Is your Lexmark printer offline showing an offline message even though it is turned on and connected to your computer? This problem can prevent you from printing documents, photos, and other files. It may happen because of a Wi-Fi connection problem, incorrect printer settings, a stuck print queue, or an outdated driver.
The good news is that you can often bring your Lexmark printer back online with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Follow the methods below to restore the connection and get your printer working again.
Why Is My Lexmark Printer Showing Offline?
Before changing any settings, understand what may be causing the problem.
- The printer has lost its Wi-Fi connection.
- The computer and printer are connected to different networks.
- Windows has selected the Use Printer Offline setting.
- Print jobs are stuck in the queue.
- The Print Spooler service is not responding.
- The printer driver is outdated or corrupted.
- The printer is asleep or displaying an error.
- Identifying the cause can make troubleshooting easier.
How to Get Your Lexmark Printer Back Online in Windows
If your Lexmark printer appears offline on a Windows computer, start by checking its status.
Turn Off the Use Printer Offline Setting
Windows may have switched your printer to offline mode accidentally.
- Open Settings on your computer.
- Select Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners in Windows 11. In Windows 10, open Devices, then Printers & scanners.
- Select your Lexmark printer.
- Click Open print queue.
- Open the Printer menu in the queue window, if available.
- Uncheck Use Printer Offline if it is selected.
- Also check that Pause Printing is not enabled.
Try printing a test document to see whether the printer is online again. Menu names may vary depending on your Windows version and printer driver.
Check Your Lexmark Printer’s Connection
A printer may appear offline when it cannot communicate with your computer.
For a Wireless Lexmark Printer
Check the printer’s display or wireless indicator to confirm that it is connected to Wi-Fi.
Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same network. If you recently changed your router or Wi-Fi password, reconnect the printer using its wireless setup menu.
Restart your router if the connection remains unstable. If your printer supports only the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, verify that your network settings are compatible with the device.
For a USB Lexmark Printer
If your printer uses a USB cable, check that both ends are connected securely. Try another USB port or a different compatible cable.
Connect the printer directly to the computer instead of using a USB hub while troubleshooting. Turn the printer off and back on after checking the connection.
Restart Your Lexmark Printer and Computer
A temporary communication problem can sometimes make a working printer appear offline.
- Turn off your Lexmark printer.
- Unplug its power cable from the electrical outlet.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the power cable and turn on the printer.
- Wait until the printer finishes starting.
- Restart your computer.
- Check the printer status and try printing again.
If the printer displays an error message, resolve that issue before sending another print job.
Clear the Stuck Print Queue
A failed or paused print job can prevent new documents from printing.
- Open Printers & scanners in Windows Settings.
- Select your Lexmark printer.
- Click Open print queue.
- Review the pending documents.
- Cancel jobs that are stuck or showing an error.
- Send a new document to the printer.
If the queue does not clear, restart the Print Spooler service.
Restart the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler manages print jobs in Windows. Restarting it may resolve a temporary printing problem.
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Find Print Spooler in the Services window.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Close the window and try printing again.
If the service is stopped, select Start if that option is available.
Update or Reinstall the Lexmark Printer Driver
An outdated or damaged driver can prevent Windows from communicating correctly with your printer.
Visit the official Lexmark support website and search for your exact printer model. Download the recommended driver compatible with your operating system and follow the installation instructions.
If updating the driver does not work, remove the printer from Windows Settings and add it again. Make sure the printer is connected before reinstalling it.
Avoid downloading drivers from unfamiliar websites, as they may contain incorrect or unsafe software.
What If Your Lexmark Printer Still Shows Offline?
If your printer remains offline after trying these methods, check the following:
- Confirm that the printer is powered on and ready.
- Look for paper, toner, or other printer error messages.
- Check whether the printer’s network connection is active.
- Verify that Windows has selected the correct Lexmark printer.
- Run the Windows printer troubleshooter through the Get Help app, if available.
- Consult the user guide for your exact Lexmark model.
For a network printer that repeatedly goes offline, its IP address or network configuration may need to be checked.
FAQs
Why does my Lexmark printer keep going offline?
Your printer may be losing its Wi-Fi connection, entering a power-saving mode, or experiencing communication problems with Windows. Check the network connection and restart the printer and computer.
How do I change my Lexmark printer from offline to online?
Open the printer queue in Windows, select the Printer menu if available, and uncheck Use Printer Offline. Make sure Pause Printing is also disabled.
Can an outdated driver make my Lexmark printer appear offline?
Yes. An incompatible or corrupted driver can interfere with communication between the printer and computer. Installing the correct driver may resolve the problem.
Why is my Lexmark printer online but not printing?
The print queue may be stuck, the wrong printer may be selected, or the device may have a paper or toner error. Clear failed jobs and check the printer’s status before printing again.
Conclusion
To get your Lexmark printer back online, check its connection, disable the Use Printer Offline setting, clear stuck print jobs, and restart the Print Spooler service if necessary. If the problem continues, update the driver or reinstall the printer.
These troubleshooting steps can help restore communication between your Lexmark printer and computer so you can print your documents again.
