Depending on the kind of printer you have, there might be a couple of reasons why it may not be working. Here are some reasons your brother printer keeps going offline, or your HP printer is showing offline, and how to fix them.
Why is my computer telling me my printer is offline?
1. You printer software may be outdated.
2. You may not have the correct printer driver downloaded.
3. Your printer may be working offline.
4. Your snmp status maybe enabled.
5. Your printer is not set as default printer.
6. Your printer bugged out.
7. You may have a paper jam.
Other reasons why it may not be working
1. Your usb cable connection may be loose.
2. It may be switched off from the socket.
3. It may be powered off.
4. You may have damaged cables or wires.
5. Your printer may be damaged.
How to get your printer to work
In each of these cases, there are a couple of methods you can use to make your printer come back online.
1. To fix an outdated printer software.
a. Open the start menu and go to control panel.
b. Select or search for ‘printers and devices.’
c. Right select the printer you want to use and click the "remove device" button.
d. Go to the printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest software drive.
e. Click the downloaded file and download by following on-screen instructions.
f. Installing this should enable you to use your printer again.
2. To download printer driver.
a. Normally Windows will automatically find the correct driver for your new printer or any external device.
b. If it fails at the task, type in your printer model into your search engine and download the driver that comes with it.
c. Click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instruction for successful installation.
3. How to unselect the offline feature.
a. Open the start menu and go to control panel.
b. Search for and choose ‘printers and devices.’
c. Right click the printer you want to use and select the "see what's printing" option.
d. A window will pop up. Click the printer option in the top right.
e. Uncheck the "use printer offline" option.
f. Now your printer should be visibly online.
4. How to disable your SNMP status.
a. Open the start menu and go to control panel.
b. Search for and choose ‘printers and devices.’
c. Right select the printer you want to use and go to "properties."
d. Go to "Ports" in the second top bar, make sure your printer is selected, and then press "configure port"
e. Untick the "SNMP Status enabled" option and then save your changes by pressing "OK"
f. Your printer should display as online.
5. To set your printer of choice to default.
a. Go to the start menu and open the control panel.
b. Search for and click ‘printers and devices.’
c. Right select the printer you want to use and select the ‘set as default printer’ option
d. This should allow you to print from the printer you want to use.
6. To fix a sudden bug in the printer.
a. Turn off your printer.
b. Turn off your computer.
c. Make sure you take out the power plug from the socket.
d. Wait for under ten minutes.
e. Put the plug back in and turn on your system and printer.
f. Check to see if your printer is back online.
7. To fix a paper jam
In certain cases, like with HP printer paper jams, it requires you to turn off your printer, unplug the USB cord and the power cord. It requires a lot of maneuvering of the printer, so be careful with how you handle it. Use a flashlight to make sure you have found all the paper in a certain area. You may not find the jammed paper immediately, which is why we have methodically written down where you should start search and how. Remember, while removing the jammed paper, you must be careful so as not to damage the printer, or tear the jammed paper making it harder to reach.
Externally:
● Look inside the input and output paper trays, and remove the jammed paper if present.
● Move on to the ADF cover and thoroughly search for the jammed paper, and then remove it.
If there are no more jammed paper, or if the printer does not work, try looking inside the printer.
Internally:
● Carefully check the ink or toner cartridge access area. Be careful not to damage the ink cartridge.
● If present, remove the jammed paper from under the paper path cover
● Set it upright and search the input tray.
● Lie it down and check the bottom cleanout door, and remove the paper from there.
● Remove jammed paper from the rear access door
Replace the removed parts if any, plug everything back in, and try printing again. Your printer should be online now.
Printer specific troubleshooting
For an HP printer you can try the options given above. If that does not work, you can run the HP Print and Scan Doctor diagnostic tool, which resolves offline printer problems and other printer problems automatically. In case it does not work, apply for a warranty exchange.
Why is my epson printer offline?
1. Set your printer as default.
2. Disable the "Use printer offline" in Windows
3. Download the latest software or driver from the Epson Printer Support site
4. Reinstall the Epson Printer driver onto your computer
5. Turn the printer on and off again.
6. Ensure no damage has been done to your printer. If it continues not working apply for a warranty exchange.
Why is my Brother Printer offline?
1. Set your printer as default.
2. Cancel all on-going documents via "see what's printing" option, and make sure "use offline" option is disabled.
3. In case the printer status is paused, right select it to open as administrator, and then click "yes" to un-pause it.
4. With a Brother printer, having updated or installed a new driver can duplicate the icons. Check which icon activates the printer.
5. Turn the printer on and off again.
6. Ensure no damage has been done to your printer. If it continues not working apply for a warranty exchange.
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