setup keeps failing saying my hp deskjet 4155e is offline even though it's on and connected to wifi.

Diagnosis

The "Offline" status on an HP DeskJet 4155e is rarely a hardware failure and almost always a communication breakdown between the Windows/macOS print spooler and the printer's network IP address. This typically occurs when the router assigns a dynamic IP address via DHCP that changes over time, but the HP Smart app or the Windows printer port is still trying to send data to the old, expired IP address. Even though the printer shows a solid blue Wi-Fi light, the "handshake" between the device and the PC is broken. Another common culprit is the "Use Printer Offline" setting within the Windows Print Queue, which can be toggled on automatically after a network glitch. In this state, the computer stops attempting to communicate with the printer entirely, ignoring the fact that the device is powered on and connected to the 2.4GHz band. You can confirm this by attempting to print a "Network Configuration Page" directly from the printer's control panel; if the page prints with a valid IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.XX), the printer is healthy, and the issue resides strictly in the software layer of your computer.

How to Fix It

To resolve the communication gap and force the computer to recognize the 4155e, follow these precise steps to reset the port and the queue:

1. Power cycle the hardware: Turn off the printer, unplug the power cord from the back of the unit, and restart your wireless router. Wait 60 seconds, plug the printer back in, and power it on.
2. Clear the Windows Print Spooler: Press the Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Find "Print Spooler" in the list, right-click it, and select "Stop."
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in that folder. This clears corrupted print jobs that may be hanging the connection.
4. Go back to the Services window, right-click "Print Spooler," and select "Start."
5. Disable "Use Printer Offline" mode: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Click on your HP DeskJet 4155e and select "Open print queue." In the window that pops up, click the "Printer" menu at the top and ensure "Use Printer Offline" is unchecked.
6. Update the Port: In the Printers & scanners menu, select "Printer properties" > "Ports" tab. Ensure the checked port is a "Standard TCP/IP Port" and not a "WSD Port." If it is a WSD port, click "Add Port," select "Standard TCP/IP Port," and enter the IP address found on your printer's Network Configuration Page.

If That Didn't Work

• Perform a Factory Network Reset: Press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (the X) simultaneously for 5 seconds. This clears the internal network cache and puts the 4155e back into "Setup Mode" (indicated by a pulsing purple light). Open the HP Smart app and select "Add Printer" to re-pair the device from scratch.
• Assign a Static IP Address: Open a web browser on your PC and type the printer's IP address into the address bar to open the Embedded Web Server (EWS). Navigate to the "Network" tab > "IPv4 Configuration" and change the setting from "Automatic/DHCP" to "Manual/Static." This prevents the "Offline" error from returning every time the router reboots.
• Disable Firewall/Antivirus Interference: Third-party software like Norton or McAfee often flags the HP Smart app's communication ports. Temporarily disable your firewall and attempt to print. If it works, add an exception for HPSmart.exe and the printer's IP address.
• Check Band Steering: The 4155e only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. If your router uses "Smart Connect" (merging 2.4GHz and 5GHz into one name), the printer may struggle to maintain a connection. Log into your router settings and create a separate SSID specifically for 2.4GHz devices.

Heads Up

• Avoid using "WSD" (Web Services for Devices) ports whenever possible, as they are notorious for causing the "Offline" status on HP DeskJet models. Always prefer Standard TCP/IP ports.
• Keep the HP Smart app updated via the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store; HP frequently pushes firmware patches that resolve connectivity bugs specifically for the 4155e series.
• Ensure the printer is placed within 15 feet of the router without thick masonry walls in between, as the 4155e has a relatively weak internal antenna.
• If you use a VPN on your computer, disconnect it before printing. VPNs change your virtual network location, making it impossible for the PC to "see" a local printer on your home Wi-Fi.