Skip to main content
    Step 1 of 4
    How-To Guides
    Beginner
    2 min read 4 stepsMarch 31, 2026Verified March 2026

    How to Fix a Printer That Shows as Offline

    Your printer says "Offline" even though it's switched on? These steps fix the most common cause in under five minutes.

    At a Glance

    Category
    How-To Guides
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    4
    Topics covered
    printer
    offline
    fix
    troubleshoot
    beginner

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Check the basics
    2. 2.Restart the printer
    3. 3.Set as default printer
    4. 4.Clear the print queue
    1

    Check the basics

    ~15s
    Make sure your printer is turned on, has paper, and has ink or toner. Check that it is connected to your computer by USB cable or to your Wi-Fi network.
    2

    Restart the printer

    ~15s
    Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This fixes most "offline" problems.
    3

    Set as default printer

    ~18s
    On Windows: go to Settings, then Printers and Scanners, click your printer, and choose "Set as default." On Mac: go to System Settings, then Printers and Scanners, and right-click your printer to set it as default.

    Quick Tip

    If you have multiple printers listed, Windows may be trying to print to the wrong one.

    4

    Clear the print queue

    ~19s
    On Windows: click your printer, then "Open print queue." Delete any stuck print jobs. On Mac: click your printer, then select any stuck jobs and delete them.

    Quick Tip

    For more printer troubleshooting on Windows, visit support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows — Microsoft's official printer fix guide.

    Warning

    A single stuck print job can block everything behind it. Clear the queue and try printing again.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Fix a Printer That Shows as Offline

    How well did this guide stick with you?

    Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    printer
    offline
    fix
    troubleshoot
    beginner

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobalHow-To GeekAARP Technology Tips

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    How to Print a Document from Your Computer

    Next →

    How to Print a Photo at Home

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    How (and Why) to Keep Your Devices Updated

    A plain-English guide to updating Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and your browser — and why skipping updates is risky.

    3 min read

    How to Set Up Netflix, YouTube, and Streaming Apps on Your TV

    Step-by-step guide to watching Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and more on your Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast.

    3 min read

    How to Record Your Screen

    Capture what's happening on your screen — great for showing a tech problem, creating a tutorial, or saving a video call moment.

    3 min read