Printer offline

How to Convert Your Offline Printer to an Online Printer

At HP Printers Co. UK, we understand the frustration of dealing with an offline printer, especially when you need to print urgently. Whether you are using a local printer in your home or office, converting it to an online printer can make all the difference in improving your workflow and productivity.

If your printer is showing as offline and you’re unsure how to connect it to your network, don’t worry—we’re here to help you get back on track quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to convert your offline printer to an online printer:

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How It Works

  • 1. Check Your Printer’s Connection

    The first step is to ensure that your printer is properly connected to your computer or network. There are several ways to connect a printer:

    • Wired (USB): If you use a USB cable to connect, ensure the cable is securely plugged into both the printer and the computer.

    • Wireless (Wi-Fi): If your printer is wireless, confirm that it’s connected to your Wi-Fi network. On your printer’s display screen, navigate to the wireless settings and check for available networks. Ensure your printer is connected to the correct network.

    2. Restart the Printer and Devices

    Sometimes, simply restarting your printer and computer can solve connectivity issues. Power off the printer, wait for about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. Also, restart your computer to ensure the connection is re-established.

    3. Update Printer Drivers

    Ensure your printer drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause communication issues between your printer and the device. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers for your model. If you need assistance with this step, our experts at HP Printers Co. UK are available to guide you.

    4. Check Printer Settings on Your Computer

    Go to your computer’s printer settings to check if the printer is set to “Offline” mode.

    • For Windows: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click “Open queue.” If the status is “Offline,” right-click and select “Use Printer Online.”

    • For Mac: Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click “Open Print Queue.” Ensure the printer is not marked as “Offline.”

    5. Ensure Printer is Set as Default

    Make sure your printer is set as the default printer on your computer. This prevents confusion when multiple printers are connected to your network. Check your settings under Printers & Scanners and select the option to set your preferred printer as default.

    6. Test Print

    Once all settings are confirmed, try printing a test page. This will help you check if the printer is successfully communicating with your device. If the test print is successful, congratulations! Your printer is now online.