Why Is Epson ET-8550 Wireless Printer Not Working Properly? (Full Guide)

Karen Boccino
2 days ago
5 min read

An Epson printer might show problems while printing, such as faded prints or not printing at all. Most Epson EcoTank printers, like the ET-8550, use refillable ink tanks, and when the ink levels are low, prints may appear faded. These issues can also occur due to connectivity errors, outdated software, or hardware malfunctions. You can fix such problems by following the troubleshooting methods mentioned in this blog.

I work as a travel agent and often need documents printed for client paperwork, which has helped me learn a lot about printers over time. Today, I even helped my colleagues fix their printing issues. Since I have been using the Epson ET-8550 printer for a while, I can guide you on how to resolve its common problems.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Printer

If your Epson printer has a problem, it usually shows the following signs:

The printer is making an unusual noise while printing.
Repeated paper jam errors.
Poor print quality, even when the ink levels are sufficient.
Frequent error messages and codes on the printer.

Reasons Why the Epson Printer Is Not Working

Sometimes, the Epson ET-8550 printer fails to print, despite being connected to the device and the Wi-Fi network. It refuses to work because of these reasons:

Low ink levels in the cartridges.
Clogged print heads (responsible for propelling ink to the paper).
Outdated printer drivers can cause miscommunication between the printer and the computer.
Incorrect printer settings.
Damaged printer hardware

These are the most common reasons for the printing error on an Epson printer. However, there could be other reasons too; in such cases, you may need technical assistance. I am going to share the methods that you can follow independently.

4 Best Ways to Fix Epson Printer Not Working Issue

Now that you’re familiar with common printer problems and their signs, it’s time to learn their troubleshooting methods. Here are the methods proven best by the tech experts.

Method 1: Check Printer Connections

Before moving to advanced fixes, first check the basic printer connections. Follow these steps to check the connection:

Verify if the printer’s power cable is correctly connected to the power source.
Check if the printer is well connected to a USB or Ethernet cable.
Confirm if the printer is connected to a Wi-Fi router.
Make sure both your printer and computer are using the same Wi-Fi network.
Check if there are sufficient papers loaded in the printer’s paper tray.

Once you check everything, you’ll understand what was causing the issue. However, if everything is fine and the printer still isn’t working as expected, follow the next methods.

Method 2: Clean the Print Head

The print head is a component in the printer that dispenses ink onto the documents with the help of nozzles. Hence, first perform a nozzle check. You’ll get a print pattern indicating if the print head is working fine or needs cleaning. The good part is that you don’t need a computer to perform this method. These are the steps to perform this:

Go to the printer’s control panel, which is a touchscreen, and open settings.
Under settings, tap on Maintenance.
Tap Print Head Nozzle Check option. First, you should know if the print head needs cleaning or not. Frequent or unnecessary cleaning can also deplete the ink.
The printer will show a nozzle pattern. If the pattern is misaligned or not as expected, you can clean the print head.
To start cleaning, go to Maintenance again on the touchscreen and select Print Head Cleaning.

It will take some time, and finally, the printer will start working as you expected. However, if the nozzle pattern test looks fine, you don’t need to clean the print head.

Method 3: Reinstall Printer Drivers

As you know, printer software or drivers can also be a potential reason for the Epson ET-8550 printer not printing or working. These drivers are responsible for helping the printer and computer communicate with each other. And when they get out of date, the printer doesn’t work properly. Here are the steps to reinstall them:

Visit epson.com/support and search for your printer model in the search bar.
From the drop-down list, choose your operating system and then select Go.
Click the Drivers option, and click the Download button next to a suitable printer driver package.
Let the software download on your computer in a suitable location.
Go to the Downloads folder, and double-click on the driver’s file.
Run the installation and let it complete on your computer.

That’s how you can reinstall the printer drivers and fix the common problems with an Epson ET-8550 printer.

Method 4: Check the Ink Levels

If the ink levels in the Epson printer are running low, the printer won’t print or work normally. Check the ink levels using the printer software or the standard settings on your computer. Checking ink levels on the computer is more convenient. Here are the steps to check it.

Hit the Windows key on your keyboard and look for the Control Panel.
Select Hardware and Sound.
Click Advanced printer setup under Devices and Printers.
Select your printer’s name, and click the Printing Preferences option.
Click Ink Levels at the bottom, and let the ink levels be displayed on the screen.

Keep in mind that the displayed ink levels may not always be 100% accurate. For confirmation, visually check the ink tanks directly.

Final Words

Epson printers may sometimes not work properly and show problems in printing. It’s a common problem that can be resolved by a few troubleshooting methods. I recommend starting with basic troubleshooting before trying advanced methods. It helps you fix the problem without missing small details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Isn’t My Epson Printer Printing When Connected to Wi-Fi?

If the printer doesn’t print even when connected to Wi-Fi, the internet connection might not be within range. In most cases, the printer and computer are not connected to the same network, which causes the issue with printing.

Why Has My Epson ET-8550 Printer Suddenly Stopped Working?

If your printer suddenly stops working, it could happen due to a weak wired or wireless connection. Other times, it could happen due to out-of-date software, low ink levels, or a clogged print head.

How Do I Make My Epson Printer Work Again?

Check if the printer is well connected to the computer and to the power source. Also, check if the power button on the printer is flashing or not. If these methods don’t work, update or reinstall the printer drivers, check the ink levels, and clean the print head.

Source: Why Is Epson Printer Not Working Properly