HP printers are known for their intelligence and are built to have the ability to work wirelessly. This wireless ability to print makes it more user-friendly, and you can print your files from any device, such as smartphones, laptops, or desktop computers. However, sometimes especially when you want to download some important file and suddenly, the printer goes offline. Now, you ask, "Why is my HP printer offline?" To answer this question and free your mind from worrying about this question. These steps will offer you ways to resolve the issue.
What Does It Mean When the HP Printer Goes Offline?
It is frustrating to see that the HP printer is offline at the time of its need. The good thing is that the offline printer doesn't mean it is broken and needs replacement. It just means that offline printers can't communicate with the devices sending files for printout. The reasons why your printer has gone offline can be because of the following:
- An outdated printer driver
- Connection problems
- Error in the Settings
Resolving each of these issues has a different process. Let's understand the problem and how to take the printer online again.
Solution 1: Running HP Print & Scan Doctor Software
Let's answer your question about why is my HP printer offline. These steps are to be followed:
- You can identify and solve errors by using HP Print & Scan Doctor software.
- If you still need to download it, you can use this link support.hp.com.
- For this, you need to open the app named HPPSdr.exe from your Downloads folder or wherever the application is present. You may have to run it in administrator method.
- Next, click on the Yes button to trust the app. As it directly comes from the HP support service, choose Yes.
- After that, tap on the HP printer model after clicking the Start option.
- Sometimes, your printer may be missing from the list.
- To resolve this, restart the printer and press the Retry button in the app.
- The app will identify the potential issues in the connection.
- Now, perform the steps and hit the Yes button when prompted to turn on the printer issues.
- Further, continue the process and set your printer as the default printer.
Did these steps answer your question: Why is my HP printer offline? Only proceed to the following option in case it is "No," and your printer is offline.
Solution 2: Setting Your Printer As Default
Sometimes, you may have to set the default HP printer device preference. The below-mentioned steps will help you in resolving this issue.
If the computer is running on Windows 8, Then follow this method.
- First, select your printer from the devices list.
- If the list has more than one version, you must choose the white version, not the grey one.
- After choosing the printer, right-click, and you can choose the "Set as default printer" option.
The next steps are for the computer running on Windows 10.
- Go to Devices from Settings or type on the search bar.
- In the next step, choose the Printers and Scanners option.
- "Let Windows Manage my default printer" should be unchecked here.
- From the list, you have to select the HP printer model.
- If there are multiple printers, select the printer showing the status.
- Now, click manage and then Set it as default.
Solution 3: Confirm Printer Port and Windows Services Status
If the printer has a WSD port, then do this.
- Go to "View devices and printers."
- After that, go to "Printer Properties" after the right-click.
- Now, open the Ports panel to see whether your printer uses a WSD port.
Continue these steps if your printer has a WSD port.
- First, go to the Windows Start menu and input "Services" in the search bar.
- Find the Function Discovery Provider Host and Function Discovery Resource Publication from the list.
- After that, hit on the Status & Startup columns.
- If they are running, go to the following step and have an automatic starting type.
- If they appear blank with a manual startup, click right the name and choose Properties to change the startup to automatic.
- Now, return to the Device & Printers screen and hit the F5 key on your keyboard.
- If the status of your printer is online, then the issue is resolved.
- If the status is still offline, you may have to print a network configuration notice.
- To do this, open Settings from your computer.
- Next is the printer name (right click)> Printer Properties > Ports Tab.
- In the following step, select the Add to Port option.
- And then choose the Standard TCP/IP Port option > New Port.
- Connect a new port using the previously run network configuration report - Preferred hostname.
- Return to Devices & Printers and refresh (F5).
Conclusion
You know you're not alone if anyone asks, "Why is my HP printer offline?" This problem will happen to virtually every printer owner at one time or another. For people with wireless-connected printers or an older printer, this may occur more frequently, and for those who wait to update their operating system or driver after a while. So, every time you face this issue, refer to the steps mentioned above till the issue is resolved. Hopefully, now you will return to printing without worrying about when the HP printer might go offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general issues that can cause HP printers to go Offline?
Here are some of the major causes to get the HP printer to go offline:
- Connectivity issues: A computer or WiFi might interrupt your connection to the printer.
- Power problems: A printer may be unable to operate if the power supply is affected.
- Driver Problems: The printer may fail to work due to an outdated or corrupt driver.
- Paper jam: Jamming of paper inside the printer can cause it to go offline.
- Hardware issues, including a broken power cable or a faulty component for the printer
Will restarting the WiFi Router can result in the printer going offline?
Yes, Restarting the router can temporarily disconnect all devices from the network and cause it to go offline. So, it is crucial to check your router before you address the issue of the printer going offline.
Can my HP printer Turn-off automatically?
Yes, the HP printer can automatically turn off itself. It occurs because the Auto-off or Power Save Mode setting might be enabled. You can switch off this feature using the printer's software or the control panel.