Epson ET-3850 Wi-Fi Connection Problems – Step-by-Step SolutionsUpdated an hour ago
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is known for its efficiency and low-cost printing, but even this high-performance printer can experience Wi-Fi connectivity problems. Whether you're setting it up for the first time or trying to reconnect after a disconnection, Wi-Fi issues can halt your productivity and create frustration. The good news is, most of these problems can be solved with a few simple steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to troubleshoot and fix common Wi-Fi connection problems with your Epson ET-3850.
🔍 Step 1: Understand the Problem
Before diving into solutions, identify the specific symptoms:
Printer won’t detect your Wi-Fi network.
Setup fails during Wi-Fi configuration.
Printer frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi.
Your computer or phone can’t find the printer on the network.
Error message like “Cannot connect to network” or “Wi-Fi setup failed”.
Each of these issues often stems from network settings, printer configuration errors, or router compatibility.
📶 Step 2: Check Wi-Fi Requirements
The Epson ET-3850 only connects to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks — it does not support 5 GHz. Many modern dual-band routers broadcast both frequencies.
Solution:
Make sure your router’s 2.4 GHz band is enabled.
If your router uses the same name (SSID) for both bands, try separating them (e.g., "HomeWiFi_2.4" and "HomeWiFi_5").
Connect the printer specifically to the 2.4 GHz network.
🔁 Step 3: Restart Devices
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective.
Do this:
Turn off your Epson ET-3850 printer.
Power off your router and wait for 30 seconds.
Restart the router and wait until the internet connection is stable.
Turn the printer back on and try reconnecting.
This can resolve IP conflicts or temporary glitches in the router's memory.
🧭 Step 4: Reconnect the Printer to Wi-Fi
If the printer was previously connected but lost the connection, or you're setting it up for the first time, try manually reconnecting.
For Touchscreen Setup:
On the printer’s control panel, go to Home > Wi-Fi (Network) > Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.
Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully using the touchscreen keypad.
Wait for the connection to be confirmed.
If it fails:
Double-check that the password is correct (case-sensitive).
Ensure there are no special characters unsupported by your printer.
🖥️ Step 5: Use Epson Software for Setup
If the touchscreen method doesn’t work or feels too difficult, use the Epson Setup Utility on your computer:
Download the Epson Setup or Epson Connect Utility from the Epson support site.
Connect your computer to Wi-Fi and run the software.
Choose "Wireless Setup" and follow the guided steps.
The printer will connect through your PC and retain the settings.
🔒 Step 6: Check Network Security Settings
Some routers have firewalls or MAC filtering enabled, which may prevent new devices (like your printer) from connecting.
Solutions:
Access your router’s admin settings (usually through 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in a browser).
Disable MAC address filtering, or manually add your Epson printer's MAC address.
Ensure WPA2-Personal is selected for Wi-Fi security, which is the most compatible.
⚙️ Step 7: Update Firmware and Drivers
Outdated printer firmware or drivers can result in connection instability or setup failures.
How to update:
On the printer screen: Go to Settings > Firmware Update > Check for Update.
On your computer: Visit Epson's official website, search for your printer model (ET-3850), and download the latest drivers.
🔄 Step 8: Reset Network Settings
If nothing works, a full reset of your printer’s network settings can help start fresh.
To reset:
On the printer, go to Settings > Restore Default Settings.
Select Network Settings Only.
After the reset, follow Step 4 or 5 to reconnect.
🖨️ Step 9: Confirm Printer Is on the Same Network
Make sure your computer or phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Many issues occur when the devices are on different networks or bands.
🆘 Step 10: When to Contact Epson Support
If none of these solutions work:
There may be a hardware issue with the printer’s Wi-Fi module.
Your router may have firmware compatibility issues.
In such cases, contact Epson customer support or visit a service center. Make sure to have your printer’s serial number and network information handy for quicker assistance.
✅ Final Tips for Stable Wi-Fi Connection
Place the printer close to the router to avoid interference.
Avoid placing the printer near microwaves or cordless phones.
Consider assigning a static IP address to the printer for a more reliable connection.
Restart your printer periodically if used infrequently.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi connection problems with the Epson ET-3850 are usually caused by network mismatches, router settings, or setup errors. By following the step-by-step solutions in this guide, you can get your printer back online and keep it running reliably. Whether you use manual setup or Epson’s software tools, a stable connection is possible with just a few careful adjustments.