You run the Epson printer setup, it detects your printer, and it appears to install the drivers. But at the end, the connection fails. The printer may show as “Not connected” or “Offline” in Windows, even though the printer is on and the cables are plugged in. You may be able to print a test page, but scanning does not work, or vice versa. This “not connecting properly” issue means the setup successfully installed the software but failed to establish a functional communication channel between the software and the printer.
What “Not Connecting Properly” Means
Proper connection means that the printer driver has an active communication channel to the printer. For USB, this means the driver has claimed the correct USB endpoint. For network, this means the driver has the correct IP address and port, and the printer is responding on that port. When setup “connects properly,” you can print, scan, and check ink levels. When it does not, some or all of these functions may fail. The setup wizard may have identified the printer on the network but used the wrong protocol (e.g., WSD instead of TCP/IP) for the connection.
Common Causes of Improper Connection
The most common cause is the setup wizard selecting the wrong port type. WSD ports are convenient but often unreliable, especially after the printer’s IP address changes. Another common cause is that the printer’s firewall or security settings are blocking certain types of communication. The setup may have installed the driver but not the necessary services (like the Epson Network Service for scanning). A previously installed printer with the same name may be causing a conflict. Finally, the user account under which setup was run may not have the necessary network permissions.
Immediate Diagnostic Steps
Print a Test Page from Printer Properties
After setup, go to “Printers & scanners,” click your Epson printer, and select “Printer properties.” Click “Print Test Page.” If the test page prints, the connection is at least partially working (printing works). If the test page fails, the connection is completely broken. Also, try scanning using Windows Scan. If scanning works but printing does not, or vice versa, the connection is only partially configured (e.g., the print channel works but the scan channel does not). This test tells you which functions are affected.
Check the Port Being Used by the Driver
Open “Printer properties” and go to the “Ports” tab. Look at which port has a checkmark. Common ports:
- USB001, USB002: Direct USB connection (good)
- IP_192.168.x.x or Standard TCP/IP Port: Network connection using IP address (best for network)
- WSD-xxxxxx: Web Services for Devices (unreliable)
If you see a WSD port, that is likely the problem. Click “Add Port,” select “Standard TCP/IP Port,” enter the printer’s IP address (from the network status report). Set this as the new port. Proper port selection is essential for a stable connection.
Verify the Printer’s IP Address (Network Printers)
Print a network status report from your printer. Note the IPv4 address. Now, on your computer, see if you can reach that address. Open Command Prompt and type ping [the IP address] (e.g., ping 192.168.1.100). If you get replies, the printer is reachable. If not, the printer may be on a different subnet or disconnected. Also, compare this IP address to the one in the driver’s port settings. They must match. An IP mismatch is a common cause of “not connecting properly.”
Port and Protocol Fixes
Change from WSD to Standard TCP/IP Port
As mentioned above, WSD ports are problematic. Change to a Standard TCP/IP port. In “Printer properties” > “Ports” tab, click “Add Port.” Select “Standard TCP/IP Port,” click “New Port.” Enter the printer’s IP address. Windows will attempt to contact the printer. If successful, it will create the port. Then, check the box next to the new TCP/IP port and uncheck the WSD port. Click Apply. Test printing and scanning. A TCP/IP port provides a stable, direct connection.
Disable SNMP for Network Ports
SNMP can cause connection issues if the printer does not respond correctly. In “Printer properties” > “Ports” tab, select your TCP/IP port and click “Configure Port.” Uncheck “SNMP Status Enabled.” Click OK. Without SNMP, the driver will not wait for status queries; it will simply send data. This often resolves “not connecting” errors where the printer is reachable but the driver thinks it is offline. Disabling SNMP is a common fix for network connection issues.
Use the Printer’s IP Address Instead of Hostname
If the driver is using the printer’s hostname (e.g., EPSONABC123), change it to the IP address. Hostname resolution can fail if DNS or NetBIOS is not working correctly. An IP address is direct and does not depend on name resolution. In the printer’s port settings, instead of the hostname, enter the numeric IP address. Test the connection. Using the IP address is the most reliable way to connect to a network printer.
Service and Permission Fixes
Ensure Epson Network Services Are Running
For scanning to work over a network, Epson services must be running. Open Services (services.msc). Look for services named “Epson Scan Service,” “Epson Network Service,” or similar. Ensure they are running and set to “Automatic” startup. If they are stopped, right-click and select “Start.” If they are missing, reinstall the Epson software (especially the scanner driver). These services are essential for two-way communication between the computer and the printer over the network.
Add Printer Using Local Port (for Network Printers)
If the standard network setup fails, use a local port that points to the network printer. In “Printers & scanners,” click “Add a printer,” then “The printer that I want isn’t listed.” Select “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.” Under “Create a new port,” select “Local Port.” In the “Port Name” box, type \\[printer IP address]\[share name] or simply use the format IP address. This bypasses the network discovery protocol and creates a direct connection.
Run the Epson Connection Repair Tool
Epson provides a “Printer Connection Repair Tool” (download from support site) specifically for fixing connection issues. Run the tool as administrator. It will scan for common connection problems, including wrong port types, service issues, and firewall blocks. The tool will automatically apply fixes. After the tool completes, restart your computer and test the connection. The repair tool automates many of the manual connection fixes described above.
Advanced Connection Fixes
Manually Add the Scanner in Scanning Software
If printing works but scanning does not, the scanner component may not be connected. Open your scanning software (Epson Scan, Windows Scan, etc.). Look for a “Select Source” or “Choose Scanner” option. If your Epson scanner is not listed, click “Add Scanner” or “Find Scanner.” Enter the printer’s IP address manually. Some scanning software allows you to add a network scanner by IP address. Manual addition bypasses the automatic discovery that may have failed.
Reset the Printer’s Network Settings and Reconnect
A corrupted network configuration on the printer itself can cause connection issues. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to “Network Settings” > “Network Reset” or “Restore Network Defaults.” Confirm. The printer will restart with factory network settings. Then, reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network using the printer’s setup wizard. On your computer, remove the printer and add it again. A fresh network configuration on the printer often resolves stubborn connection problems.
Temporarily Disable IPv6 on the Printer and Computer
IPv6 can cause connection issues if the network is not properly configured for it. On your computer, disable IPv6 (as described in Article 4). On the printer, navigate to “Network Settings” > “TCP/IP” > “IPv6” and disable it. After disabling IPv6 on both devices, restart both the printer and the computer. Add the printer again using its IPv4 address. With IPv6 disabled, the connection will use only the more stable IPv4 protocol.
Preventing Future Connection Problems
Assign a Static IP Address to the Printer
As emphasized throughout this guide, a static IP address is the key to a stable network printer connection. Assign a static IP to your printer (via the printer’s control panel or a DHCP reservation in your router). Then, on your computer, set the printer’s port to use that static IP address. With a static IP, the printer will always be at the same address, and the connection will remain intact across restarts and network changes. This single change prevents the majority of network connection problems.
Keep Printer Firmware and Drivers Updated
Outdated firmware can cause connection issues with newer operating systems. Check for firmware updates quarterly (as described in Article 3). Also, keep your printer driver updated (check your manufacturer’s support site every 6 months). Updated firmware and drivers include improvements to connection protocols. A printer and driver that are both current will maintain a proper connection reliably. Set calendar reminders for both firmware and driver checks. Prevention is easier than repair.