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    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.

    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.

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    How to Fix a Printer That Shows as Offline — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure