Why Does My Printer Keep Going Offline on Mac?

Your printer keeps going offline on a Mac most often because its Wi-Fi connection drops, its IP address changed, the print queue got paused, or macOS lost the Bonjour link to it. Waking the printer, confirming both devices are on the same network, and resuming the queue fixes most cases. Resetting the printing system clears the stubborn ones.

Why this happens

• The printer goes to sleep and drops off Wi-Fi, so the Mac marks it offline.
• The printer's IP address changed through DHCP, so the saved queue points to the wrong address.
• The print queue was paused, either manually or after a failed job.
• Bonjour or mDNS discovery failed, which is common after a router or macOS update.
• A weak signal, or the printer being on a different band or a guest network than the Mac.

Is this normal?

An occasional offline status after the printer sleeps is common. A printer that goes offline constantly usually has an IP or network setup problem worth fixing.

Does it cause any problems?

Jobs sit in the queue and will not print until the printer reconnects, but there is no damage to the hardware.

How to fix or check it

1. Wake the printer and print a network or configuration page to see its current IP address.
2. On the Mac, open System Settings, Printers and Scanners, select the printer, and if the queue is paused, click Resume.
3. Confirm the Mac and the printer are on the same Wi-Fi network, not a guest or separate band that blocks device discovery.
4. Remove the printer, then add it again, choosing the AirPrint or Bonjour version if it is listed.
5. Give the printer a static IP or a DHCP reservation in your router so its address stops changing.
6. If it still drops, reset the printing system: Control click the printer list, choose Reset printing system, then add the printer again.
7. Update the printer firmware and macOS.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Mac say the printer is offline when it is on?

Usually the printer changed IP, went to sleep, or the queue paused. Print a config page for the current IP, then resume or re-add the printer.

Does a static IP stop the offline problem?

Often yes. If the address changing is the cause, a DHCP reservation or static IP keeps the queue pointed at the right place.

What does resetting the printing system do?

It removes all printers, queues, and stored settings, then lets you add the printer fresh. It clears corrupted queue data that keeps a printer stuck offline.