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PRINTER CONNECTION

KATY ANTHONY (ourlady) 0 Reputation points
2026-06-19T16:32:57.4266667+00:00

Printer showing offline. It will print via usb cable but not bluetooth

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. EmilyS726 241.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-19T17:05:30.2133333+00:00

    Hello

    Does it print from your phone or another device? It is important to determine if the issue is on the printer, or just the communication between THIS computer and printer?

    And what's the printer's brand and model?

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-19T16:33:14.91+00:00

    Follow these steps to resolve a Bluetooth printer that shows offline while USB printing works:

    1. Power cycle the printer
      Turn the printer off, unplug it for about 30 seconds, plug it back in, and turn it on again. This can clear temporary connection issues.
    2. Check Bluetooth and wireless status
      • Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on the Windows 11 device.
      • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on the printer and that the printer is within range.
      • If the printer also uses Wi‑Fi for printing, confirm it is connected to the same network as the PC and passes any built‑in wireless connectivity test.
    3. Remove and re-add the printer
      1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      2. Select the Bluetooth printer and choose Remove / Remove device, then confirm.
      3. Still in Printers & scanners, select Add device or Add a printer or scanner and wait for Windows to find the Bluetooth printer.
      4. Select it and complete the installation.
    4. Clear the print queue and restart the Print Spooler
      • Go to Start > Settings > Devices (or Bluetooth & devices) > Printers & scanners, select the printer, then Open queue and cancel any stuck documents.
      • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
      • Find Print Spooler, right‑click it, and select Restart.
    5. Install or update printer drivers
      If Bluetooth printing still fails, install the latest driver for the printer from the manufacturer’s website, then repeat the remove/re‑add steps above.
    6. Restart the PC
      After making these changes, restart Windows 11 and try printing again via the Bluetooth printer entry (not the USB one).

    If the printer continues to show offline only over Bluetooth, use the manufacturer’s documentation for Bluetooth setup and run any built‑in wireless/Bluetooth tests on the printer.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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