How Did My Printer Go Offline?

[+ Lucky]

I can't print anything from my computer to the printer. I always have been able to, but now it says that my printer is offline.

When I got that message in the past, I would restart the printer and it would work No more!

Any advice?

[RadioRob]

For the times I've seen this happen, the printer received a different IP address from your router (it's assigned via DHCP).  Your computer is looking for the printer on one IP address when it's actually on another.  

You might consider assigning a static address to the printer so that it does not change addresses later.  

[RadioRob]

You can also go into your computer's device settings...  remove the printer and re-add it again.  (I'm assuming it's setup as a network printer and not attached via a USB cable.)

[pubic_assistance]

My printer does this occasionally

When in doubt just restart everything.

Reboot your internet + reboot the printer + reboot your computer.

That has always worked for me when restarting the printer alone doesn't work.

 

[+ sync]

If you have a VPN app, it could be that.

When I experienced your situation, I clicked off the VPN app (I use ExpressVPN). The printer then connected in its usual fashion.

If that's the case, don't forget to click the VPN app back on again.  🙂

 

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

3 hours ago, Lucky said:

I can't print anything from my computer to the printer. I always have been able to, but now it says that my printer is offline.

When I got that message in the past, I would restart the printer and it would work No more!

Any advice?

Check the cable connection.  Make sure the cable from the printer to the hard drive has not become loose, or any of the prongs become bent.

[pubic_assistance]

Cables ?

I haven't had cables attached to my printer since the last century 😆

If that's the problem then he needs to get rid of his antiques.

[+ Lucky]

It is a wireless printer.

[Rudynate]

HP printers are the absolute worst for this - they have become so complicated that they are almost unusable. Occasionally, I have had to reinstall the software.

[+ Lucky]

12 hours ago, Rudynate said:

HP printers are the absolute worst for this - they have become so complicated that they are almost unusable. Occasionally, I have had to reinstall the software.

I wouldn't know how to do that!

[+ sync]

I have benefited many times by just typing my computer/printer issue(s) into the Google search box.

It could surprise you how many others have experienced or are experiencing the same issue(s) you are.

There are usually several helpful suggestions/solutions.

[Rod Hagen]

Can't recommend Brother Printers highly enough.  Mine never ever drops the connection.  If the power fails (somehow West Hollywood is like San Pedro, Honduras:  the power goes out constantly), it picks up the WiFi connection no problem.

https://www.brother-usa.com/home/printers-fax