Unable to communicte with my printer on line

[LarryPigeon]

Printer advises in is off line when I try to use the scan function over my home network

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@LarryPigeon, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

It looks like you're using an HP OfficeJet Pro 9018e on Windows 11, and the printer shows as offline when you attempt to scan over your home network. This is a common issue, especially with scanning (even if printing works fine). 
Let’s troubleshoot it step-by-step:

Initial Checks

• Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
• On the printer's display, navigate to Wi-Fi settings and confirm it shows Connected (usually indicated by a Wi-Fi icon).
• If the printer indicates it’s disconnected or on a different Wi-Fi network, reconnect it using the Wireless Setup Wizard on the printer screen.

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

• If you don’t have it, download it here: HP Print and Scan Doctor.
• Open the tool, select your printer, and allow it to diagnose the issue.
• Important: Let it automatically resolve any "Offline" or "Scan communication" problems it detects.

Verify Scanner Registration

• Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
• Right-click on your HP 9018e, then select See what's printing. In the Printer tab, uncheck "Use Printer Offline" if it’s checked.
• Next, right-click again and select Remove Device.
• Now, Add a printer/scanner again through Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.

Reinstall the Full HP Smart / Driver Package

• Even if you think you have the drivers, reinstalling can reset the scan function:
  1. Visit the HP 9018e driver page.
  2. Download the Full Software Solution (not just the "basic drivers").
  3. Install it and follow all prompts — this will properly re-register your scanner service.

Network Settings Tip: Set a Static IP (optional but recommended)

• On the printer screen, go to: Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced Settings > IP Settings > Manual.
• Assign a manual IP address slightly outside your router’s DHCP range (for example, if your router's range is 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.100, set the printer to 192.168.1.150).
• Update the printer IP in your HP Smart app if necessary.

This helps prevent the printer from going offline due to changing IP addresses.

Firewall/Security Software Check (if needed)

• Some security software can block scanning even if printing works.
• Try temporarily disabling your firewall to test scanning.
• If scanning works, make sure to allow exceptions for HP programs in your firewall settings. 

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support