> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.simplyprint.io/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Why is my OctoPrint-powered printer offline? # Why is my OctoPrint-powered printer offline? This guide helps troubleshoot why your OctoPrint-connected printer shows offline in SimplyPrint. OctoPrint typically runs on a Raspberry Pi connected to your printer via USB. SimplyPrint connects through the **SimplyPrint plugin** installed in OctoPrint. --- ## Start here: Where is the problem? ### Step 1: Can you access OctoPrint? Open OctoPrint in your browser (usually `http://`). - **Can't access OctoPrint?** → [Raspberry Pi issues](#2-4-raspberry-pi-issues) - **Can access OctoPrint?** → Continue to Step 2 ### Step 2: Is your printer connected in OctoPrint? Look at OctoPrint's connection panel. - **Printer disconnected in OctoPrint?** → This is a USB issue, not SimplyPrint. See [USB and cable issues](#2-3-usb-and-cable-issues) - **Printer connected in OctoPrint but offline in SimplyPrint?** → [SimplyPrint plugin issues](#2-2-simplyprint-plugin-issues) > **Note:** SimplyPrint shows the same connection status as OctoPrint. If disconnected in OctoPrint, it will be offline in SimplyPrint. --- ## Quick reference | Symptom | Likely cause | Solution | |---------|--------------|----------| | Offline in both SimplyPrint AND OctoPrint | USB/physical issue | [Check USB cable](#3-31-usb-cable-problems) | | Offline in SimplyPrint only | Plugin issue | [Check SimplyPrint plugin](#2-2-simplyprint-plugin-issues) | | "No serial port found" | Bad or wrong USB cable | [USB cable troubleshooting](#3-31-usb-cable-problems) | | Keeps disconnecting randomly | Pi power issue | [Check power supply](#3-41-power-supply) | | Prusa printer won't connect | "RPi port" setting enabled | [Disable RPi port](#3-32-prusa-printers-rpi-port-setting) | --- ## 2. SimplyPrint plugin issues If your printer is connected in OctoPrint but offline in SimplyPrint, check the plugin. ### Is the plugin enabled? 1. In OctoPrint: **Settings** (wrench icon) > **Plugin Manager** 2. Find "SimplyPrint Cloud" 3. Make sure it's enabled (not grayed out) ### Is OctoPrint in Safe Mode? Safe Mode disables all plugins. If you see "Safe Mode" in the title: 1. Click the power icon 2. Select "Restart OctoPrint" (not safe mode) 3. Wait for normal restart ### Is the plugin up to date? **Settings** > **Software Update** - check for SimplyPrint updates. ### Check internet connection The Pi needs internet access. If OctoPrint works locally but SimplyPrint is offline, check your network. --- ## 3. USB and cable issues If your printer is disconnected in both OctoPrint and SimplyPrint, the problem is between OctoPrint and your printer. > **First:** Try power cycling your printer (turn off, wait 30 seconds, turn on). ### 3.1 USB cable problems > **Important:** 9 out of 10 connection issues are caused by the USB cable. | Problem | How to spot it | Solution | |---------|----------------|----------| | Charge-only cable | Thin, cheap cable | Use a data cable | | Damaged cable | Intermittent connections | Replace it | | Wrong connector | Doesn't fit right | Check printer's USB type | **USB connector types:** | Connector | Common printers | |-----------|-----------------| | USB-B (square) | Prusa i3 MK3/S/+, Ultimaker 2 | | Mini USB | Creality Ender 3/Pro, CR-10 | | Micro USB | Prusa Mini | | USB-C | Prusa MK4/XL, Ender 3 S1 | > **Tip:** A short, quality USB cable often fixes connection problems. Cables with ferrite cores (cylindrical bumps) help reduce interference. ### 3.2 Prusa printers: RPi port setting > **Prusa MK3, MK3S, MK3S+, or Mini users:** Check this setting! Prusa printers have an "RPi port" setting that blocks normal USB connections. **To fix:** 1. On printer screen: **Settings** 2. Find **RPi port** 3. Set to **off** ### 3.3 Other USB fixes - Try a different USB port on the Pi - Remove USB hubs - connect directly - Power cycle the printer - Remove SD card from printer --- ## 4. Raspberry Pi issues ### 4.1 Power supply Bad power causes random disconnections. **Signs of power problems:** - Lightning bolt icon in OctoPrint - Random disconnections - Pi freezing or rebooting **Fix:** Use official Raspberry Pi power supply (5V, 3A for Pi 4). Avoid phone chargers. ### 4.2 Can't access OctoPrint? 1. Wait for Pi to finish booting (few minutes after power on) 2. Check you're on the same network 3. Try pinging: `ping ` ### 4.3 Recommended Pi models **Works well:** - Raspberry Pi 4B (2GB+) - Raspberry Pi 5 - Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W **Not recommended:** - Raspberry Pi Zero W (original) - too slow - Raspberry Pi 2 - underpowered --- ## Getting help ### Gather this first 1. OctoPrint version 2. SimplyPrint plugin version 3. Raspberry Pi model 4. Printer model 5. Screenshot of OctoPrint connection panel ### Support - **SimplyPrint Discord:** [simplyprint.io/discord](https://simplyprint.io/discord) - **OctoPrint Community:** [community.octoprint.org](https://community.octoprint.org) (for OctoPrint-specific issues) --- > Something unclear or missing in this guide? Let us know on [Discord](https://simplyprint.io/discord). --- ## Related articles - [Which cable to use for SimplyPrint / OctoPrint](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/which-cable-to-use-for-simplyprint-octoprint-a31397/) - [Pick the right Raspberry Pi](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/pick-the-right-raspberry-pi-for-running-simplyprint-octoprint-2wj57s/) - [Prusa printer keeps disconnecting](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/prusa-printer-keeps-disconnecting-from-simplyprint-octoprint-or-wont-connect-prazhj/)