If your printer displays as “offline” despite being connected, it typically indicates a communication issue between your printer and computer. Here are several steps you can follow to get your printer back online:

1. Check Physical Connections

• Ensure all cables (if using a wired connection) are securely connected to both your printer and computer. If using Wi-Fi, verify that the printer is connected to the correct network.

2. Restart Your Printer and Computer

• A simple restart can often resolve the issue. Turn off your printer, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Restart your computer as well.

3. Verify Printer is Set as Default

• On Windows: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Find your printer in the list, click on it, and select Manage. Then, click Set as default.
• On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners. Select your printer from the list and ensure it’s set as the default printer.

4. Check the Printer’s Status in Settings

• On Windows: Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click on your printer and see if there’s an option to Use Printer Online. If so, click it.
• On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, click on your printer, and then click Open Print Queue. If there are any paused jobs, clear them.

5. Clear Print Queue

• Sometimes, stuck print jobs can cause the printer to appear offline. Clearing the print queue can help:
  • On Windows: Open your printer’s queue (as above) and cancel all documents.
  • On macOS: In Printers & Scanners, open the print queue and delete any pending jobs.

6. Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode

• On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click your printer > See what's printing > Printer, and make sure Use Printer Offline is not selected. If it is, click it to remove the checkmark.

7. Check the Printer’s IP Address

• For network printers, ensure the printer is on the same IP range as your computer and router. You might need to print a network configuration page from your printer to verify its IP address.

8. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

• Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your printer to appear offline.
  • Update: Visit the printer manufacturer’s website, download the latest drivers for your model, and install them.
  • Reinstall: Remove your printer from Printers & scanners and add it again, allowing your OS to automatically install the latest driver.

9. Check for Windows or macOS Updates

• Ensure your operating system is up to date, as updates can include fixes for known printing issues.

10. Temporarily Disable Firewall/Antivirus

• Sometimes, firewall or antivirus settings can prevent communication between your computer and printer. Temporarily disable these to see if it resolves the issue. Remember to turn them back on afterward.

11. Restart Print Spooler Service (Windows Only)

• Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.

12. Contact Support

• If none of the above steps work, contact the printer manufacturer’s support for further assistance.

By systematically going through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your printer back online.