HP printer shows offline: the complete fix

HP printers go offline more than most because of HP Smart and WSD ports. Here is the reliable cure.

1. 1

   Restart everything in order

   Router first, then the printer, then the computer. This clears stale network leases that confuse HP Smart.

2. 2

   Remove the WSD port

   In printer properties > Ports, untick any WSD port and add a Standard TCP/IP port with the printer's current IP instead.

3. 3

   Set a fixed IP

   Reserve the printer's IP in your router's DHCP settings so it never changes and the port never breaks.

4. 4

   Update firmware via HP Smart

   Open HP Smart > Printer Settings > Advanced > Firmware Update. Several offline bugs were fixed in firmware.

5. 5

   Re-add in HP Smart

   Remove the printer from HP Smart and add it again so the app rebuilds its connection profile.

Keep reading