How to Get My Printer Back Online

Steps to Get a Printer Back Online

Work through these checks in order before trying advanced changes.

1. Make sure the printer is turned on.
2. Check the printer for an error, warning, paper jam, open cover, or other condition that needs attention.
3. Confirm the printer's WiFi or USB connection.
4. Make sure you are using the correct installed printer on your computer.
5. Check and clear failed print jobs.
6. Restart the printer if appropriate.
7. Use the operating system's printer troubleshooting tools.
8. Check printer software or drivers if the problem continues.
9. Remove and add the printer again only if simpler troubleshooting does not solve the issue.

Step 1: Check the Printer Itself

Start with the physical printer rather than the computer.

• Confirm that the printer is powered on.
• Wait until startup is complete.
• Check the display or status lights.
• Check for a paper jam.
• Make sure covers and access doors are properly closed.
• Check paper and consumable-related warnings.
• Resolve any specific error or support code.

If the printer itself is not ready, changing computer settings may not restore normal printing.

Step 2: Restart the Printer

A normal restart can clear a temporary communication problem.

Turn the printer off normally. If the manufacturer permits power cycling for your model, disconnect power briefly, reconnect it, and turn the printer back on. Allow startup to finish before testing again.

Avoid using a factory reset as an early troubleshooting step. A factory reset can remove network or other saved settings and is usually not necessary for a basic offline problem.

Step 3: Check the Printer Connection

The next step depends on whether the printer uses WiFi or USB.

For a WiFi Printer

• Check that wireless networking is active on the printer.
• Confirm that the printer is connected to the intended WiFi network.
• Confirm that your computer is using the intended network.
• Check whether the WiFi name or password recently changed.
• Check whether the router was replaced or reset.

For a USB Printer

• Check that the USB cable is securely connected.
• Inspect both ends of the connection.
• Try another suitable USB port if necessary.
• Check a USB hub or adapter if one is being used.
• Confirm that the computer recognizes the printer.

How to Get a Printer Back Online on Windows 11

If the printer appears offline in Windows 11, Microsoft recommends beginning with its automated printer troubleshooter and then checking the connection, default printer, print queue, Print Spooler, and printer installation.

Step 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

On Windows 11, start with the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app.

Allow the troubleshooter to run its checks and follow any instructions it provides.

Step 2: Open Printers & Scanners

Go to:

Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Select the printer you actually want to use.

Step 3: Check the Default Printer

If you have several printer entries, confirm that the correct device is being used.

If you want to manually choose a default printer, you may need to turn off Let Windows manage my default printer before the Set as default option becomes available.

Step 4: Clear the Print Queue

Go to:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select the printer and choose Open print queue.

Cancel failed or unnecessary pending jobs. A stuck job can prevent later documents from printing normally.

Step 5: Restart the Print Spooler

The Print Spooler manages print jobs in Windows. If printing remains stuck, restart the service:

1. Search Windows for Services.
2. Open the Services application.
3. Find Print Spooler.
4. Right-click it.
5. Select Restart.

Step 6: Remove and Add the Printer Again

If the printer remains offline after the previous checks, Windows allows you to remove and reinstall it.

Open:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select the printer and remove it. Then make sure the printer is powered on and connected before using Add device to add it again.

Step 7: Restart the Computer

If necessary, restart the computer after checking the printer and printing services, then test printing again.

What About Windows 10?

Similar connection, queue, spooler, and printer reinstallation checks can apply to Windows 10. However, Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, so this guide focuses its current Windows instructions primarily on Windows 11.

How to Get a Printer Back Online on Mac

On a Mac, check the printer and connection first, then use macOS printer settings and Print Centre to inspect the printer and its jobs.

Step 1: Check the Printer

Make sure the printer is turned on and is not displaying an error that needs attention.

Step 2: Check the Connection

For a wireless printer, confirm that the Mac and printer can communicate over the intended network. For USB, inspect the cable, port, adapter, or hub.

Step 3: Open Print Centre

Print Centre displays printers added to your Mac and their current print jobs.

You can also reach a printer's queue through:

Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners > select the printer > Printer Queue

Step 4: Resume Paused Printing

If the printer or print job is paused, use the resume control in Print Centre.

Step 5: Remove Failed Jobs

Cancel or remove failed jobs that are no longer needed, then try a new print job.

Step 6: Check the Printer Entry

Confirm that the correct printer is installed in Printers & Scanners. If a persistent configuration problem remains, you may need to remove and add the printer again according to the appropriate setup instructions.

How to Bring a WiFi Printer Back Online

If the printer works wirelessly, concentrate on the network before reinstalling drivers.

1. Make sure the printer is on.
2. Check the printer's wireless status.
3. Confirm the intended WiFi network.
4. Check the computer's network connection.
5. Check whether the router or WiFi credentials changed.
6. Reconnect the printer to WiFi using the instructions for its exact model if necessary.
7. Recheck the printer on the computer.
8. Send a test print.

For more wireless help, see: How to Connect Your Printer to WiFi .

How to Bring a USB Printer Back Online

A USB printer does not need WiFi troubleshooting unless it is also configured for wireless use.

1. Turn the printer on.
2. Check the USB cable at both ends.
3. Try another suitable USB port if needed.
4. Check any USB hub or adapter being used.
5. Confirm that the computer recognizes the printer.
6. Check the print queue.
7. Confirm that the correct printer entry is selected.
8. Test printing again.

Check the Printer Driver or Software

If the printer is powered on, connected, and still unavailable, check whether the installed printer software is appropriate for your operating system and exact printer model.

Driver troubleshooting becomes particularly relevant when:

• The printer is no longer recognized.
• The problem started after a system change.
• There are old or duplicate printer installations.
• The printer was recently reinstalled.
• The operating system reports a driver-related problem.

Avoid downloading printer drivers from unknown websites. Use software intended for the exact printer and operating system.

Printer Still Offline? Check These Problems

What Not to Do When a Printer Is Offline

• Do not factory-reset the printer as your first step.
• Do not repeatedly reinstall drivers without checking connectivity.
• Do not ignore a printer error or support code.
• Do not follow wireless troubleshooting for a printer that only uses USB in your setup.
• Do not install random third-party driver packages.
• Do not use another printer model's reset or wireless setup procedure.

Related Printer Troubleshooting Guides

Final Checklist to Bring Your Printer Online

• Printer is powered on and ready.
• No blocking printer error remains.
• WiFi or USB connection is working.
• Correct printer is selected.
• Print queue has been checked.
• Windows Get Help used when applicable.
• Print Spooler checked when applicable.
• Mac Print Centre checked when applicable.
• Driver or printer installation checked if needed.
• A fresh test print has been attempted.