HP MFP M281cdw printer says it is in ready state but says its offline when I try to print

[Lu1310]

HP Color Laserjet MFP M281cdw, connected wirelessly.  I have been able to print before but lately it keeps going offline.  I am able to get it back on line by restarting the printer usually, but today nothing is working.  I have did a hard reset, a factory reset and nothing is working.  I tried typing the IP address shown on the configuration page into my browser to try and assign a manual IP address but the webpage doesn't open.  I have tried plugging in an ethernet cable connected to the network but that didn't work either.  Please help, I have spent far too many hours troubleshooting this problem.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Lu1310,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for explaining everything so clearly. When an HP Color LaserJet MFP M281cdw repeatedly goes offline and even the Embedded Web Server (EWS) won’t open via IP address, it usually means the printer has lost proper network communication or the network stack is stuck.

Step 1: Verify Network Connection

• Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer: 
  • Setup > Reports > Network Configuration Page.
• Check: 
  • IP Address (should be something like 192.168.x.x).
  • Connection Type (Wireless or Ethernet).
  • If IP shows 0.0.0.0 or 169.x.x.x, the printer is not connected.

Step 2: Assign a Manual IP Address

If the IP is valid but EWS won’t load:

• On the printer touchscreen: 
  • Setup > Network Setup > Wireless Settings > Advanced Settings > IPv4 Settings.
  • Choose Manual.
  • Enter: 
    • IP: e.g., 192.168.1.250 (outside DHCP range).
    • Subnet: 255.255.255.0.
    • Gateway: your router’s IP (usually 192.168.1.1).
• Save and restart the printer.

Step 3: Update Firmware

• Download the latest firmware: 👉 HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281cdw | HP® Support
• Use HP Easy Start or a USB connection if the network fails.

Step 4: Reinstall Printer on PC

• Remove the printer from Devices & Printers.
• Re-add using the HP app or Add Printer with the new IP.

Step 5: Check Router Settings

• Disable AP Isolation or Client Isolation.
• Ensure the printer is on the same network band (2.4 GHz preferred).

If Still Offline

• Perform a Network Restore: 
  • Setup > Network Setup > Restore Network Settings.
• Then reconnect Wi-Fi using the Wireless Setup Wizard.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat