hp Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw offline

[Meliponula]

My hp color Laserjet Pro MFP M281fdw printer suddenly went offline today. I've tried restarting the computer and printer and plugging the printer into a wall outlet (it was plugged into a power strip and always worked fine for years until today). I go online for advice and nothing on my screen looks like what I am told it should look like. Please advise. 

[Meghana_10]

Hello @Meliponula, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Since you’ve already restarted both the printer and computer and tried a different power connection, let’s check the network connection next.

Restart devices

Restart your computer or mobile device and the printer to clear any error states. If you are using a network printer, restart the router.

If your printer connects to a Wi-Fi network, disconnect your computer or mobile device from the network name (SSID), and then reconnect it to the same network name your printer is connected to.

If the printer is available and has a ready status, the issue is resolved. You do not need to continue troubleshooting.

1. Press the power button to turn off the printer. If the printer does not turn off, disconnect the power cord from the printer and from the power source.

2. Turn off the computer or mobile device that you are attempting to print from.

3. If the printer was set up on a network wirelessly or with an Ethernet cable, restart the router.

4. If necessary, reconnect the power cord to the printer and to a wall outlet, and then turn on the printer.

Note: HP recommends plugging the printer directly into a wall outlet.

5. Turn on the computer or mobile device.

6. If the printer connects to a network, check the connection to make sure the same network is used by the printer and the device.

• Computer or mobile device: Open the list of available networks and make sure it is connected to the correct network.
• Printer: Check the Wireless light on the control panel. If it is solid blue, the printer is connected.

Check the printer and network connections

Identify issues with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connections that can cause the printer to go offline or be unavailable.

Wi-Fi network

Check Wi-Fi network connection.

1. Move the printer within 8 m (26 ft) of the router or range extender, and then check the Wireless light . If it is solid blue, then the printer is connected to the network. If the light is off or blinking, the printer is not connected. Go to HP printer setup (Wi-Fi network) for more information.

2. Open the list of available networks on the computer or mobile device and make sure it is connected to the correct network. A check mark or Connected status displays next to the network name when connected. Do not connect to DIRECT-xx-HP [your printer model name].

Note: A printer connection cannot be established over public or guest networks that require a guest login or confirmation of use, such as networks used in schools, hotels, or coffee shops.

[Meghana_10]

3. Check the Wi-Fi signal strength on the computer or mobile device. If the wireless icon shows a weak signal , move closer to the router or range extender until a strong signal displays . Walls, metal bookcases, and electronics that emit radio signals can weaken the wireless signal.

4. Open a website to confirm the internet service is working. If page load time is slow or intermittent, restart the router. If necessary, contact your internet service provider to check if the service is down.

5. If a USB cable is connected to the printer, disconnect it to ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled.

6. Change your network profile to Private. If your PC is using a Public networking profile in Windows, security conventions are more strict and Windows can prevent network traffic from devices.

CAUTION: To avoid security problems, only change your network profile to Private if you are connecting through a trusted home or office network. Avoid using a private profile when connecting to public networks, such as hotels or coffee shops.

1. Click the network icon on the right side of your Windows taskbar.
2. Click Properties under your connected network name.
3. Click Private if the network profile is Public.

Run Diagnose & Fix from the HP app (Windows, macOS)

Run the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP app for Windows and macOS.

1. To install the HP app, go to 123.hp.com or your device app store to download the app, and then follow the instructions to connect the printer. For more information, go to HP printer setup (HP app).

2. Open the HP app, click the printer, then click Diagnose & Fix, or select Diagnose & Fix from the Printers menu, or scroll to Diagnostics and click Diagnose and Fix.

3. Click Start and then wait for the analysis to complete. Do not close the HP app while the troubleshooter is running.

4. On the diagnostic's results screen, follow the instructions to resolve any issues found.

Re-add the printer to the HP app

Remove and then re-add the printer in the HP app to fix any connection issues.

1. Make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or with a USB cable.

2. Close then reopen your print app.

3. Remove the printer from your print app.

• HP app: Click your printer, scroll to the bottom of the page, and then click Remove from app.
• HP Smart: Right-click your printer, click Hide Printer, and then click Hide Printer again.

4. Click Add Printer, and then complete the setup in the print app.

For more information - HP printer is offline or unavailable | HP® Support

Have a great day!

[Meghana_10]

3. Check the Wi-Fi signal strength on the computer or mobile device. If the wireless icon shows a weak signal , move closer to the router or range extender until a strong signal displays . Walls, metal bookcases, and electronics that emit radio signals can weaken the wireless signal.

4. Open a website to confirm the internet service is working. If page load time is slow or intermittent, restart the router. If necessary, contact your internet service provider to check if the service is down.

5. If a USB cable is connected to the printer, disconnect it to ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled.

6. Change your network profile to Private. If your PC is using a Public networking profile in Windows, security conventions are more strict and Windows can prevent network traffic from devices.

CAUTION: To avoid security problems, only change your network profile to Private if you are connecting through a trusted home or office network. Avoid using a private profile when connecting to public networks, such as hotels or coffee shops.

1. Click the network icon on the right side of your Windows taskbar.
2. Click Properties under your connected network name.
3. Click Private if the network profile is Public.

Run Diagnose & Fix from the HP app (Windows, macOS)

Run the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP app for Windows and macOS.

1. To install the HP app, go to 123.hp.com or your device app store to download the app, and then follow the instructions to connect the printer. For more information, go to HP printer setup (HP app).

2. Open the HP app, click the printer, then click Diagnose & Fix, or select Diagnose & Fix from the Printers menu, or scroll to 

Have a great day!

[Meghana_10]

Diagnostics and click Diagnose and Fix.

3. Click Start and then wait for the analysis to complete. Do not close the HP app while the troubleshooter is running.

4. On the diagnostic's results screen, follow the instructions to resolve any issues found.

Re-add the printer to the HP app

Remove and then re-add the printer in the HP app to fix any connection issues.

1. Make sure the printer is connected to the same network as your computer or with a USB cable.

2. Close then reopen your print app.

3. Remove the printer from your print app.

• HP app: Click your printer, scroll to the bottom of the page, and then click Remove from app.
• HP Smart: Right-click your printer, click Hide Printer, and then click Hide Printer again.

4. Click Add Printer, and then complete the setup in the print app.

For more information - HP printer is offline or unavailable | HP® Support

Have a great day!