HP network printers are designed to stay connected and accessible across multiple devices. However, many users experience an issue where the HP printer shows “Offline” after the computer or printer wakes up from sleep mode. This problem usually occurs due to network communication interruptions, power management settings, outdated drivers, or incorrect printer configurations.
Why Does HP Printer Show Offline After Sleep?
When your computer or printer goes into sleep mode, the connection between the device and the network may temporarily disconnect. After waking up, the printer may fail to re-establish communication automatically.
Common causes include:
- Wi-Fi reconnection delay
- Router IP address change
- Outdated printer drivers
- Windows “Use Printer Offline” setting enabled
- Power management settings disabling network adapters
- HP Smart app sync issues
Understanding the cause helps apply the correct solution quickly.
Basic Fix: Restart Printer and Router
The simplest solution often resolves the issue.
Steps:
- Turn off the HP printer.
- Unplug the power cable.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Wait 2–3 minutes.
- Turn the printer back on.
- Check printer status on your computer.
This refreshes the network connection and reassigns a stable IP address.
Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode (Windows)
Sometimes Windows automatically enables offline mode.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Click Devices and Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select See what’s printing
- Click Printer from the top menu
- Uncheck Use Printer Offline
Your printer should now appear online.
Assign a Static IP Address to HP Printer
When a printer reconnects after sleep, it may receive a new IP address from the router. This can cause communication errors.
Steps to Assign Static IP:
- Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer.
- Open a web browser.
- Enter the printer’s IP address in the address bar.
- Access the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS).
- Go to Network Settings.
- Set a manual (static) IP address.
- Save settings and restart printer.
This prevents the printer from changing IP addresses after sleep.
Update HP Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers commonly cause offline issues.
Steps to Update Drivers:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select Update Driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
Alternatively, uninstall and reinstall the latest drivers from HP support.
Updating drivers improves communication between your system and printer.
Adjust Power Management Settings (Windows)
Windows may disable network adapters during sleep.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Network Adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter
- Select Properties
- Go to Power Management
- Uncheck:
- “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”
- Click OK
This ensures your network remains active after sleep mode.
HP Smart App Login and Setup
Using the HP Smart app ensures proper printer configuration and status monitoring.
Steps to Login and Setup:
- Install HP Smart app.
- Open the app.
- Sign in with your HP account.
- Add your printer.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete setup.
The app helps detect and automatically fix offline errors.
Reinstall HP Printer (Complete Reset Method)
If the problem continues:
Steps:
- Remove the printer from Devices and Printers.
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Uninstall HP software.
- Restart your computer.
- Reinstall HP printer software.
- Add printer again via Wi-Fi.
This clears corrupted configuration files.
HP Printer Firmware Update
Firmware updates improve network stability.
Steps:
- Open HP Smart app.
- Select your printer.
- Go to Advanced Settings.
- Check for firmware updates.
- Install if available.
Updating firmware prevents connectivity drops after sleep.
HP Customer Support and Service
If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, you may need professional assistance.
HP offers:
- Online troubleshooting tools
- Virtual assistant support
- Live chat support
- Phone support
- Service center repair
Before contacting support, keep:
- Printer model number
- Serial number
- Network details
- Error messages
This speeds up resolution.
Troubleshooting Checklist (Quick Summary)
If HP printer shows offline after sleep, check:
- ✔ Restart printer and router
- ✔ Disable “Use Printer Offline”
- ✔ Assign static IP address
- ✔ Update printer drivers
- ✔ Disable network adapter power saving
- ✔ Update firmware
- ✔ Reinstall printer software
Following these steps resolves most cases.
How to Prevent HP Printer Offline Issue in Future
To avoid the issue permanently:
- Keep printer firmware updated
- Use static IP configuration
- Disable deep sleep mode (if available)
- Keep router firmware updated
- Avoid frequent power cycling
Preventive maintenance ensures long-term stable connectivity.
Conclusion
The HP printer network printer showing offline after sleep is a common issue caused by temporary network disconnections or system settings. Fortunately, it can be fixed easily using driver updates, static IP configuration, power setting adjustments, and HP Smart app setup.
By following the solutions outlined above, you can restore your HP printer connection quickly and prevent future offline errors.
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