Getting your Epson printer onto Wi-Fi doesn't finish the job. Your computer also needs the printer added before you can print. Here's how to connect by Wi-Fi or USB, finish setup in Windows or macOS, and get a missing printer to appear.
Connect through your home Wi-Fi
This puts your printer on the router's network so computers on that network can use it.
Complete the printer's ink and initial hardware setup.
Find your exact printer model on Epson's support site. Available downloads and supported operating systems depend on the model.
Open Downloads on its product page.
Select your computer's operating system under Operating System.
Click GO.
Download the compatible setup package.
Run the downloaded software. The connection choices below apply to the ET-3930, ET-3940, ET-3950, and ET-4950; for another model, follow its own Start Here instructions.
Choose Wireless connection at Select Your Connection.
Allow automatic wireless setup to run.
Enter your network name, also called the SSID, and password when requested.
Finish the installation prompts on your computer.
Repeat the installation on each additional computer that will use the printer.
Prefer a cable connection
USB connects the printer directly to your computer. For the ET-3930, ET-3940, ET-3950, and ET-4950, leave the cable disconnected until Epson's installer asks for it. Other models have their own USB connection timing in their Start Here instructions.
Complete the ink and initial hardware setup first.
Start the compatible Epson software downloaded from your model's support page, with the USB cable disconnected.
Select Direct USB connection at Select Your Connection.
Connect the USB cable when the installer tells you to.
Finish the remaining installation prompts.
If the printer still isn't available, add the connected printer through the Windows or Mac settings below.
Add the printer in Windows 11
With your Epson powered on and connected by USB or reachable on the network, add it in Windows unless automatic USB installation has already done the job.
- 1.Open Start > Settings.
- 2.Select Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- 3.Click Add device to search for printers.
- 4.Select Add Device beside your Epson printer.
- 5.Complete the setup prompts.
On a Mac, add the connected printer
Use this method for an Epson connected by USB or reachable over the network. macOS uses AirPrint for supported models; other models need compatible Epson software.
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
Select your Epson printer.
Click Add.
For AirPrint over Wi-Fi, connect your Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
Open the document you want to print.
Choose File > Print.
Select your Epson from the Printer menu.
Click Print.
Use Wi-Fi Direct without a router
No router? Wi-Fi Direct connects a Wi-Fi-equipped computer directly to a supported printer. These screen instructions apply to the ET-3950 series.
On the printer, open Home > the network-status icon > OK > Wi-Fi Direct > Start Setup > Other Methods > Other OS Devices.
On your computer, join the network using the SSID and password displayed on the printer.
Select Complete on the printer. That establishes the direct wireless connection; adding the printer on your computer is still a separate task, covered in the Windows and Mac sections above.
Find a printer that still won't appear
A network connection and a printer entry on your computer are separate requirements. Adding a printer in settings won't bring an unreachable printer onto the network.
For network printing, connect your computer to a network that can reach the printer. For AirPrint over Wi-Fi, use the same Wi-Fi network on both devices.
Changed routers? The printer needs the new network details. For the ET-3930, ET-3940, and ET-3950 installer method, first uninstall Epson's printer software on Windows. On a Mac, start with the download below.
Download the compatible setup package from your model's Epson support page.
Run the package again using the new router's network details and the wireless setup steps above.
On an ARM-based Windows 11 computer, including relevant Copilot+ PCs, use Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device if Epson's installer cannot add the printer.
For an incorrect or broken Windows printer entry, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Select your Epson printer.
Choose Remove > Yes.
With the printer powered on and connected, add it again through Add device.
On a Mac, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Control-click the Epson entry to open its menu.
Choose Remove Printer > Remove Printer.
Add it again through Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax, using the Mac steps above.
A Mac printing-system reset is the last resort. It removes every printer queue, completed-job information, and printer preset. All printers need to be added again afterward through Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
If removing and re-adding still fails on your Mac, Control-click a printer or the empty list in Printers & Scanners to access Reset Printing System.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect an Epson printer using Ethernet?
Yes, if your model has an Ethernet port. Connect its LAN port to a LAN port on your router or access point. Run Epson's installer and choose Wired network connection under Select Your Connection. Your computer must have access to that network.
Do I need Epson Connect for ordinary computer printing?
No. Epson Connect is separate from local USB or network setup. Register a compatible printer after its initial network setup to use cloud services such as Email Print or Remote Print.
Can I connect an Epson printer to a Chromebook?
Yes, with a compatible model. Connect it by USB and follow the notification, or connect the printer and Chromebook to the same network. Select the time, then open Settings > Device > Printers and scanners > Print. Under Other available printers, select Save beside your Epson. Chromebook Bluetooth printing is unsupported.
How do I switch an Epson printer from USB to Wi-Fi?
For the ET-3930, ET-3940, and ET-3950, disconnect USB first. Uninstall the product software, then download the compatible setup package from your model's Epson support page. Reinstall it using the wireless setup prompts. For another model, follow its Start Here instructions.