Why is My Printer Offline & Not Responding?

 Did your printer go offline for no apparent reason? If it's suddenly not responding, don't immediately send it to a repair shop because the solution to this kind of problem is fairly simple. It's something that you can do on your own even without any technical expertise whatsoever.

And don't worry if you have no idea how to because we have made a comprehensive guide to help you out. Let's go ahead and start by examining what this problem is and why it happens.

Why is my printer saying offline when it's not?

During printing, the PC or computer "why is my printer not responding to my computer" even though it's online and ready to print. This problem typically occurs when there is an error between your device and the printer. But sometimes, it can be a simple case of improper cable connection or paper jam.

A printer offline issue can also mean an internal setup issue with your printer or computer. It can vary depending on your printer and whether you are using a Windows PC or Mac computer for printing. Let's take a look at all the possible solutions you can use when your printer is offline and not responding.

Troubleshoot Offline Printer Problem: Basic Steps

Your printer may be offline and unresponsive simply because you forgot to turn it on, disable sleep mode, or make sure its cable is attached properly. Follow these three basic steps to troubleshoot an offline printer problem straight from your printer device.

• Step 1: Check and see if your printer is ready1. Your printer is offline if it's not turned on or able to communicate. Try to check if it's ready for printing and working with another device.
• 2. Check if the printer is turned off or is in sleep mode. Press the Power button to turn it back on or wake it up.
• 3. See to it that there is paper inside the input tray and that the correct ink or toner cartridges are used. A Canon Pixel MG3620, for instance, can go offline if you're not using PG-240 and CL-241 ink cartridges.
• 4. The printer's control panel mustn't be displaying error messages or flashing lights.
• 5. Restart your printer and conduct a test print to see if the problem is resolved.

Step 2: Make sure your printer is properly connected

Make sure that the printer's USB or Ethernet cord is securely attached at both ends. Use another USB or Ethernet cord to find out if your existing cord is at fault. If the other cord works, then it means you've been using a faulty cord.

For wireless printers, make sure they are connected to your Wi-Fi network. Suppose your printer can work with your computer or PC via cable connection without any issue. In that case, it means your network connection is faulty. If you don't know how to set up a wireless printer, check out our guide on "How to Set Up a Wireless Printer on Windows & Mac."

Step 3: Conduct a Printer Power Cycle

• Press the power button and unplug the power cord to turn off your printer completely
• Wait for 30 seconds before re-plugging the cord and turning the printer back on
• Conduct a test print to see if the printer is working properly this time around

How do I fix my printer, not responding? (Windows)

Your printer may not be responding because it can't properly communicate with your Windows PC. Try the following steps below to troubleshoot the offline printer problem.

1. Make your printer the default option

Click on the Start button and then go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Find and select your printer on the list and then click on the Open queue. Go to Printer and click Set As Default Printer, and clear Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline if they are selected. Click Ok after the message "Windows will stop managing your default printer for you," pops up.

2. Clear Print queue

Click on the Start button and then go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Find and select your printer on the list and then click on the Open queue. Go to Document Name and then click on any documents listed. Go to Document and then click Cancel.

3. Restart Print Spooler Service

From the search box tool typically located beside the Start button, enter the word "services" and then click on Services from the search results. Find and right-click Print Spooler service and click Restart.

4. Re-Add your printer to your PC

Click on the Start button and then go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. Find and select your printer on the list and click on Remove device and then Yes. Go back to Printers & scanners, click on Add a printer or scanner, and then complete the on-screen instructions to add your printer back.

5. Restart your Windows PC

By restarting your Windows PC, you'll be refreshing the services and components needed for the proper communication between your printer and PC.