How do I get my xerox printer back online on my Mac?

Experiencing issues with your Xerox printer showing as "offline" on your Mac can be frustrating, especially when you need to print important documents. This problem can arise due to a variety of reasons, such as network issues, incorrect settings, or outdated drivers. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and bring your Xerox printer back online, so you can get back to printing without any interruptions.

Why Is My Xerox Printer Offline?

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it's helpful to understand why your Xerox printer might be offline on your Mac. Some common reasons include:

Connection Issues: Your printer might have lost its connection to your network or Mac.

Driver Problems: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause your printer to go offline.

Incorrect Settings: Your Mac might be trying to communicate with the wrong printer or has the printer set to "offline" mode.

Software Conflicts: Issues with macOS can also lead to your printer being shown as offline.

Understanding the root cause can help you apply the right solution, so let’s get started with the steps to bring your Xerox printer back online.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Xerox Printer Back Online on Your Mac

Step 1: Check Printer Connectivity

The first step is to ensure that your printer is properly connected to your Mac or network:

Verify Physical Connection (For USB Printers):

If your Xerox printer is connected via USB, ensure that the cable is securely plugged into both your printer and your Mac. If required, try utilizing a different USB port.

Check Wi-Fi Connection (For Wireless Printers):

If your printer is wireless, ensure that it is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. You can usually check the connection status on the printer’s control panel or by printing a network configuration page.

Restart the Router:

A simple router restart can resolve network connectivity issues. Take a few seconds to unplug your router, then plug it back in and wait for it to reconnect.

Reboot Your Printer:

Turn off your Xerox printer, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on to reset its connection.

Step 2: Ensure the Printer is Set as the Default Printer

Your Mac might be sending print jobs to a different printer, so make sure your Xerox printer is set as the default:

Open System Preferences:

In the upper-left corner of your screen, click the Apple menu, then choose System Preferences.

Go to Printers & Scanners:

In the System Preferences window, click on Printers & Scanners.

Select Your Xerox Printer:

In the list of printers, select your Xerox printer. If it’s not listed, you may need to add it.

Set as Default Printer:

Right-click on your Xerox printer and choose Set as Default Printer from the dropdown menu.

By doing this, you can be sure that the right printer is receiving your print jobs.

Step 3: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can sometimes cause your Xerox printer to go offline. Clearing the print queue might resolve the issue:

Open Printers & Scanners:

Go to System Preferences and click on Printers & Scanners.

Select Your Printer:

In the Printers & Scanners window, select your Xerox printer.

Open Print Queue:

Click on Open Print Queue. If there are any stuck print jobs, click on the X next to them to cancel or remove them.

Try Printing Again:

After clearing the queue, try printing a document to see if your printer comes back online.

Step 4: Restart the Printer and Mac

Restarting the computer might sometimes resolve the problem:

Turn off your printer:

Press the power button on your Xerox printer to turn it off.

Restart your Mac:

In the upper-left corner, click the Apple menu, then choose Restart.

Turn the printer back on:

After your Mac restarts, turn your printer back on and check if it’s online.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your Xerox printer to go offline. Reinstalling or updating the drivers may help fix this problem:

Download Latest Drivers:

Visit the official Xerox website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model.

Uninstall the Existing Driver:

In Printers & Scanners, select your Xerox printer and click on the – (minus) button to remove it.

Install the New Driver:

To install the new driver, launch the downloaded driver installer and adhere to the on-screen directions.

Add the Printer Again:

After installing the new driver, go back to Printers & Scanners and click the + (plus) button to add your Xerox printer again.

Step 6: Reset the Printing System

If the above steps don't work, resetting the printing system can help:

Open Printers & Scanners:

Go to System Preferences and select Printers & Scanners.

Right-click in the Printer List:

Right-click (or hold the Control key and click) in the list of printers.

Select Reset Printing System:

Choose Reset Printing System from the context menu. This will remove all printers and reset the printing system on your Mac.

Re-add Your Xerox Printer:

Click the + (plus) button to add your Xerox printer again.

Step 7: Check for macOS Updates

Sometimes, the issue might be related to macOS itself. Keeping your system updated can help resolve compatibility issues:

Open System Preferences:

Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences.

Go to Software Update:

Click on Software Update to check for any available macOS updates.

Install Updates:

Click Update Now to install any available updates. After updating, restart your Mac and check if your printer is online.

FAQs

Why does my Xerox printer keep going offline on my Mac?

This issue can be caused by network problems, incorrect printer settings, outdated drivers, or software conflicts. Following the troubleshooting steps in this guide should help you resolve the issue.

Can I fix my offline Xerox printer without reinstalling drivers?

Yes, often you can fix the issue by checking the connection, clearing the print queue, or restarting the printer and Mac.

How do I prevent my Xerox printer from going offline in the future?

Ensure that your printer is always properly connected to your network, keep your drivers updated, and avoid any changes to printer settings that might cause it to go offline.

What should I do if my Xerox printer is still offline after following these steps?

If the problem persists, you can try resetting the printing system or contacting Xerox support for further assistance.

Does this guide apply to all Xerox printers?

Yes, this guide is applicable to most Xerox printers that are compatible with macOS, though specific steps may vary depending on the model.

Conclusion

Getting your Xerox printer back online on your Mac doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly resolve the issue and get back to printing. Whether it's a connection problem, a settings issue, or a driver update, these steps should help you identify and fix the problem. Regular maintenance, such as keeping your drivers updated and checking your network connection, can also help prevent your printer from going offline in the future.