Printer constantly offline

[MariaSofia1]

Where is the setting and what do I set it to to prevent having to restart my router everytime I want to print something? I have a desk jet all in one 4100 (and I am not exaggerating when I say "every time"). 

Thank you!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @MariaSofia1,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand exactly how frustrating it is to have your DeskJet 4100 show “Offline” every time you send a print, forcing you to restart your router just to get that satisfying hmmph click and finally get your pages. Let’s stop that cycle once and for all. 😊

Check & Configure Your Network

1. Use 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi Only

DeskJet printers only support 2.4 GHz networks. If your phone or router defaults to 5 GHz, your router might be switching bands automatically, dropping the printer’s connection.
➡️ Go into your router Wi‑Fi settings and disable 5 GHz or split your SSIDs: e.g., “HomeWiFi_2.4G” and “HomeWiFi_5G”.

2. Assign a Static IP or DHCP Reservation

Your printer may be getting a new IP address if DHCP leases change, causing it to appear offline.
➡️ In your router’s DHCP settings, locate your printer’s MAC address and set a static lease so it always uses the same IP.
This ensures that your computer and HP Smart app will always find it reliably.

3. Disable Wireless Isolation

Some routers isolate Wi‑Fi devices from each other (AP isolation), which prevents communication between your computer and printer.
➡️ Check your router’s advanced wireless settings and disable any “Guest” or “Client/Access Point isolation” modes so both devices can see each other.

Verify on Your Printer

1. On the printer's control panel, print a Wireless Network Test report to confirm it's connected to the correct 2.4 GHz SSID rather than a DIRECT-xx-HP (temporary) network.
2. Make sure the Wi‑Fi light is solid blue, indicating a stable connection.

Fix Your Devices

1. Restart the printer first, then the router, then the computer, to clear any conflicts.
2. On Windows, navigate to Control Panel → Devices and Printers, right-click your DeskJet, and select See what's printing → ensure Use Printer Offline is unchecked.
3. On macOS, open System Settings → Printers & Scanners, remove and re-add the printer manually to ensure it connects to the right IP.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat