My Color Laserjet M255dw printer goes offline constantly while my M118dw NEVER does

[Cant_AI_FixThis]

My Color Laserjet M255dw printer goes offline constantly (daily) and has to be restarted to connect to WiFI. My LaserJet Pro M118dw NEVER exhibits this problem. I would like my Color printer to stay online. I have reviewed the other thread containing possible solutions (which is now closed), but it fails to describe how to perform the solutions, like firmware update or disabling power save function. More detailed explanation and steps (and HP Smart being more useful in troubleshooting) would be appreciated.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Cant_AI_FixThis,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like the connectivity issues with your HP Color Laserjet M255dw may indeed be related to firmware settings or power-saving features, which can sometimes lead to frequent offline status on certain networks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help stabilize the connection.

Update the Printer Firmware

Updating your printer’s firmware can resolve bugs or connectivity issues that are sometimes present in earlier firmware versions.

HP Smart App:

• Open the HP Smart app on your computer or mobile device.
• From the Home screen, select your M255dw printer.
• Go to Printer Settings or Advanced Settings.
• Look for Printer Maintenance or Update Printer.
• If a firmware update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

HP Support Website:

• Go to HP’s Support Website.
• Enter your printer model (Color Laserjet M255dw) in the search field.
• Download the latest firmware if available, and follow the installation instructions.

Disable Power Save Mode

The power save mode may cause the printer to go offline more frequently, especially on WiFi connections.

Access Embedded Web Server (EWS):

• Make sure your printer is connected to the same WiFi network as your computer.
• Find the printer’s IP address on the printer control panel: Settings > Network Settings > Wi-Fi Settings > Wi-Fi Direct Settings.
• Enter the IP address in a web browser to access the EWS.

Turn off Power Save Mode:

• In EWS, go to the System or Settings tab.
• Look for Energy Settings or Power Management.
• Disable Auto-Off or Power Save mode.

Assign a Static IP Address

A static IP can often stabilize the connection and prevent the printer from going offline.

1. Access the Embedded Web Server (EWS) using your printer’s IP address.
2. In the Networking tab, find IPv4 Configuration or IP Address Configuration.
3. Select Manual IP or Static IP.
4. Assign an IP address in the same range as your router but outside of its DHCP range (e.g., if your router IP is 192.168.1.1, set the printer to 192.168.1.250).
5. Save the settings and restart your printer.

[Raj_05]

Set Printer as Default (Optional)

Sometimes, setting the printer as the default can reduce issues if the printer is used frequently on the same device.

1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your HP Color Laserjet M255dw and select Set as default printer.

Try these steps and monitor for any improvements in stability.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[Cant_AI_FixThis]

Thank you, Alden4. 

1.  Updating Laserjet M255dw firmware: There was no Printer Settings or Advanced Settings. options available on my HP Smart (desktop or mobile device). On the printer itself if you navigate to "Setup"-->"Service" --> "LaserJet Update" it will then download and update the firmware. Easy peasy.
2. Power save mode: i see no option to disable such features via any app or device. the only options are the "time until"

[Raj_05]

Hi @Cant_AI_FixThis,

Thank you for your response, 

To address the connectivity issues with your HP Color Laserjet M255dw that frequently goes offline, you can try the following advanced troubleshooting steps.

Firmware Update

Since you've already updated the firmware using the printer's interface, ensure that the latest version is installed. This can resolve various bugs.

Check Network Configuration

• Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Ensure the printer is within a good range of your Wi-Fi router. If necessary, reposition the printer or router for better signal strength.
• Wi-Fi Interference: Check for possible sources of interference (microwaves, cordless phones, etc.) and move them away from the printer and router.

Change Network Band

• If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, try connecting the printer to the 2.4 GHz band, which generally offers better range and stability.

Adjust Power Save Settings

Since the power save mode can lead to frequent offline status, you can try adjusting these settings:

• Access Embedded Web Server (EWS):
  • Open a web browser and enter the printer's IP address (found under Network Settings on the printer).
  • Navigate to the Settings or System tab and look for Energy Settings.
  • Change the settings related to Auto-Off or Power Save mode to a longer duration or disable it entirely.

Set a Static IP Address

Assigning a static IP address can help maintain a consistent connection:

• In the EWS, go to the Networking tab.
• Select IPv4 Configuration and then Manual IP.
• Assign an IP address that’s within your network's range but outside the DHCP range of your router (e.g., if your router uses 192.168.1.x, use something like 192.168.1.250).
• Save the settings and restart the printer.

Check Router Settings

• DHCP Lease Time: Check the DHCP lease time settings on your router. A shorter lease time may cause devices to lose connectivity. Consider increasing it.
• Quality of Service (QoS): If your router has QoS settings, prioritize the printer's IP address to improve its connection stability.

Network Printer Driver

Make sure that you are using the correct and updated printer driver on your computer:

• Go to HP’s support site and download the latest driver for your M255dw.
• Uninstall the current driver and install the new one, following the prompts to set it up.

[Raj_05]

Reset the Printer Network Settings

If issues persist, you might want to reset the printer's network settings to default and then reconnect it to the network:

• On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Network Settings > Restore Network Defaults.
• After this, reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.

Use USB for Troubleshooting

To rule out Wi-Fi issues entirely, connect the printer directly to your computer via USB temporarily to see if it remains online. If it does, the problem may be specific to the Wi-Fi connection.

Try these steps, and hopefully, your M255dw will maintain a more stable connection.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support