Printer is offline - how do you get it back online?

There are many reasons why your printer may appear offline. In this practical tip, we give you suggested solutions so that your printer can work again quickly.

Printer with USB connection

If your printer is connected to your computer via USB, the solution to the problem can be very simple:

1. Check that your printer is actually turned on and connected. Try a different USB socket.
2. If your printer has switched to energy saving mode during operation, the device will also be shown as offline. Even after switching to normal mode, your printer can still be shown as offline. Restart the printer and reconnect the device to the computer.
3. Go to the Windows Control Panel and click on "Show devices and printers". You can find out how to access the Control Panel in the video below. Then right-click on your printer and click on "Printer Properties" in the menu.
4. Under the "Security" tab, the "Allow" check box should be set.
5. If nothing helps, reinstall the printer and driver. To do this, observe the installation instructions in the printer manual.

WLAN printer is shown as offline

If you have a printer that can be controlled via WLAN, the problem is often due to the network. In addition to these tips, you should also check the information under "Printers with USB connection".

1. Make sure your printer and router are turned on. The printer should also be on the same WiFi network as the computer. To connect your printer to the network, enter the IP address and password of the WLAN. You can find out exactly how this works in the manual for your printer.
2. Some printers are shown as offline when the ink level of the cartridges falls below a certain value. By default, such errors are shown on the printer display.
3. Also check that the printer has paper and that it can be fed.

Printer offline - Many causes with easy solutions

• There are many reasons why a printer may appear to be offline. With the tips mentioned here you bring him online again. If not, contact support or inform yourself in the operating instructions about possible error messages and how to remedy them.
• If your printer is older and often causes problems, you should also think about a new device. You can find the currently best and cheapest multifunction devices in our printer best list.

If you want to have your USB printer in the network, you can also connect it to the Fritzbox. If you need individual help to solve your problem, please contact the experts in the CHIP forum.