Having trouble connecting your Epson EcoTank ET-3850 to your wireless network? You’re not alone. While the ET-3850 is a reliable and efficient printer, Wi-Fi connectivity issues can still occur due to incorrect setup, router conflicts, or outdated software. This step-by-step guide will help you diagnose and fix wireless connection issues with your Epson ET-3850 so you can get back to printing with ease.

 

 

Common Reasons Why the Epson ET-3850 Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi

Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand some common causes:

  • Incorrect Wi-Fi password

  • Printer is too far from the router

  • Wi-Fi network is hidden or not broadcasting

  • Conflicting IP settings

  • Outdated printer firmware

  • Router compatibility issues (especially with 5GHz-only networks)

  • Firewall or security settings on your computer or router

 

 

Step 1: Restart Everything

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue.

  1. Turn off the Epson ET-3850.

  2. Power cycle your router and modem by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in.

  3. Wait for the internet connection to stabilize.

  4. Turn your printer back on.

Try reconnecting the printer to Wi-Fi again.

Step 2: Check Wi-Fi Network Band

The Epson ET-3850 supports only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks. If your router is set to 5GHz only, the printer won’t detect it.

Solution:

  • Log in to your router settings via a web browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).

  • Check if 2.4GHz is enabled.

  • If not, enable it and give it a unique SSID (network name).

  • Try connecting your printer to this 2.4GHz network.

Step 3: Use the Printer’s Control Panel to Reconnect

To manually connect your ET-3850 to Wi-Fi:

  1. On the printer’s home screen, press the Wi-Fi icon or navigate to Settings > Network Settings.

  2. Select Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.

  3. The printer will search for nearby networks.

  4. Choose your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.

  5. Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully (uppercase and lowercase letters matter).

  6. Press OK to confirm.

If successful, the printer will display a Wi-Fi signal icon on the screen.

 

 

Step 4: Reset Network Settings (If Needed)

If you’ve changed your router recently or can’t connect after several tries, reset the network settings on the printer.

To reset:

  1. Go to Home > Settings > Network Settings > Reset Network Settings.

  2. Confirm the reset.

  3. After the printer restarts, go back to Wi-Fi Setup Wizard and try reconnecting.

Step 5: Use Epson Smart Panel App (Optional)

If the manual method doesn’t work, try using the Epson Smart Panel app on your smartphone.

Here’s how:

  1. Download Epson Smart Panel from the App Store or Google Play.

  2. Open the app and tap Add a New Product.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your ET-3850 to Wi-Fi using your phone’s connection settings.

  4. The app will guide you through selecting the network and entering your password.

This method often simplifies the process and bypasses minor setup issues.

Step 6: Update Firmware and Software

Outdated firmware can cause connection instability or prevent the printer from connecting at all.

To update firmware:

  • Visit the Epson Support website.

  • Enter ET-3850 and go to the Drivers & Downloads section.

  • Download the Firmware Updater and latest drivers/software.

  • Install them on your computer and follow the prompts to update your printer.

Once updated, try reconnecting to Wi-Fi.

Step 7: Check for IP Conflicts

If you’re using a static IP or your network has multiple devices, there may be an IP address conflict.

Fix:

  • Reboot your router to refresh IP assignments.

  • Ensure DHCP is enabled in router settings.

  • On the printer, set the IP address to automatic by going to:

Settings > Network Settings > Advanced > TCP/IP Settings > IP Address Setting > Automatic (DHCP).

 

 

 

Step 8: Check Router Security Settings

Some routers block new devices if MAC address filtering or other security measures are enabled.

Fix:

  • Log into your router’s admin panel.

  • Check if MAC filtering is enabled; if so, add your printer’s MAC address (found under Network Settings > Wi-Fi Status on the printer).

  • Disable any strict firewall settings temporarily and try reconnecting.

Final Tips

  • Printer still not found by computer? Try reinstalling the Epson software package and ensure your firewall isn’t blocking it.

  • Keep the printer within 10-15 feet of your router for optimal signal strength during setup.

  • If using a mesh network, ensure the printer connects to the closest 2.4GHz node.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi connection issues with the Epson ET-3850 are common but fixable. By systematically checking your network settings, printer configuration, and software updates, you can often solve the problem within minutes. If all else fails, consider contacting Epson Support for advanced troubleshooting or using a USB connection as a temporary workaround.