If your Lexmark printer is showing as "offline" despite being connected, it can be frustrating. This issue is common but can usually be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. The offline status could be due to network connectivity problems, printer settings, or outdated drivers. In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps to change your Lexmark printer from offline to online.

Step 1: Check the Printer’s Connection

The first step in resolving the offline issue is to ensure that your printer is properly connected to your computer or network.

For Wired Connections: Ensure the USB or Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer or network router.

For Wireless Connections: Make sure your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. You can check this on the printer's display screen under network settings.

If the connection appears to be fine, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Set Your Printer as the Default Printer

Sometimes, your Lexmark printer may show as offline because it's not set as the default printer on your computer.

For Windows:

Open the Control Panel on your computer.

Navigate to Devices and Printers.

Right-click on your Lexmark printer and select Set as default printer.

For Mac:

From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

Click on Printers & Scanners.

Select your Lexmark printer and click Set as default.

Step 3: Disable "Use Printer Offline" Mode

Windows has a feature that allows you to use a printer offline, but if this setting is enabled accidentally, it can cause problems.

Navigate to your Windows computer's Control Panel.

Click on Devices and Printers.

Right-click on your Lexmark printer and select See what's printing.

In the new window, click on Printer at the top.

Disable the "Use Printer Offline" option.

Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages the printing process on your computer. Restarting this service can often resolve the offline issue.

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

Type services.msc and press Enter.

Print Spooler can be found by scrolling down the list of services.

Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

A malfunctioning or outdated driver could be the reason your printer stops working. Reinstalling or updating the drivers may help fix the problem.

Visit the official Lexmark Support website.

To obtain the most recent drivers that are compatible with your operating system, enter the model of your printer.

Install the updated drivers and restart your computer.

If the issue persists, you might want to uninstall the current drivers first and then reinstall the latest version.

Step 6: Power Cycle Your Printer and Computer

Simple power cycles can occasionally fix connectivity problems.

After disconnecting it from the power source, turn off your printer.

Restart your computer.

Re-plug the printer and switch it on.

Check if the printer status changes from offline to online.

Step 7: Reconnect the Printer to the Network

If you're using a wireless connection and your Lexmark printer is still offline, try reconnecting the printer to the network.

On your printer, navigate to the Network Settings menu.

Select Wireless Setup Wizard or a similar option.

Go through the given directions.

Once connected, check if the printer status changes to online.

Step 8: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job in the queue can cause your printer to appear offline.

Open your computer's Devices and Printers menu.

Right-click on your Lexmark printer and select See what's printing.

Select Cancel with a right-click on any print jobs that are stuck.

Once the queue is clear, check if your printer is now online.

Step 9: Contact Lexmark Support

If you've tried all the above steps and your printer is still offline, it may be time to contact Lexmark Support for further assistance. There could be an issue with the printer hardware or firmware that requires professional help.

Conclusion

Dealing with an offline printer can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get your Lexmark printer back online. Always ensure that your printer is connected properly, set as the default, and updated with the latest drivers. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lexmark's customer support for assistance.