My printer keeps going offline even though everything is connected.

[MLM48]

My printer keeps going offline even though everything is connected.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @MLM48 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing the details. I understand how frustrating it is when your HP Smart Tank Plus 551 keeps going offline even though it's connected. This issue is often caused by a conflict between Windows settings, the network environment, and how the printer manages sleep or idle states.

Let’s go step-by-step to fix the issue and keep your printer online and ready to print.

1. Set the Printer to Use a Static IP Address

This prevents your printer from changing its IP address, which can cause Windows to think it's offline.

a. Get the current IP:

On the printer control panel, tap the Wireless icon to view the IP address.

b. Set a static IP:

Open a browser on your PC and enter that IP into the address bar.

Go to the Network or Wireless section.

Look for IP Address Configuration > Set it to Manual or Static

Assign an IP outside your router’s DHCP range (e.g., if your router gives 192.168.1.2–192.168.1.100, use 192.168.1.200)

2. Prevent Windows from Turning Off Printer Ports

Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, press Enter

Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers

Right-click each USB Root Hub > Properties

Go to Power Management tab > Uncheck
“Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”

Repeat for Network adapters

3. Reinstall the Printer Using the HP Smart App

Reinstalling via HP Smart ensures the full connection stack is correctly configured.

a. Remove existing printer:

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

Click on your printer > Remove

 

b. Install HP Smart:

Download from: HP Smart for Windows

Add your printer again via Wi-Fi connection using the app

Choose the option to set as default printer

4. Check Printer Settings

Make sure the printer is not in Use Printer Offline mode:

Go to Settings > Printers

Click your printer > Open print queue

In the queue window, click Printer in the top menu

Ensure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked

5. Update Firmware and Drivers

Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues.

Go to the HP Software and Driver Downloads

Enter: HP Smart Tank Plus 551

Download and install:

Firmware

Full feature software

6. Assign Printer as TCP/IP Port

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers

Right-click your printer > Printer Properties

Go to Ports tab

Click Add Port > Standard TCP/IP Port

Enter the printer’s static IP (set in Step 1)

Complete the wizard and set this port as default

If your router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, try connecting the printer to 2.4 GHz — it tends to be more stable for printers.

Let me know how it goes after applying these changes. I’m here if you need more help.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye