Epson Printer Offline but Connected to Wi-Fi? What You Need to KnowUpdated 3 days ago
It can be incredibly frustrating when your Epson printer shows as "offline" despite being connected to Wi-Fi. You're not alone—this is a common issue among users who rely on wireless printing. The good news? It’s usually fixable with a few strategic steps.
In this guide, we’ll explore the possible causes of this issue, how to resolve it on both Windows and Mac, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
✅ Why Is Your Epson Printer Offline but Still Connected to Wi-Fi?
If your Epson printer is connected to Wi-Fi but shows an "offline" status, it usually means that your computer and printer are not communicating properly. Here are the most common reasons:
Spooler service issues
Incorrect printer settings
Outdated drivers
IP address conflicts
Multiple printer entries (ghost printers)
Firewall or antivirus interference
🔧 Fixes for Epson Printer Offline but Connected to Wi-Fi
Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix this issue on Windows and Mac.
📍 Step 1: Restart Printer and Wi-Fi Router
Start with the basics:
Turn off your Epson printer.
Unplug the Wi-Fi router for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
Restart your printer after the router comes back online.
Wait a few minutes and check the printer status.
🖥️ Step 2: Set Epson as the Default Printer (Windows)
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your Epson printer and choose Set as default printer.
If you see multiple printer icons, remove any that are greyed out or named "Copy".
🍏 Step 3: Reset Printer System (Mac)
Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
Right-click in the printer list area and choose Reset printing system.
Re-add your Epson printer by clicking the "+" button.
🔍 Step 4: Clear Print Queue
A stuck print job can cause offline issues.
Windows:
Open Devices and Printers.
Right-click the Epson printer > See what’s printing.
Cancel all print jobs.
Mac:
Go to Printers & Scanners.
Select your Epson printer and click Open Print Queue.
Cancel any pending documents.
🧰 Step 5: Restart the Print Spooler (Windows Only)
Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Scroll down and find Print Spooler.
Right-click and select Restart.
🌐 Step 6: Assign a Static IP to Your Printer
Dynamic IP addresses can change, breaking the link between your computer and printer.
Access your router’s admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or similar).
Assign a static IP to your printer using its MAC address.
Update the printer port on your computer:
Go to Devices and Printers > Printer Properties > Ports > Configure Port.
Enter the new static IP address.
📥 Step 7: Update or Reinstall Epson Printer Drivers
Visit the official Epson website.
Search for your printer model.
Download the latest drivers for your operating system.
Install them and restart your system.
🛡️ Step 8: Check Firewall or Antivirus Settings
Security software can block printer connections.
Temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus.
Try printing again.
If it works, create an exception for your Epson printer in your antivirus/firewall settings.
🧠 Pro Tips to Avoid Printer Offline Issues
Use Epson Connect or AirPrint for seamless printing.
Always keep your printer firmware and drivers updated.
Reboot your devices weekly to clear any lingering connectivity issues.
Avoid printing over a public or guest network—use your secure home network.
Turn off Wi-Fi power-saving features on your router.
🧾 When to Contact Epson Support
If your Epson printer still shows offline despite trying all the steps above, it could be a hardware issue or deep network conflict. Reach out to Epson Support if:
You see blinking error lights.
The printer disconnects frequently.
You can't update firmware or drivers.
Other devices also fail to detect the printer.
You can visit Epson’s official support page to chat with an expert or find additional troubleshooting tools.
📝 Final Thoughts
When your Epson printer is offline but connected to Wi-Fi, it's often just a communication hiccup between the devices. With the right combination of resets, driver updates, and network tweaks, you can usually fix the problem in minutes.
Stay proactive by maintaining your network, setting up static IPs, and ensuring your software is up to date. This will help avoid future downtime and keep your printing process smooth and stress-free.