I see the message Printer is Offline when I try to print with a USB connection in Windows. What should I do?

  • The problem can be caused by your printer, computer, or USB connection. Do the following:

    1. To determine if the printer can print without a computer, print a nozzle check pattern from the product's control panel.
      • If you can print, go to the next step.
      • If you can't print a nozzle check pattern, check the product's LCD for error messages. Clear any errors displayed on the LCD, then try printing a nozzle check pattern again. If you still can't print, contact Epson support.
    2. Delete any pending print job(s) from the Epson print queue, then try printing again.
      • If you can print now, you're done, and you can skip the remaining steps.
      • If you can't print, go to the next step.
    3. Turn off your product and make sure the USB cable is securely connected, then try printing again.

      If that doesn't help, make sure the USB cable is a shielded cable no more than 6.5 feet (2 meters) long, connect the cable to another USB port on your computer, and/or use a different cable. Then try printing again.

      Note: If you're using a hub or switchbox, connect the product directly to your computer.

      • If you can print now, you're done, and you can skip the remaining steps.
      • If you can't print, go to the next step.
    4. Set your product as the default printer.
      • Windows 8.x: Navigate to the Apps screen and select Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers. Right-click your product icon and select Set as Default Printer.
      • Windows 7: Click and select Devices and Printers. Right-click your product icon and select Set as Default Printer.
      • Windows Vista: Click and select Control Panel (or point to Settings and then select Control Panel). Select Printer (under Hardware and Sound) or Printers. Right-click your product icon and select Set as Default Printer.
      • Windows XP: Click Start and select Control Panel (or point to Settings and then select Control Panel). Select Printers and Other Hardware (if available) and then Printers and Faxes. Right-click your product icon and select Set as Default Printer.

      Note: If there is more than one icon for your printer, select the icon that is not faded (or is in a Ready or Active state) to be your default printer. You can delete any duplicate icons that are faded or in an Offline state by right-clicking the icon and selecting Delete.

      If you still can't print, contact Epson support.

Published:  2-Feb-2015 Was this helpful? Thank you for the feedback!
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