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Likely fix

Fix: Mac says your printer is offline

On Mac, offline printer problems are commonly caused by WiFi changes, old printer entries, or a paused print queue.

Quick answer

Open Printers & Scanners, resume the queue if paused, restart the printer and Mac, then remove and re-add the printer if it still shows offline.

Important warning

If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names, the printer may only be connected to one of them.

Try this

  1. 1 Open System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
  2. 2 Open the printer queue and resume it if it is paused.
  3. 3 Restart the printer and Mac.
  4. 4 Check that the printer and Mac are on the same WiFi network.
  5. 5 Remove the printer from Printers & Scanners.
  6. 6 Add the printer again.
  7. 7 Try printing a simple text document.

Common causes

The print queue is paused.

The printer changed WiFi networks.

The Mac has an old printer entry.

The printer is asleep or disconnected.

The Mac is connected to VPN or a different network.

What to check next

  • Check whether the printer queue is paused.
  • Check whether the printer appears from another Apple device.
  • Check whether AirPrint can see the printer.
  • Check whether the Mac and printer are on the same WiFi network.

FAQ

Why does my Mac say the printer is offline?

The printer may be asleep, disconnected from WiFi, paused in the queue, or the Mac may be using an old printer entry.

Should I remove and re-add the printer on Mac?

Yes, if restarting and resuming the queue does not work. Removing and re-adding the printer often clears old connection problems.

Can separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi names cause printer problems?

Yes. Some printers connect to only one band, while the Mac may be on another network name.

Related fixes

Fix: Windows says your printer is offline

Windows usually shows a printer as offline when it is using an old connection, the printer changed WiFi networks, or offline mode is enabled.

Fix: AirPrint cannot find your printer

AirPrint usually fails when the iPhone, iPad, or Mac cannot see the printer on the local network.

Fix: iPhone sees the printer but nothing prints

This usually means the printer is asleep, has an error, has a stuck queue, or is failing to receive the AirPrint job correctly.

Fix: Windows cannot find your printer

Windows often cannot find a printer when the computer and printer are on different WiFi networks, guest networks, VPNs, or old printer connections.

Fix: Mac print queue is stuck

A stuck Mac print queue usually clears after canceling jobs, resuming the queue, or re-adding the printer.

Fix: Android cannot find your printer

Android printing usually needs the printer on the same WiFi network and may need the manufacturer's print service app installed.