To fix an HP printer that shows as offline, start by **restarting your printer, computer, and router** to reset connections[1][2][5]. Then ensure the following:
– **Check the printer connection** (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB) and confirm cables are securely attached and undamaged; move the printer closer to the router if using Wi-Fi and the signal is weak[1][5].
– **Set the HP printer as the default printer** and disable the “Use Printer Offline” option in the printer queue settings[1][2][4].
– **Clear the print queue** to remove stuck jobs that might block printing[1][5].
– **Update or reinstall the printer drivers** through Device Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac) to resolve driver issues causing offline status[2][5].
– **Restart the print spooler service** on Windows to fix print job management problems[1].
– **Use HP Smart App’s Diagnose and Fix tool** to run automatic troubleshooting and follow any remedial prompts[1][3].
– If connected via network, you can also try **resetting the printer’s network settings** and running the Wireless Setup Wizard to reconnect it properly[4].
If after trying these steps the printer remains offline, contact HP support for further assistance[1][3].
These steps are the most common and effective solutions for resolving the “HP printer offline” issue.