong
You can create or select a Standard TCP/IP port using the printer's current IP address if that connection method is appropriate for your printer and network.
After updating the connection, send a test page.
How to prevent the IP address from changing
If changing IP addresses are causing recurring problems, your router may allow you to create a DHCP reservation for the printer.
This keeps the printer associated with the same local IP address. The exact process depends on your router.
Cause 3: Windows Has Paused the Printer or the Print Queue Is Stuck
A printer may appear unavailable because the print queue has paused or one or more print jobs are stuck.
On Windows 11
Open: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
Choose your printer and open the print queue. Then:
1. Cancel print jobs that are stuck or showing errors.
2. Make sure printing is not paused.
3. If your Windows version shows a Use Printer Offline option, make sure it is not enabled.
4. Try printing a test page again.
Windows 11 also includes printer troubleshooting through the Get Help app, which can automatically check several common printing problems.
Cause 4: The Windows Print Spooler Is Stuck
The Print Spooler is the Windows service responsible for managing print jobs. If it becomes stuck, printing may stop even though the printer and network are working properly.
First try restarting the Print Spooler
Search Windows for Services. Open it, find Print Spooler, right-click it and select Restart. Try printing again.
If restarting it does not work
You may need to clear the spooler queue.
1. Open Services.
2. Find Print Spooler.
3. Stop the service.
4. Open: %WINDIR%\System32\spool\PRINTERS
5. Delete the pending print-job files inside that folder.
6. Return to Services.
7. Start the Print Spooler again.
8. Try printing a test page.
Administrator permission may be required.
How to Fix a Printer Showing Offline on Mac
macOS handles network printers differently from Windows, so you normally will not troubleshoot printer ports in the same way.
Start with: Apple menu → System Settings → Printers & Scanners
Select your printer and check its status. Also check the print queue for paused or failed print jobs.
Remove and add the printer again
If the printer is connected to your network but the existing queue is not working:
1. Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Select the printer.
3. Remove the printer.
4. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax.
5. Wait for the printer to appear.
6. Select it and add it again.
macOS commonly uses AirPrint automatically when the printer supports it.
Add the printer by IP address
If the printer does not appear automatically but you know its network address:
1. Open Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax.
3. Choose the IP option.
4. Enter the printer's IP address or hostname.
5. Select a protocol supported by the printer.
6. Add the printer.
Depending on the printer, macOS may support AirPrint, IPP, LPD, HP Jetdirect/Socket, or manufacturer-provided software. Use the connection type recommended for your printer model.
Cause 5: Your Router Is Preventing the Computer From Reaching the Printer
Sometimes both devices appear to be connected to Wi-Fi but still cannot communicate with each other.
This can happen when:
The printer is connected to a guest network
The computer is connected to another network
Client or AP isolation is enabled
A mesh or router configuration is preventing local communication
If your printer provides a built-in web management page, try entering its local IP address into a browser while your computer is connected to the same network.
If the printer's page cannot be reached, investigate the network connection before reinstalling the printer driver.
Do not disable router security settings unless you understand what the setting does.
What If the Printer Still Shows Offline?
If you have confirmed that:
The printer is powered on
The printer is connected to your network
Your computer is on the same network
There are no stuck print jobs
The printing service is running
The configured printer connection is correct
then check the printer software and driver.
Windows
Remove the printer through Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners. Restart the computer if necessary, then add the printer again.
If your printer requires manufacturer software, download the correct current driver or printer application from the printer manufacturer's official website.
Mac
Remove and add the printer again first. If the problem continues, check whether updated printer software is available.
As a final troubleshooting step, macOS also allows you to Reset the Printing System.
Important: Resetting the printing system removes printers and printer configuration from your Mac, so this should normally be used only after simpler troubleshooting has failed.
HP, Epson and Canon Printer Offline Problems
The basic troubleshooting process is similar across printer brands, but manufacturer software and network utilities can differ.
HP printer offline
If you have an HP printer stuck offline, check the Windows or Mac printer queue, network connection, current printer address and HP software configuration. Removing and re-adding the printer can also recreate its connection when an existing queue has become corrupted.
Epson printer offline
For an Epson printer showing offline, confirm that the printer is connected to the correct network and that both the operating system and Epson software are communicating with the correct printer.
Canon printer offline
If your Canon printer shows offline, check its Wi-Fi connection, print queue, current network address and Canon printer software before reinstalling the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer keep going offline?
Recurring offline problems can be caused by an unstable network connection, changing IP address, outdated printer configuration, stuck print jobs, driver problems or router settings. If restarting the printer temporarily fixes the issue but it returns later, investigate the network configuration instead of repeatedly power-cycling the printer.
Why is my printer offline on one computer but works on another?
If the printer works normally from another device, the printer itself and its basic network connection are probably functioning. The problem is more likely related to the affected computer's printer queue, printer configuration, driver, printing service or network settings. Remove stuck jobs and check the printer configuration on that computer first.
Can restarting the printer fix an offline problem?
Yes, sometimes. Restarting the printer can restore a lost network connection or clear a temporary communication problem. However, if the printer repeatedly goes offline, you should identify the underlying cause.
Will reinstalling the printer fix the offline status?
It can. Removing and adding the printer again recreates the printer queue and connection settings. However, if the underlying issue is Wi-Fi instability or network configuration, reinstalling the printer may only provide a temporary fix.
Why does my wireless printer say offline even though Wi-Fi is working?
Your internet connection can work normally while communication between your computer and printer is failing. Possible causes include the printer being connected to another Wi-Fi network, guest-network isolation, an incorrect printer address, router configuration, a stuck print queue, or driver or printer-software problems.
Still Showing Offline?
If you completed these checks and your printer still will not print, PrinterCare USA provides independent remote support. You remain at your computer and can see the troubleshooting performed on your screen.
Request Printer Help →Related Printer Support Guides
Independent Service Disclosure
PrinterCare USA is an independent printer support provider. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, or other printer manufacturers. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.