How to fix a printer offline on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To fix a printer offline issue on a Mac, start by checking the printer's connection and ensuring it is powered on. Then, navigate to System Preferences to reset the printing system or check the printer status.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to fix a printer offline issue on your Mac, ensure you have the following:
  • •A Mac running macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
  • •Admin access to the Mac to modify printer settings.
  • •The printer should be connected to the same network as the Mac, either via USB or Wi-Fi.
  • •Ensure the printer is powered on and has paper and ink/toner.
  • •Backup any important documents that may need printing.

Method 1: Resetting the Printing System

This method is useful when the printer is consistently showing as offline despite being connected properly.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • •Step 2: Select 'System Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 3: Click on 'Printers & Scanners'.
  • •Step 4: Right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list and select 'Reset printing system...'.
  • •Step 5: Confirm the reset by clicking 'Reset' in the prompt that appears.
  • •Step 6: Re-add your printer by clicking the '+' button and selecting your printer from the list.
  • •Step 7: Verify that the printer is online by checking its status in the Printers & Scanners window.

For macOS Monterey (12) and later

In Monterey and later versions, the interface may have slight changes.
  • •Ensure you are in the 'Printers & Scanners' section.
  • •Look for the 'Add Printer or Scanner' option after resetting to re-add your printer.

For macOS Big Sur (11) and earlier

The process remains largely the same, but the layout may differ slightly.
  • •Check for any additional settings under 'Options & Supplies' after adding the printer.

Method 2: Checking Printer Connectivity

Use this method to ensure that the printer is properly connected to your Mac and the network.
  • •Step 1: Ensure the printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
  • •Step 2: Print a network configuration page from the printer to check its IP address.
  • •Step 3: On your Mac, go to 'System Preferences' > 'Printers & Scanners'.
  • •Step 4: Select your printer and check its status. If it shows offline, click 'Open Print Queue'.
  • •Step 5: If there are any jobs in the queue, cancel them and try printing a test page.
  • •Step 6: If the printer is still offline, try restarting both the printer and the Mac.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the printer remains offline after following the methods above, consider these common issues and solutions:
  • •Error: 'Printer is not responding' - Solution: Ensure the printer is connected to the network and powered on.
  • •Issue: 'Printer offline' despite being connected - Fix: Check the printer's IP address and ensure it matches the one in the printer settings on your Mac.
  • •Problem: 'Unable to communicate with printer' - Workaround: Restart your router and printer, then try reconnecting.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some tips and shortcuts to enhance your printing experience:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + P - Quickly opens the print dialog for the current document.
  • •Command line: `lpstat -p` - Use this command in Terminal to check the status of all printers connected to your Mac.
  • •Hidden feature: AirPrint - If your printer supports AirPrint, you can print wirelessly without needing to install drivers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regular maintenance of printer settings and network can significantly reduce offline issues.