There can be several reasons why a printer appears as offline on a Mac. In this blog, we are going to guide you how to troubleshoot and get your printer online on a Macbook step by step.
Why My Mac Says Printer is Offline?
Here are some common causes why Mac says the printer is offline:
- Connectivity Issues
- Power and Status
- Printer Software or Drivers
- Hardware Issues
- Printer Queue Issues
- Printer Configuration
- Firmware Update
How to Get My Printer Online Mac?
1. Check the Connection
Make sure your printer is properly connected to your Mac. If you're using a USB cable, make sure it's plugged firmly into the printer and Mac. If your printer is connected wirelessly, make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
2. Check the Print Queue
Stuck print jobs in the print queue can sometimes cause the printer to go offline. Open the "Printers & Scanners" preference pane on your Mac, select your printer, and click the "Open Print Queue" button. If there are any pending print jobs, try canceling them and restarting the printer.
3. Turn on the Printer
Make sure the printer is turned on and ready. Check the printer's display panel or lights to verify it has power.
4. Install the Printer Driver/Firmware
If you don't already have the driver you need for your printer, go to the manufacturer's website and download the driver for your printer model. Follow the instructions provided to install the driver on your Mac.
Printer firmware update may also cause compatibility issue with the operating system. If you have updated the printer firmware recently, you may need to downgrade it to the old version. Learn how to downgrade HP printer firmware.
5. Open System Preferences
Click the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
6. Select Printers & Scanners
In the System Preferences window, locate and click the Printers & Scanners icon. This will open the Printers & Scanners preference pane.
7. Add a Printer
On the left side of the Printers & Scanners preference pane, you will see a list of printers. If your printer is not listed, click the "+" button below the list to add a new printer.
8. Detect and Add Printer
Your Mac will now search for available printers. If your printer is connected and turned on, it should appear in the list of available printers. Select your printer from the list and click the Add button.
9. Configure the Printer
After selecting a printer, you may see additional options or settings to configure. Some printers may require specific settings for paper size, print quality, or other preferences. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process. If prompted, make sure to select the correct printer driver.
10. Test Printing
After adding and configuring the printer, it is a good idea to print a test page or document to ensure the connection is established and the printer is functioning properly. With a document or image open, choose File from the menu bar, then choose Print. Verify that your printer is selected in the print dialog, adjust any necessary settings, and click Print to send a test page to your printer.
FAQs Related to Printer Offline Mac
How to View the Print Queue on Mac?
Step 1: Click Apple Menu, then navigate to System Preferences Printers Scanners.
Step 2: Click the printer icon to select the printer you want to use and open print queue.
Step 3: Click Window and Show Completed Jobs.
Step 4: Choose Jobs and click Show Everyone’s Jobs to see all the print jobs from other users.
How to Connect a Printer to My MacBook?
1、Connect a USB Printer
Connecting USB printers is very easy. Firstly, connect your Mac and printer with a USB cable. Then, check the software update on your Mac and download printer software. After you install the printer drivers, your printer will be connected successfully.
2、Connect a Wireless Printer
Before adding a wireless printer, make sure your Mac and printer are connected to the same wi fi network. You can click the wi fi button at the top-right corner of your Mac screen to connect the wi fi network for your Mac. On the printer, you can click WPS button to connect the wifi. Then, Click “File>Print” or hit “Command + P” to open the print window. Next, click the “Printer” options and select “Printers & Scanners Preferences”. After that, select an available printer and click Add button to add the printer. Then you can print wirelessly. You could as well delete printer from the Printers & Scanners list.
3、Connect a Network Printer by the Printer’s IP Address
People might think that connecting a network printer by it’s IP address is complicated because they are not good at network technology. But actually it’s as easy as connecting your printer via Wifi or USB cable. First, open the print window by clicking “File>Print” or hitting “Command + P”. Then, click the “Printer” options and select “Add Printer”. Next, click the IP icon on the Add Printer window. After that, enter the IP address, Queue (if necessary), Name, Location and Use information. At last, click Add button to add the printer.
How to Print Test Page on Mac?
How to print test page on Mac? There are several ways to print a test page on Mac. Let’s introduce two easiest ways to you here.
Option 1:
Step 1: Click on the System Preferences icon to access the control panel. (If you can’t find it, you can click Apple icon at the top-left corner of your Mac screen. System Preferences option is on the drop down menu.)
Step 2: Find the Printers & Scanners icon and click on it.
Step 3: Choose the printer you want to print a test page.
Step 4: Click Open Print Queue.
Step 5: Click Printer from the task bar.
Step 6: Then click Print Test Page and wait for your printing results.
Option 2:
Step 1: Search printer test page on Google and find a test page you want to print.
Step 2: Hit “Command +P” or Click File>Print from top menu bar.
Step 3: Select a printer and change the print options.
Step 4: Click printing click button “Print” to start printing.
Then you will get the printer test page from which you can see the printer supplies status.
By following all these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully get your printer online and ready to print on your Mac. If you still have any questions, True Image customer service team is very happy to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
