To get your HP printer back online, first ensure it is properly connected to your computer or network—check USB cables or Wi-Fi connection status—and then restart your printer, computer, and router. Next, set your HP printer as the default printer on your computer and clear any stuck print jobs in the print queue. Running the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool or using the HP Smart app to diagnose and fix issues can also help resolve offline problems[1][2][4].
Here are the detailed steps to follow:
1. **Check Printer Connection**
– For USB: Confirm the cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer.
– For Wi-Fi: Verify the printer’s wireless light is solid, indicating a connection. If blinking or off, reconnect to the network or move the printer closer to the router.
– For Ethernet: Check cable condition and router port, replace if damaged[1][2].
2. **Restart Devices**
– Turn off and unplug your printer, then restart your computer and router. After they are back on, power up the printer and try printing again[1][2][3].
3. **Set Printer as Default**
– On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your HP printer, and select “Set as Default Printer”. Also, make sure “Let Windows manage my default printer” is unchecked in Windows 10/11 settings[1][4].
4. **Clear Print Queue**
– Check for any stuck print jobs via Control Panel > Devices and Printers > right-click your printer > See what’s printing. Cancel any pending jobs[1].
5. **Run HP Diagnostic Tools**
– Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor application from HP’s website to automatically diagnose and fix connectivity or driver issues. Alternatively, use the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP Smart Desktop App[4].
If your printer remains offline after these steps, double-check network settings, ensure drivers are updated, or try reinstalling the printer software[4].
Following these troubleshooting steps usually restores an HP printer to online status and resume printing[1][2][4].