We all know how frustrating it is to get to your printer, only to see the ‘offline’ message, especially when there’s the pressure of an urgent deadline. However, with some simple troubleshooting techniques up your sleeve, getting your printer back online quickly can be stress-free.
If you’re having printer problems and need to know how to get your printer back online, then this is the blog for you. Read on for a very handy checklist of possible solutions.
Why is My Printer Offline?
When a printer is offline, it simply means that the printer is not connected to the computer. Without this communication between the two devices, it’s not possible to print your documents. There are multiple potential reasons for this, including problems with loose cables, network issues, outdated drivers and software, or incorrect settings.
So now we know a few reasons why your printer is offline, let’s find out how to fix these problems.
How to Get Your Printer Back Online
If you need to get your printer back online quickly, this useful list of tips and tricks should get you back on top of your printing in no time.
Check the Printer and Cables
It’s hard to believe but one of the most common reasons for printers going offline is a problem with the cables. Loose or disconnected cables can prevent the necessary communication between the printer and the computer. It’s easy for the cable to become dislodged, for example by being knocked accidentally, so make sure you check both connections are secure.
While you’re there, don’t forget to double-check that the cables are connected to the correct port on both devices. The cable could also be damaged in some way. Try swapping the cable with a new one to see if that is the issue.
Check the Network Connection
It seems obvious but always remember to first make sure that your internet is working properly. Next, you need to find out if your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. There are various ways to check this but this can depend on the model.
First, you could see if your printer is displayed in the list of connected devices on the computer. Some printers also have a built-in menu that shows you which network the printer is connected to. If all else fails, go to your printer’s manual for specific guidance on adding a Wi-Fi network.
Restart Your Printer and Computer
It’s a standing joke now to be asked by the IT department “have you tried switching your computer off?”
But in reality, this does actually work for a lot of IT issues including a computer printer being offline. A simple restart of both devices may help your printer reconnect to your computer. If you’re not sure how, it’s best to consult the user manual to get the best results, because not all printers can be restarted in the same way.
Install or Update Your Printer Drivers
A printer driver is the software that allows your computer to communicate with the printer. This is essential because these drivers translate instructions from the operating system into a format that the printer can understand.
Following these simple steps can help you to install and update printer drivers as and when needed:
- Find the latest drivers for your model of your printer. You can get these details from the manufacturer’s website.
- Install the driver by carefully following the instructions provided.
On a Windows computer, go to:
Start >> Settings >>Devices >> Printers and Scanners>>Add Device.
At this point you can add the printer to your list of printers and scanners.
- Check for updates on a regular basis to prevent compatibility issues. You can find these updates in your computer’s device manager or through the manufacturer’s website.
If your printer is still displaying offline despite correct installation and regular updates, try reinstalling the drivers. To do this, uninstall the existing driver, restart your computer, and then reinstall the latest version to resolve potential incompatibility between the software.
Remove All Pending Print Jobs
Another tactic you could try is removing all pending print jobs from the queue.
To clear print jobs on a Windows computer, go to:
- Start >> Control Panel >> Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on the printer that has stopped connecting.
- Select >> See What’s Printing.
- Right-click on the jobs and press >> Cancel or Cancel all documents.
Set the Printer Online Manually
There could be a chance that your printer has been set to offline mode, either through a software glitch, network issue or a previous manual selection.
Therefore, you may need to check your printer’s settings.
To do this on a Windows computer, go to:
- Start >> Control Panel >> Devices and Printers.
- Then right-click your printer and then select >> See What’s Printing.
- From here a window should appear. Choose >> Printer, and then select >>Use Printer Online.
Uninstall and Reinstall Your Printer
If you’ve tried all these procedures and your printer is still not online, then you might need to uninstall and reinstall your printer.
To do this on a Windows computer, go to:
- Start >> Control Panel >> Devices and Printers.
- Then right-click on the printer and press >> Remove Device.
- Once removed, reinstall the printer on the device. You do this by following the same steps, but clicking on >> Add Printer instead.
It’s Time to Get Back to Printing!
The next time your printer goes offline (and you know it will), take a deep breath and remember you now have the knowledge to fix it.
Start by checking cable connections, verifying the network connection and restarting your printer and computer. Make sure the drivers and software are up-to-date and remember that reinstalling drivers can really help. You can also try removing all pending print jobs from the queue. If the problem still persists, check the settings to see whether the printer has been set to offline or online.
These easy-to-follow, troubleshooting steps can solve your printer issues quickly, saving you a lot of time and energy. With a little know-how, you can be printing again in no time at all.
If you have any further questions, contact our friendly team at OZStation. We’re happy to help you with all things printing.
