printer shows offline on computer when its shows connected

[kaleb77]

i've restarted everything. downloaded hp123 but it also can not find my printer. hp app shows its offline

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @kaleb77 

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

I understand how discouraging it feels when the printer shows offline even though it’s connected, and I appreciate the effort you’ve already put in by restarting devices and installing the software. 

Let’s carefully go through some steps to bring the printer back online and visible to your computer:

Check Printer Connection

• If using Wi-Fi, confirm the printer is connected to the same wireless network as your computer.
• Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer’s control panel to verify the IP address.
• If using USB, ensure the cable is firmly connected and try a different port.

Set Printer to Default

• On your Windows computer, open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your printer and select “Set as default printer.”
• This ensures the system directs jobs to the correct device.

Clear Offline Status

• In Devices and Printers, right-click the printer and select “See what’s printing.”
• In the window that opens, click “Printer” on the top menu.
• Make sure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked.

Check Printer Port Settings

• Right-click the printer in Devices and Printers and choose “Printer Properties.”
• Go to the Ports tab and confirm the selected port matches the printer’s IP address (for network connection).
• If it doesn’t, add a new Standard TCP/IP port with the correct IP.

Restart Print Spooler Service

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate “Print Spooler,” right-click, and select Restart.
• This refreshes the printing system and often clears offline errors.

Re-add the Printer

• If the printer still shows offline, remove it from Devices and Printers.
• Then add it again using “Add a printer” and select it from the list or enter the IP address manually.

Test with HP App

• Open the HP App on your computer.
• Ensure the printer is added with the correct connection type (Wi-Fi or USB).
• Try printing a test page from the app.

You’ve already taken strong steps, and with these additional checks, the printer should appear online and ready to print. Once it’s visible again, I recommend printing a test page to confirm smooth communication between the computer and printer.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye