Fix Epson Printer Not Scanning Over Wi-FiUpdated 2 hours ago
Epson printers are well-known for their reliability and ease of use, but like any wireless technology, they can sometimes run into issues. One common frustration users face is when their Epson printer refuses to scan over a Wi-Fi connection. If your printer is printing just fine but won’t scan wirelessly, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose and fix the issue.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to get your Epson printer scanning over Wi-Fi again, whether you're using Windows, Mac, or a mobile device.
Why Your Epson Printer Isn’t Scanning Over Wi-Fi
Understanding the root cause can help solve the problem more efficiently. Common reasons why your Epson printer won’t scan over Wi-Fi include:
The printer is not properly connected to the same wireless network as your computer or mobile device
Epson scanning software is not installed or is outdated
Firewall or antivirus software is blocking the communication
IP address conflicts or incorrect network settings
The scanning function is being used incorrectly or out of sequence
A glitch in the scanner service or print spooler
Now, let’s go through some effective solutions to resolve these issues.
Step One: Confirm Wi-Fi Connection
First, ensure your Epson printer is actually connected to your wireless network. Check the printer’s control panel or display screen to see the network status. The printer and the computer or mobile device must be on the same network.
If the connection is not active, go to the printer’s Wi-Fi setup settings and reconnect to your network. If the printer was previously connected via USB, you may need to reconfigure it for wireless scanning.
Step Two: Restart Your Devices
Sometimes the solution is as simple as restarting. Turn off your printer, computer, and router. Wait a moment, then power them back on. This can help refresh the network and reset the scanning functionality.
Once all devices are back online, attempt a wireless scan again.
Step Three: Install or Update Epson Software
For scanning to work properly, you must have the correct Epson software installed on your device. This typically includes Epson Scan or Epson ScanSmart, depending on your printer model.
Check your computer to make sure the scanning software is installed and updated. If it’s missing or outdated, install the latest version for your specific Epson model. Also ensure the printer drivers are up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
Step Four: Use the Correct Scanning Method
Depending on the model, there are multiple ways to initiate a scan:
From the printer’s control panel
From Epson Scan or ScanSmart on your computer
From Windows Fax and Scan or Mac’s Image Capture
Using mobile apps like Epson iPrint
If one method fails, try initiating the scan from a different device or software. Sometimes scanning from the computer works better than from the printer itself, especially if settings haven’t synced correctly.
Step Five: Verify Scanner Recognition on Computer
On Windows, go to the Control Panel or Settings and check if the scanner is listed under Devices and Printers or in the Scanners section. On Mac, open Image Capture or Preview and check for your printer in the sidebar.
If the scanner isn’t listed, try adding it manually. This may involve entering the printer’s IP address or re-adding it as a network scanner.
Step Six: Check Firewall and Security Software
Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block the communication between the printer and computer. Temporarily disable the firewall or security software and try scanning again.
If scanning works while the firewall is off, adjust the settings to allow Epson Scan or related services through the firewall. Always remember to re-enable your security software afterward.
Step Seven: Assign a Static IP Address to the Printer
If your network frequently changes IP addresses, the scanner may become unreachable. Assigning a static IP address to your Epson printer can help maintain a stable connection.
Access your router settings and reserve a consistent IP address for your printer. Then, update your printer's network settings to use that address. Restart both the printer and your computer after making these changes.
Step Eight: Reset the Printer and Scanner Settings
If nothing else works, consider resetting the network and scanner settings on the printer to default. After resetting, reconnect the printer to your wireless network and set up the scanning software from scratch.
This often resolves persistent issues caused by misconfigured settings or previous installations.
Step Nine: Use Epson Scan Settings Utility
If your printer uses the Epson Scan software, launch the Epson Scan Settings Utility. From there, confirm that the scanner is set to network mode and that the correct IP address is listed.
You can also use the auto-search function in the utility to detect scanners connected over the network. Once your scanner is found, save the settings and try scanning again.
Final Thoughts
When your Epson printer won’t scan over Wi-Fi, it can be a frustrating interruption to your workflow. However, with the right approach, most issues can be resolved without needing technical assistance. By checking the network connection, updating software, adjusting firewall settings, and verifying scanner recognition, you can usually restore wireless scanning functionality.
If the problem persists even after trying all the solutions above, it may indicate a deeper hardware or configuration issue. In that case, reaching out to Epson customer support may be the next best step. For most users, though, following these practical steps will bring your scanning functionality back to life in no time.