There may be several reasons why your printer is not showing up as online. Below are some general steps to help you determine the cause of the issue and get your printer back online.
Step 1: Check the Power of the Printer
The first thing that you should do is make sure that your printer is plugged in and has power. If it is plugged in, unplug it, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in and turn it back on.
Step 2: Check the Connection Between the Printer and the Computer
If the printer appears online, but is not responding, you will need to check the communication between the printer and the computer. If the printer is connected via USB, make sure that the cable is firmly connected to both the computer and the printer. If the printer is connected to the computer wirelessly, check to make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer and Printer
Sometimes, restarting your computer and printer can resolve any lingering issues. To do this, power down both the computer and the printer and leave them off for a few minutes. Then power both devices back on.
Step 4: Reinstall the Printer Driver
If your printer is still not appearing online, you may need to reinstall the printer driver. To do this, you will need to locate the latest version of the printer driver on the manufacturer’s website and install it on your computer.
Step 5: Reset Your Printer
The last resort is to reset your printer to its factory defaults. Most printers have a reset button or a menu setting that can be used to reset the printer’s settings. Refer to the manual for your printer for instructions on how to reset it.
These steps should help you get your printer back online. If the issue persists, you may need to contact the manufacturer for additional help.