If your Epson EcoTank printer refuses to connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting, this guide covers every common cause and fix — from network compatibility issues to firmware updates.
Why Is My Epson EcoTank Not Connecting?
- 5 GHz vs. 2.4 GHz: Most Epson EcoTank models (ET-2800, ET-2850, ET-3850) only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your network is 5 GHz-only, the printer won't find it.
- Wrong Wi-Fi password: Even one incorrect character will prevent connection.
- Router settings: MAC address filtering, AP isolation, or firewall settings can block the printer.
- Signal strength: The printer may be too far from the router.
- Firmware bug: Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues.
Fix 1: Verify You're Connecting to 2.4 GHz
This is the most common reason for connection failure. Check your router's settings:
- Log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser).
- Look for Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings.
- Make sure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled and broadcasting.
- If your router combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz into one network name (band steering), temporarily disable band steering or create a separate 2.4 GHz SSID.
Fix 2: Re-run the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard
Fix 3: Reset Network Settings
If the setup wizard fails repeatedly, reset the printer's network settings and start fresh:
- Go to Settings → General Settings → Restore Network Settings.
- Confirm the reset. The printer will restart.
- Run the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard again from scratch.
Fix 4: Check Router Security Settings
Some router security features can block Epson printers:
- MAC Address Filtering: If enabled, add your Epson printer's MAC address to the allowed list. Find the MAC address on the printer's network configuration page.
- AP Isolation: Disable this setting — it prevents devices on the same Wi-Fi from communicating with each other.
- Firewall: Temporarily disable your router's firewall to test if it's blocking the printer.
- WPA3 Security: Some older Epson printers don't support WPA3. Switch your router to WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.
Fix 5: Update Printer Firmware
Epson regularly releases firmware updates that fix connectivity bugs.
- Download and install the Epson Software Updater from Epson's website.
- Connect the printer to your computer via USB temporarily.
- Run the updater and install any available firmware updates.
- After updating, try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
Fix 6: Connect via USB as a Workaround
If Wi-Fi setup continues to fail, you can use the printer via USB connection while you troubleshoot. Connect the printer to your computer with a USB cable and add it in Windows Settings. This will let you print immediately while you work on the Wi-Fi issue.