printer offline mac? Fix It on macOS (Step-by-Step Guide)

printer offline mac? Fix It on macOS (Step-by-Step Guide)

printer offline mac? This is a common issue on macOS, especially after Wi-Fi changes, system updates, or printer driver problems. The good news is that most offline printer problems on Mac can be fixed quickly by resetting the connection, re-adding the printer, or resetting the printing system.

This guide shows the fastest solutions first, then advanced macOS fixes if the printer stays offline.

👉 Back to the main hub:
Printer Offline Fix Hub

Quick Fix Checklist (Try These First)

1) Restart Printer + Mac + Router (Fastest)

• Turn the printer OFF

• Restart your Mac

• Restart your Wi-Fi router (if using wireless printing)

• Turn the printer ON

• Wait 2–3 minutes and try printing again

✅ This alone fixes many “printer offline mac” cases.

2) Check Wi-Fi Network (Same Network Rule)

If your printer is wireless, make sure:

• Your Mac and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi

• You are not using Guest Wi-Fi

• You’re not connected to a different extender/SSID

Why Does a Printer Go Offline on Mac?

The most common reasons include:

• The printer changed IP address after router restart

• macOS is pointing to the wrong printer connection

• The printer was added with an old or broken configuration

• Driver or macOS update caused a mismatch

• Wi-Fi signal drops or sleep mode disconnects the printer

Now let’s fix it properly.

Fix 1: Remove and Re-Add the Printer (Best Simple Fix)

1. Click Apple Menu → System Settings

2. Go to Printers & Scanners

3. Select your printer and click Remove Printer

4. Restart your Mac

5. Click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax

6. Select your printer and add it again

✅ After adding it, try printing a test page.

Fix 2: Use the Correct Printer Connection (AirPrint vs Driver)

When adding the printer on macOS, you’ll often see:

• AirPrint

• Secure AirPrint

• Brand driver name (Epson/Brother/HP…)

What to choose?

• Start with AirPrint (stable for most printers)

• If AirPrint causes problems, try the official driver from the printer manufacturer

⚠️ Avoid random “driver pack” websites. Always use official sources.

Fix 3: Check the Printer IP Address (Wi-Fi Offline Fix)

A common “printer offline mac” reason is that the router gave the printer a new IP address.

How to find the printer IP:

• On the printer screen: Network/Wi-Fi settings → Network Status

• Or print a network report page

Then confirm macOS is using the correct IP:

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners

2. Select your printer

3. Open printer info (depending on macOS version)

4. Confirm it matches the current IP address

If it doesn’t match: remove the printer and re-add it (Fix 1).

Fix 4: Clear Stuck Print Jobs (macOS Queue)

Sometimes the printer looks offline because the queue is frozen.

1. Go to Printers & Scanners

2. Select your printer

3. Click Open Print Queue

4. Cancel stuck jobs

5. Try printing again

✅ Clearing the queue often restores the connection instantly.

Fix 5: Reset the Printing System (Most Powerful macOS Fix)

If none of the above works, do this reset.
It removes all printers and restores the printing settings to default.

Steps:

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners

2. In the printers list, right-click (or Control-click) in the empty area

3. Choose Reset printing system…

4. Confirm, then restart your Mac

5. Add the printer again (Fix 1)

✅ This is one of the strongest solutions for repeated “printer offline mac” issues.

Fix 6: Disable Sleep/Power Saving Disconnects (Wireless Printers)

Some printers disconnect in sleep mode, especially on Wi-Fi.

Try:

• Keep printer on for 10 minutes and test again

• If available in printer settings: disable deep sleep / eco mode temporarily

• Place printer closer to the router to reduce signal drops

Fix 7: If You’re Using a USB Printer

If your printer is connected by USB:

• Try another USB port

• Use a different cable (very common cause)

• Avoid USB hubs

• Restart Mac after reconnecting

Then remove and re-add the printer on macOS.

Final Checklist (If Still Offline)

• Restart printer + router + Mac

• Confirm same Wi-Fi network (no guest/extender mismatch)

• Remove and re-add printer

• Clear print queue

• Reset printing system (macOS)

• Reinstall official driver if needed

• Test printing from another device (phone/PC) to isolate the problem

Related Guides (Internal Linking)

• Printer Offline Fix Hub

• Windows 10/11 Offline Fix

• Wi-Fi Printer Offline Fix