17 Ways to Fix Epson Printer Offline on Windows 10,11 - Step-by-Step Troubleshooting GuideUpdated 3 days ago
When your Epson printer shows offline on Windows 10 or Windows 11, it means your computer is unable to communicate with the printer—even though the printer may be turned on and connected to the network. This common error can stop printing jobs in their tracks, but the good news is that it's usually fixable through proper troubleshooting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven methods to bring your Epson printer back online and printing smoothly again.
✅ 1. Check Power and Connection Status
Start by verifying that your Epson printer is powered on and properly connected.
Check that the power light is steady.
If using USB, make sure the cable is securely connected.
For Wi-Fi printers, ensure the device is connected to the correct network and there are no blinking error lights.
✅ 2. Restart Printer and Computer
Often, a simple restart can refresh the connection.
Turn off your printer and computer.
Unplug the printer from the power source.
Wait 30 seconds, then turn everything back on.
✅ 3. Set Epson as the Default Printer
Your PC may be trying to print to a different or disconnected device.
Steps:
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your Epson printer and select Set as default printer.
✅ 4. Uncheck 'Use Printer Offline' Option
This setting can cause your Epson printer to show offline.
Right-click the Epson printer icon and select See what’s printing.
Click Printer on the menu bar and uncheck “Use Printer Offline” if it's selected.
✅ 5. Clear the Print Queue
A stuck print job can trigger offline status.
In the same window, click Cancel All Documents.
Try printing a fresh document.
✅ 6. Restart the Print Spooler Service
The print spooler service manages print jobs on Windows.
Steps:
Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter.Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.
✅ 7. Update Epson Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers can block communication between printer and PC.
To update:
Visit the Epson Support page.
Search for your printer model.
Download and install the latest Windows 10 or 11 compatible drivers.
✅ 8. Remove and Reinstall the Printer
Reinstalling ensures Windows connects with a clean driver setup.
Steps:
Go to Devices and Printers.
Right-click the Epson printer and select Remove device.
Reconnect the printer via USB or re-add it via Add Printer.
✅ 9. Use the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to fix printer-related issues.
Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
Click on your Epson printer > Manage > Run the troubleshooter.
✅ 10. Check Wi-Fi or Ethernet Connection
If you’re using a wireless or wired network printer, confirm:
The printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
The signal strength is strong.
There are no router restrictions (like MAC filtering).
✅ 11. Assign a Static IP Address
Changing IP addresses can cause offline issues. Assign a static IP via your router.
Steps:
Access router settings (usually via 192.168.1.1).
Reserve an IP for your printer’s MAC address.
On your PC, go to Devices and Printers > Printer Properties > Ports > Configure Port and update the IP address.
✅ 12. Disable SNMP Protocol
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) can cause printers to appear offline.
Steps:
In Devices and Printers, right-click the Epson printer > Printer Properties > Ports tab.
Select your printer port > Click Configure Port.
Uncheck SNMP Status Enabled, click OK.
✅ 13. Install Epson ScanSmart or iPrint Utility
Epson’s official software enhances connectivity and diagnostics.
Download Epson ScanSmart or Epson iPrint Utility.
Use it to detect and manage the printer.
This may re-establish a proper online status automatically.
✅ 14. Disable VPN or Proxy Networks
Sometimes VPNs or proxies interfere with local network devices.
Disconnect from VPN or disable proxy settings.
Restart your computer and printer, and try printing again.
✅ 15. Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus
Security software can block the printer’s connection.
Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus.
Attempt to print.
If it works, add your printer or Epson software as a trusted application.
✅ 16. Try a Different USB Port or Network Cable
If you’re using USB or Ethernet, try connecting to a different port.
For USB, use a rear port directly on your PC.
For Ethernet, switch the cable or port on the router.
Then reinstall or refresh the connection in Devices and Printers.
✅ 17. Check for Windows Updates
Ensure your Windows OS is fully up to date.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Download and install any available updates.
Restart your system and re-check the printer’s status.
📝 Final Tips Before Contacting Epson Support
If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact Epson for expert help. Before doing so, prepare the following:
Printer model and serial number
Description of the issue
Any error codes or flashing lights
Your computer’s Windows version
Confirmation that you've tried these troubleshooting steps
Visit Epson’s official support page or call the Epson customer service number for personalized assistance.
✅ Conclusion
Fixing an Epson printer offline error on Windows 10 or 11 often comes down to correcting settings, updating drivers, or re-establishing a lost connection. With these 17 step-by-step solutions, you can usually bring your printer back online without technical expertise. Always start with the simplest fixes and gradually move toward more advanced settings. By following this guide, you’ll be back to seamless, stress-free printing in no time.