Falls Technology ServicesWhen a printer shows as offline, the printer and the computer have lost track of each other. The printer itself is usually fine.
Try this first
- Turn the printer off and on, then restart the computer
- Check the printer's screen or its Wi-Fi light: is it connected, and to the same Wi-Fi as the computer? A computer on the guest network can't see a printer on the main one
- On Windows, open the print queue (Settings, Bluetooth and devices, Printers and scanners, your printer, Open print queue), then open the Printer menu and make sure Use Printer Offline is not ticked
- Delete any stuck jobs from the queue, then print a test page
- If that doesn't work, remove the printer and add it again using the maker's own app or website
Why it keeps happening
- The router gives the printer a new network address now and then, and the computer keeps looking at the old one
- The printer goes into deep sleep and drops off the Wi-Fi
- A weak Wi-Fi signal where the printer sits
- A new router, or a changed Wi-Fi password, that the printer was never moved to
A fix that sticks
In an office, the lasting fix is to give the printer a fixed address in the router, or plug it into the network with a cable. That's a few minutes' work for us, and it stops the offline message for everyone.
What we usually see
Typical situations behind this problem, and what usually fixes them. Every device is different: we check yours before saying what it needs.
- It worked for months, then shows offline after the power went out. The router gave the printer a new network address. Giving the printer a fixed address in the router stops it for good.
- One computer prints, the other says offline. The second computer is usually on the guest Wi-Fi or pointed at an old copy of the printer. Adding the printer again from the right network fixes it.
- It goes offline after sitting overnight. Deep sleep drops it off the Wi-Fi. Changing its sleep setting, or plugging it in with a network cable, keeps it awake.
General self-help steps in plain English, checked when we wrote them. Try only what you're comfortable with: if you're unsure, or something smells hot, sparks or swells, stop and call a technician. This isn't professional advice for your exact device. See our website terms.
Need a hand?
More about our wi-fi and networks help. Or tell us what's going on and we'll tell you what it takes before we start.
Send us a message or call (208) 745-2981, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.