# 1-888-410-9071 Why Does My Hp Printer Keep Going Offline

Luckily, not only is this one of the most common issues encountered by HP printer owners, but it is also one of the easiest to solve. This article outlines the steps you can take to get your HP printer back online and communicating with your printer.

**The Meaning Behind the “Printer Offline” Error Message**

The “Printer Offline” error message is one of the most common errors received with HP Printers. If you receive this message, it can be frustrating, but it is nothing to fear. An offline printer doesn’t mean that your printer is broken; it simply means that your printer is not communicating with your device.

Your **[HP printer says offline](https://www.easyprintersupport.com/hp-printer-is-offline/)** for a number of reasons, including a setting error, connection issues, or outdated drivers or software. Luckily, all of these issues can be solved with some easy troubleshooting steps.

Simple Solutions for Getting Your HP Printer Back Online
Most of our readers are faced with the common question, “How do I switch my HP Printer from offline to online?” Here are some top tips & tricks to consider.

**Start with the Basics: Cables and Cartridges**

This may seem like an obvious step, but it is often the one we overlook. Before you try anything else, make sure all of your printer’s cables and cartridges are properly installed and in good working condition. Check to ensure that all of your cables and power cords are properly connected and, if applicable, that your Ethernet cord is attached to an active Ethernet port. If you have any doubts, try connecting cords to different sockets or using different cords to ensure they are not the source of the issue.

Examine the printer for physical malfunctions that would prevent you from printing. Make sure the printer cartridges are properly installed, as misalignment can keep the printer from working. Double-check that there are no paper jams and that the printer has paper in the input tray.

**Turn on the Printer and Connect to WiFi**

Once your printer is on, use the printer control panel to identify the WiFi. From the control panel, select the network settings function and press “Confirm Network Settings.” This will show you the current status of your printer’s internet connection. Make sure that your computer and printer are both connected to the same WiFi.

**Restart your Printer and Computer**

To restart your printer, turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait thirty seconds, then plug your printer back in and turn it back on. This process is known as “power cycling” and can help your printer resolve issues itself.

Once your printer and computer are both back online, once again confirm that they are both connected to the same WiFi.

**Set Your Printer as the Default Printer**

The default printer is the printer that your computer will prioritize when choosing a printing device. If your computer is busy attempting to connect to another printer that is not currently online, it may have difficulty finding your HP printer.

To manually set your HP printer as the default printer with Windows:

* Click on the “Start” button on your computer and select “Control Panel” from the list.
* In the window that appears, select “Devices and Printers” (or the equivalent menu option).
* Select your HP printer from the resulting window, and then select “Open Queue.”
* Under the “printer” drop-down, select “Set as Default Printer.”

**To manually set your printer as the default printer with MacOS:**

* In the “Apple” menu, click “System Preferences” and select “Print & Scan.”
* Click “Default Printer,” then select your HP printer as the default printer option.

**Clear the Printer Queue**

Most people notice that their printer is not connected when they attempt to print a document. If you’re like me, you may even try to print that same document 4-5 times before realizing that your printer is offline. This printer queue can make it difficult for the printer to resolve the issue. Canceling print jobs will allow your printer and computer to focus solely on reestablishing their connection.

**To cancel print jobs on Windows:**

* Click on the “Start” button on your computer and select “Control Panel” from the list.
* In the window that appears, select “Devices and Printers” (or the equivalent menu option).
* Right-click on your HP printer’s icon and select “See What’s Printing.”
* Right-click each print job and select “Cancel.”
* To cancel print jobs on MacOS.

In the “Apple” menu, click “System Preferences” and select “Print & Scan.”
Click on your HP printer and select “Open Print Queue.”
Click on each print job and select “Cancel.”

**Run HP Print and Scan Doctor**

HP provides free printer troubleshooting for Windows customers through their “HP Print and Scan Doctor” program. If the solutions above do not resolve your printer’s offline status, download the “HP Print and Scan Doctor” and follow the program prompts:

**To use the “HP Print and Scan Doctor” with Windows:**

* Download the “HP Print and Scan Doctor” from your computer.
* Once the program downloads, open the downloaded application (called HPPSdr.exe) by allowing it to run.
* A window will appear. If asked if you trust the file, selected “Yes.” From the “HP Print and Scan Doctor” window, click “Start.”
* Choose your printer from the subsequent page. If your printer does not appear, restart your printer and select “Retry” on the “HP Print and Scan Doctor” window.

Follow the prompts from the “HP Print and Scan Doctor.”
Unfortunately, there is not an “HP Print and Scan Doctor” for macOS users at this time.

Most HP Printers will require the latest driver to work successfully. If your printer is an older model, it may no longer have the latest driver. To download drivers for your printer:

* Go to the HP Support Software and Drivers Download
* Select your printer by either entering the name in the search bar and clicking “Submit” or finding it in the list of printers below.
* Select the driver you wish to install. If there are multiple driver options available, select the driver that is responsible for “solutions.”
* Once the driver has downloaded, double-click the file to begin the installation.
* Once the driver has been installed, follow the steps above to remove and reinstall your printer.

**First Time Setting UpHP Deskjet 2542 Setup**

* To achieve the HP Deskjet 2542 printer setup (123.hp com/setup) remove the printer out of its packing. Check the package for all the list of items
* Raise the lid of the scanner and remove the packing tape around it
* Tape and packing material from the cleanout area and ink cartridge access area should also be removed
* Remove the packing tape from the paper tray door by extending it and push the paper tray forward until it clicks
* Turn on the printer by plugging it into a power source and set Preferences
* To fully configure the HP Deskjet 2542 printer setup press the down arrow on the control panel to select the language
* Then press the down arrow to select the Set Country/Region
* Press Ok after each action
* Pull out the paper tray and the tray extender to load the paper
* The slider width guides can be adjusted to their outermost positions
* After loading and aligning the paper, push the paper tray forward till it clicks into place
* The ink cartridges have to be loaded through the access door which is raised and locked into place
* As the door is raised, the carriage automatically moves to an accessible position
* The carriage has to be idle and silent for the HP Deskjet 2542 printer setup to continue
* After taking the cartridge out of the package, remove the plastic tape from the top of it without touching the ink nozzles
* Lift the lid of the ink cartridge slot, press the cartridge in till it snaps into place
* Repeat the action for other ink cartridges and close the lid to secure the cartridges in their places
* Close the access door of the print cartridge and align the cartridge according to the instructions on the control panel
* After alignment of the ink cartridges the printer prints an alignment page

**How TO Use Wi-Fi Direct On 123 HP DJ 2542**

To print wirelessly from a computer or mobile device install the printer software(computer) or compatible printing app(mobile)

Note: Up to five computers and mobile devices can use the same Wi-Fi Direct connection. Wi-Fi Direct can be used while the printer is also connected either to a computer using a USB cable or to a network using a wireless connection.

**To turn on Wi-Fi Direct**

* Go to Settings in the printer control panel.
* Select Wi-Fi Direct.
* Turn it On.
* To print from a wireless-capable mobile device that supports Wi-Fi Direct

**Install the latest version of HP Print Service**

* Plugin on your mobile device.
* Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
* Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your mobile device.
* Select a document on your mobile from a print-enabled the application.
* Select Print.The list of available printers appears.
* From the list of available printers, choose the Wi-Fi Direct name.
* The printer starts printing.
* To print from a wireless-capable mobile device that does not support Wi-Fi Direct

**Install a compatible printing app on your mobile device**

* Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
* Turn on the Wi-Fi connection on your mobile device. A list of wireless networks gets displayed.
* Choose the Wi-Fi Direct name.
* Enter the Wi-Fi Direct password when prompted.
* Print your document.

To print from a wireless-capable computer (Windows)

* Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer.
* Turn on the computer’s Wi-Fi connection. A list of wireless networks gets displayed.
* Choose the Wi-Fi Direct name.

[If the printer has been installed and connected to your computer with a USB cable, follow the steps below to install the printer software using the Wi-Fi Direct connection:

* Open the HP printer software
* Click Tools> Device Setup & Software
* Connection Options software screen will appear
* Select Wireless.
* Select your HP printer from the detected printer list.
* Follow the onscreen instructions]
* Enter the Wi-Fi Direct password when prompted.
* Print your document

Visit **[123.hp.com/dj2542](https://www.easyprintersupport.com/hp-deskjet-2541-wireless-setup/)** to get information about how to download and setup Complete HP Deskjet Printer