Why printer goes offline when connected to iOS devices?

One of the more common issues faced by Apple users is a printer going offline after the connection with the iOS device is established.

The error messages displayed is ‘Printer Not Responding’ or ‘Printer Offline’. If you have a HP printer or another printer such as Canon or Epson printer, and are getting either of the above error messages, follow the troubleshooting steps set out below:

USB to printer Connection problems

The error message “Printer Offline” indicates that the Mac/iOS device is not able to communicate with the printer. There can be several reasons for this error such as Printer is powered down or the USB cable is not properly seated in the USB slot.  Here are the troubleshooting steps you need to follow to resolve this error:

1. Power down the printer and remove the USB cable from the rear of the printer
2. Wait for few minutes
3. Press the Power button to switch on the Printer
4. Wait for few seconds
5. Connect USB cable to the rear of the printer
6. Ensure the USB cable is secured in the connection slot
7. If the printer starts printing, let it continue

Solve Printer Offline Error in Windows 10, 8, & 7

If the above troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the printer issue, you need to reset the Printer by following steps set out below:

Reset the Printer

1. With the Printer turned on, remove the power cable from the rear of the printer
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket
3. Wait for 1-2 minutes
4. Plug the power cord in the wall socket
5. Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer
6. If the printer does not turn on, press the Power button to switch it on.
7. Try printing some document from the iOS device
8. If the printer prints, the problems are resolved. Otherwise, follow the troubleshooting steps set out below:

Remove additional printers from the printer list

There is a possibility that your iOS device has several printers associated with it. You need to remove all printers in this printer list except the one in idle status. Here are steps you need to follow:

1. Search the iOS device/Mac for Print
2. Click Print & Scan, Printers & Scanners, or Print & Fax, in the list of results
3. Find the printer name in the list that matches with your printer
4. If you see multiple queues for the same printer, remove all extra printers one at a time
5. To remove a printer, select the printer and click minus button to remove the printer
6. Leave printer that shows idle status
7. In most cases, the problem will be resolved. If the problem exists, remove the remaining printers from the list by following steps 5-6

Now you need to add a printer

Printer Drivers Download & Updates

Add a Printer

1. Search the iOS device/Mac for Print
2. Click Print & Scan, Printers & Scanners, or Print & Fax, in the list of results
3. Click Add button
4. Select your Printer model from the Printer list
5. Select “AirPrint” in Use field with the printer name selected
6. Click Add to add your printer

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