Printer Offline? Check the Connection and Print Queue

Person checking a printer cable beside a laptop displaying a print queue.

An offline message usually calls for connection or queue checks, not a new ink cartridge. The menus vary by printer, computer, and operating system, so use your model's instructions when a step doesn't match.

Check the printer's status

Make sure the printer is powered on and look for any screen message, warning light, or paused state. Resolve any message the manufacturer identifies before sending another job.

Confirm the connection and selected device

Check that the cable or wireless connection is active according to your printer's setup guide. In the print dialog, verify that you selected the intended printer rather than an old, duplicate, or unavailable device.

Review the print queue

Look for a paused job or an error at the top of the queue. Follow your computer's instructions to resume or remove a stuck job, then send a single test page.

If the printer is online but quality is poor

Use a test page and check the printer's supply messages. Match your exact printer model and cartridge number before buying ink. Start with our model and cartridge number guide, then browse HP printer supplies, Canon ink cartridges, or Lexmark ink cartridges.