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Common problems for Connectivity Issues
We would like to share some of the most frequently asked questions about Printer Wi-Fi, Connectivity Issues and Offline Status. Check out this link: HP printer is offline or unavailable.
HP Recommended
HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer

i just purchased the HP5101 all in one printer and hp all in one desktop. I am not a fan of technology, in fact i despise it. I can never get anything to work when i need it to. We managed to get the computer and printer set up, it works ok when it's online. It seems that everytime the printer is inactive for a period of time it always goes offline and then I have to unplug it for about 30 minutes to get it to come back online. Is there a way to prevent this? Thanks. 

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

@technoloi 

 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

 

I sympathize -- I'm tech oriented but it is a choice I made decades ago --

It's tough when you don't care for the tech you are using.

 

I can provide the information --

I cannot change your mind about how you feel about technology.

 

Printers and Computers and networks are not phones --

Printers and Computers are less "automated" than most modern phones.

 

Networks are even less automated and can require both patience and knowledge.

 

Having just a phone and printing at the library makes some people happier.

 

Consider what you are willing to do.

 

The problem is perhaps how the printer is connected to your network.

Some setups work better than others.

 

For example,

For printers that cannot use Ethernet,

Wireless tends to work better when the router is decent, placed correctly, and updated

AND

The printer is placed correctly in relation to the router,

AND

The printer is using the right / best frequency for the situation,

AND

The printer's connection to your router / network is set up with a fixed (manual / static) IP address.

 

If this is your printer -

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer  

then

It's a nice printer --

It is not a point, click, print type of machine.

 

The user manual can help introduce the basics.

 

============================================

 

Offline Condition

Although the printer appears to be switched on, it does not communicate with other devices on your network.

 

 Microsoft - Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows

 

Consider >> Restart All

Restart Everything, including the router that controls your network

Next,

Offline - Known solutions, presented in the order to be completed / considered

  HP printer is offline or not responding - Windows / Mac  

Section “Advanced Troubleshooting” > Solutions specific to Windows / MacOS / HP Smart (Printer Unavailable)

 

And

TKB Article contributed by HP SofiaML

 TKB - HP printer is offline or unavailable

 

 

AND

Wireless Troubleshooting

 Troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection to an HP printer 

 

 HP Printers - Using a Wireless Network Test Report

 

 

============================================

Message Content References

 

User Guide - HP Smart Tank 5100

 

Technology Tips Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips YouTube Video Help for Printers

 

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References / Resources

 

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

 

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

 

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

 

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer  

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

 

 

Dragon-Fur

HP Recommended

Thank you Dragon-Fur. I appreciate your response. If I didn't need a computer at home I probably wouldn't have one. Actually, I don't mind computers, the one I have now is pretty nice. I don't like when I don't understand something. I've read the manual, and it didn't make any sense. I think likely because it's written for those who "speak" technology, not those who don't. I do appreciate the links you've attached and I'll peruse those to see if they help.  thanks!

HP Recommended

@technoloi 

 

You are welcome.

 

When I was a child, I once came home from school, threw my books on the table, and yelled, "I hate math!".

 

My mother, saint that she was in the face of my frustration, sat me down and helped me understand that learning is a process -- we hate less that which we can break into smaller pieces that make sense.

 

Printers sometimes seem to defy logic.

 

Yes, many manuals and documents meant to help are written with the expectation that the person reading has some inkling of the context.

 

Perhaps start by using your browser to ask questions about the parts you don't understand.

 

Start "big" and narrow the search until you are finding useful help.

 

For example,

"How does a network work?"

"How do I connect a printer to a network?"

"What is a wireless network?"

 

 

If you can make use of the resource,

Videos are great visual tools.

 

Technology Tips  Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dragon-Fur

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.