If your HP printer shows “Offline” on your Mac, you’re not alone. This is a common issue among macOS users—especially after software updates, router changes, or printer resets. When your HP printer appears offline, your Mac can’t communicate with it, and all print jobs will be stuck in the queue.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why your HP printer is offline on macOS, and more importantly, how to fix it using multiple tried-and-tested methods.

 

 

Why Is My HP Printer Offline on Mac?

Before jumping to solutions, it helps to understand the common causes behind this frustrating problem:

  • Network connectivity issues (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)

  • macOS driver or software conflicts

  • Outdated firmware or printer drivers

  • Printer set to “Use Offline” mode

  • Changes in IP address or router settings

  • Incorrect default printer settings

Once we understand the causes, we can tackle the solutions step by step.

Method 1: Check Printer Power & Basic Connectivity

Start with the basics:

  1. Ensure the printer is turned on.

    • Look for lights on the control panel.

    • Check for error messages or blinking lights indicating paper jams, low ink, etc.

  2. Check cables or Wi-Fi status.

    • If using USB or Ethernet, make sure cables are secure.

    • If using Wi-Fi, print a Wireless Network Test Report from the printer settings to verify connection.

  3. Restart both the printer and your Mac.

    • Turn off the printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.

    • Do the same for your Mac.

Then try printing again.

Method 2: Reset the Printing System (macOS)

If your printer is still offline, resetting the printing system can help clear corrupted printer queues or old drivers.

Steps:

  1. Go to System Settings (Ventura or later) or System Preferences (Monterey and earlier).

  2. Click Printers & Scanners.

  3. Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and select Reset printing system.

  4. Enter your Mac password to confirm.

  5. After the reset, click the + button to re-add your HP printer.

This resets all printing preferences and drivers. Don’t worry—you can reconfigure everything after the reset.

 

 

 

Method 3: Re-add the HP Printer Using Bonjour or IP Address

Sometimes the Mac adds the printer with outdated settings. Re-adding it manually can fix the problem.

Re-adding via Bonjour:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Click the + button to add a printer.

  3. Under Default, select your HP printer.

    • It should say “Kind: Bonjour” or AirPrint.

  4. Click Add.

Re-adding via IP Address:

If Bonjour doesn’t work, use the printer’s IP address:

  1. On the printer, print a Network Configuration Page.

  2. Find the IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.45).

  3. In Printers & Scanners, click + and then IP tab.

  4. Enter the IP address.

  5. Set Protocol to “HP Jetdirect – Socket” or “AirPrint”.

  6. Click Add.

This ensures your Mac talks directly to the printer over the network.

Method 4: Update HP Drivers or Use AirPrint

Option A: Use Apple’s Built-in AirPrint

Most modern HP printers are compatible with AirPrint (Apple’s driverless printing standard). macOS uses AirPrint automatically if no HP drivers are found.

  1. Remove your printer from Printers & Scanners.

  2. Re-add it using the + button.

  3. Make sure it says Use: AirPrint at the bottom before clicking Add.

Option B: Download Official HP Drivers

If AirPrint isn’t supported or you want full scanning features:

  1. Visit HP Software & Drivers.

  2. Enter your printer model (e.g., HP OfficeJet 9015).

  3. Download and install the latest macOS drivers.

  4. Restart your Mac and add the printer again.

Method 5: Make Sure the Printer Is Not Set to “Offline”

Although macOS doesn’t have a “Use Printer Offline” checkbox like Windows, some third-party print managers or drivers may mislabel the status.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Open Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your printer and click Open Print Queue.

  3. If it says “Paused” or “Offline”, click the Resume or Wake Up button.

Also ensure no stalled print jobs are clogging the queue.

 

 

Method 6: Verify Your Wi-Fi or Network Setup

Sometimes, the printer appears offline because it's no longer on the same network as your Mac.

Fix steps:

  1. Reconnect printer to Wi-Fi

    • On the printer, go to Network Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard.

    • Follow the prompts to connect to your Wi-Fi.

  2. Ensure both Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.

  3. Avoid using guest networks: Guest Wi-Fi may block communication between devices.

If you have recently changed your router, reset the printer’s network settings and reconnect it to the new router.

Method 7: Use the HP Smart App

HP Smart is HP’s official management tool that works on macOS (macOS 10.13 or newer).

Steps:

  1. Download the app from the Mac App Store or HP’s website.

  2. Launch HP Smart and click Add Printer.

  3. It will auto-detect your HP printer and offer options to print, scan, or check ink.

The app can help identify and fix offline errors, update firmware, and manage settings more efficiently than macOS alone.

Method 8: Update macOS

In rare cases, a macOS update can resolve system-level compatibility problems with HP printers.

Steps:

  1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Install any available macOS updates.

  3. Restart your Mac and printer afterward.

Method 9: Disable or Adjust Firewall/Security Software

macOS’s built-in firewall or third-party security apps may sometimes block network communication with printers.

To check:

  1. Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall.

  2. Temporarily disable the firewall and test the printer.

  3. If it works, add the printer software or IP as an exception before re-enabling the firewall.

Avoid using overly aggressive “network security” tools unless they allow you to whitelist your printer.

Final Thoughts

Seeing your HP printer stuck offline on a Mac can be frustrating, but it’s usually a simple fix once you diagnose the cause. Whether it's a network issue, driver problem, or macOS glitch, the steps above cover all the major solutions.

By using the HP Smart app, keeping your software updated, and ensuring your printer and Mac are communicating properly, you can prevent this issue from recurring in the future.

If all else fails, you can also contact HP Customer Support for deeper diagnostics—especially if the printer is still under warranty.

Keywords: HP printer offline Mac, macOS printer not printing, fix HP offline status, HP AirPrint Mac, HP Smart app Mac, reconnect HP printer Mac

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