4 Ways to Get Your Printer Online ( HP, Canon, Brother )

Printers are undoubtedly helpful in daily life, but at the same time, several issues are also connected to their use. When your printer shows the message ‘printer offline’ exactly when you give a print command is always annoying.

It wastes time and increases anxiety if you are in a hurry for some work.

But don’t worry because there are quite simple ways to fix this problem in a jiffy.

Delve into the relatable information below and learn what to do if your printer isn’t online. Get troubleshooting advice for every printer model.

Why does a Printer turn offline?

If you’re wondering how to get your printer back online, it’s helpful to know why it went offline in the first place. Knowing the reason behind it can speed up the process of bringing your printer back online.

There are different factors that might cause your printer to go from being online to offline, and understanding these reasons can make it easier to fix the issue.

Common reasons that a printer isn’t online –

• Your Wi-Fi connection is not stable

• Your printer and computer are not communicating well i.e can be issue with printer driver

• An incorrect setting may take the device to offline status, check printer status for the same.

What are the four ways to get a Printer online ?

Below are the four easy ways to convert an Offline Printer to Online Printer.

Perform a physical check of the printer and cable

Physical check is always the basic thing that we usually do when a device has any functionality or offline issue.

Check properly that the USB cable is firmly inserted from both sides. Now check the firmness of the Ethernet cable connection. Connection issues are the most common causes why printer goes offline at first place.

Many of you use the cable to connect the printer; in that case, try the printer cable in multiple sockets or ports on the device.

Also, check the connection with a different cable, many times, it works immediately. In case you are using a wireless connection or device, attach a cable to your computer to ensure that the printer is working correctly. Therefore, you may find that the fault is in your network connection.

Disable the ‘Printer offline’ mode on your computer or laptop

Sometimes it happens that your printer mode changes to “use printer offline” mode. We will follow the simple procedure and change the printer settings .

• Go to Settings, then Devices; now select Printers and Scanners, and here right click the printer icon. Or instead of opening devices you can also open the list of printers from Control Panel as well.

• Now choose Open Printer Queue.

• On the menu bar, select Printer and make sure that “Use printer offline” is unchecked. If it is not, then uncheck it, and the device will get back to online mode.

Update the printer firmware

Any problem in the firmware may also cause a malfunction in your printer. A common cause of this concern is a firmware bug.

As a solution, install the latest version of the firmware update, and the problem can be fixed. You can download it either from the printer software or the manufacturer’s website.

Restart your printer

In many cases, basic solution like power cycle does the trick, just like with any device. Try turning off your wired or wireless printer, waiting a few minutes, and then turning it back on.

An alternative option is to unplug the printer from the power source and plug it back after waiting for a few minutes.

How to get a Printer online in Windows 10 ?

Many folks using laptops or computers with Windows 10 wonder, “How do I get my printer online?” The answer is simple.

Just take a quick look at the process, and in a few seconds, you’ll learn how to get a printer online in Windows 10.

• Go to the ‘Start’ button and open it with a left click.
• In the search bar, type devices and you will see the option ‘devices and printers’
• Left-click on the ‘Devices and Printers’ option and open it.
• Now you will see sections here, namely devices, printers, and unspecified.
• You need to go to the printers section.
• Click and select the default printer; you can notice it through the brand name of the printer.
• Right-click on the selected printer and click on the printer properties option.
• You will see the options General, Sharing, Ports, Advanced, Color Management, Security, and Device settings.
• Left-click on the Ports option and a list of the Ports will open in the box below, and one of them will have a check sign. Left-click and select the option with the check mark.
• Under the box that shows the Port list, there are three options 1) Add Port, 2) Delete Port 3) Configure Port.
• Left-click on the third option configure the port, and you will reach Port settings.
• You need to click and uncheck the SNMP Status Enabled option in the Port Settings section.
• Now click on OK, then close the box with a left click on the cross option at the right end of the box. Similarly, close the devices and printers window.
• Finally, restart the printer, and your printer will return to online mode.

You can even follow the process if you are using Windows 7 or 8, however some points may vary.

How to get HP printer online using the HP smart app?

Again, the same problem with a famous brand; however, the solution is just a few steps away.

Let’s take a look at the procedure and learn how to get an HP printer online.

• The printer should be ON, and papers should be placed correctly in the tray. The ink cartridges should have ample ink or the toner adequately installed. It should not show any blinking lights and should not show any errors.
• Open the HP Smart app by clicking the printer icon and then select the option Set Up a New Printer. 
• The app will automatically scan and search for a printer around the Wi-Fi network. The process takes a few seconds only, and the app quickly detects the device.
• Once the app detects the device, you need to click on the Set-Up option on your printer. Your task is done; the printer is online, and start using it immediately.

Also Read : How to FIX HP Printer in Error State Issue ?

How to get a Canon printer online?

Canon printers also have a simple and quick process to get online. The few steps below are the only guide to explain how to get a canon printer online.

• Turn on the printer if it is not.
• Go to the start icon and right click
• Click on Devices and Printers, and several sections will open, namely printers, devices, and unspecified.
• Go to the Printer section or click on the dropdown if the section is not open.
• Now select your printer that is canon, and then select See what’s printing.
• The above step will take you to the next screen, where you will click on the Printer tab.
• You will see a checkmark on Use Printer Offline; click on it to uncheck the option.
• Lastly, close the window, and your canon printer will go online.

Also Check- Guide to Solve Canon Printer Offline Issue ?

How to get a Brother printer online ?

Another bunch of easy and instant steps to get your printer online. The steps below are so straightforward that you can grab the basic process even while jogging on your treadmill.

• Turn on your laptop or computer and click on the start button.
• Now type Printers and Scanners in the search bar.
• The Printer Settings Screen will open on your window, after which click on your printer model
• Now select and click the Manage button that is next to Open Queue.
• Click on the Run The Troubleshooter option.
• Your system will start scanning the error
• Wait for a few seconds, and your computer will show the issue behind the offline printer
• Now click on the option Next, and the problem will be resolved automatically.
• Now click on the Close the troubleshooter option.
• Print a test page to see whether the printer has come online.

Also Read : Brother Printer Troubleshooting Steps

How to get a printer online on MAC?

MAC technology coordinates beautifully with printers, only due to some common reasons, the printing device goes offline and display error message.

Have a look and learn how to get a printer online on MAC.

• Switch on your printer via power cable.
• Check the printer dialog, paper jams may also be there, and your manufacturer’s instructions should work to clear the paper jam.
• Check the ink cartridges as well, or check the printer software, which also shows the warning signs of the low ink level. Usually, pressing the OK  button will dismiss the low ink level sign, and then your printer will get back to online mode.
• Make sure that the computer and the printer are on the same network. In the case of the printers used for commercial purposes, sometimes both get connected to different networks.
• If you are using a network printer restart the same.

Pro Tip (Resetting Printer)

When all else fails, consider resetting your printer by consulting the printer’s manual. This step can prove effective in resolving common printer issues, including clearing print jobs, addressing queue blockages, fixing connection problems, and completing driver setups.

Resetting your printer can often provide a fresh start, ensuring smoother performance.

Conclusion

Sometimes, small problems can seem big if we don’t have basic tech knowledge. Luckily, today’s devices are user-friendly, and we can easily fix minor issues.

In this blog, you’ve learned how to get a printer online for different brands like HP, Canon, Brother, and even on MAC. Also you can easily solve your printer issues on own.

Regardless of your printer’s brand, the procedures are clear and easy to follow. Here’s a final tip: every printer version within a brand has similar steps to get it online. So, don’t worry – it’s not rocket science, as shown by the straightforward steps mentioned earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)