To connect an Epson L355 printer to a new router, you must use the WPS push-button method or install the Epson Network Setup Utility on a computer. Since the L355 lacks a display screen for entering Wi-Fi passwords, direct wireless configuration from the device itself is impossible without these specific tools. This guide details the correct procedures for both methods.
Understanding the Hardware Limitations
The Epson EcoTank L355 is designed as a cost-effective home office solution, but its hardware simplification comes with a significant connectivity constraint. Unlike higher-end models that feature LCD screens or touch interfaces, the L355 relies entirely on physical buttons and LED indicators for status feedback. It has no keyboard or display module capable of accepting alphanumeric input for Wi-Fi SSIDs or security keys. Therefore, any instruction suggesting you type a password directly into the printer is technically impossible and will lead to user frustration. You must offload the configuration task to either the router’s WPS protocol or a connected PC running official Epson software.Method 1: Using WPS Push-Button Configuration
The most straightforward way to connect the printer to a new router without a computer is via Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). This method allows the devices to exchange network credentials automatically when initiated simultaneously. However, this only works if your new router supports WPS and has the function enabled in its settings. Many modern routers disable WPS by default due to security vulnerabilities, so verify this capability before proceeding. If your router does not support WPS, you must skip to Method 2. First, locate the Wi-Fi button on the Epson L355. It is typically marked with a wireless symbol near the power button. Press and hold this button until the Wi-Fi indicator light begins to blink rapidly. This signals that the printer is in WPS listening mode. You have approximately two minutes to complete the next step before the printer times out. Next, go to your new router and press its dedicated WPS button. Alternatively, access the router’s web interface and select the WPS option from the wireless settings menu. The router will broadcast a signal that the printer detects. Once the connection is established, the Wi-Fi light on the printer will stop blinking and remain solid, indicating a successful link. Print a network configuration sheet by holding the Wi-Fi button for five seconds to verify the IP address assigned by the new router. For more detailed troubleshooting if the WPS connection fails, refer to our guide on Troubleshooting WiFi Connection issues which covers common signal interference problems.Method 2: Using the Epson Network Setup Utility
If WPS is unavailable or unsupported by your new router, you must use a computer to configure the printer. This method requires the Epson L355 to be physically connected to the computer via USB cable during the setup process. Do not attempt to configure the wireless settings while the printer is disconnected from the PC. Start by downloading the latest driver package from the Epson support website. Ensure you select the version compatible with your operating system, whether Windows or macOS. Run the installer executable and follow the on-screen prompts. When asked about the connection type, choose "Network" or "Wireless" rather than USB. The installer will detect the printer via the USB cable and then prompt you to enter the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Once you input the correct credentials for your new router, the software will transmit these settings to the printer through the USB link. After the transfer is complete, the installer will ask you to disconnect the USB cable. At this point, the printer will reboot and attempt to join the wireless network using the provided parameters. Wait for the Wi-Fi light to turn solid green, confirming that the printer has obtained an IP address from the new router. You can now remove the USB cable and test the connection by printing a test page from your computer. If the print job succeeds, the migration to the new router is complete. For users dealing with complex network topologies, such as mesh systems, see How to Connect Epson L355 Printer to a New Router for additional context on network compatibility.Verifying and Troubleshooting the Connection
After successfully connecting the L355 to the new router, it is crucial to verify that all computers on the same network can communicate with the printer. Open your computer’s network settings and check if the printer appears in the list of available devices. If it does not appear, ensure that your computer and printer are on the exact same subnet. Sometimes, new routers isolate IoT devices or printers into a separate guest network, which prevents communication. Check the router’s admin panel to confirm that the printer’s MAC address is listed under connected devices. If the printer shows as connected but cannot print, try restarting both the printer and the router. Power cycle the printer by turning it off and unplugging it for ten seconds. Then restart the router. This refreshes the DHCP lease and clears any temporary IP conflicts. If you continue to experience issues, ensure that your router’s firewall is not blocking local network discovery protocols like mDNS or SMB. Some enterprise-grade routers restrict these protocols by default. Adjusting these settings often resolves visibility issues without compromising security. Regularly updating the firmware on both the router and the printer ensures optimal performance and security patches.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect the L355 to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network?
No, the Epson L355 only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands. It cannot connect to 5GHz networks, so ensure your new router broadcasts a 2.4GHz SSID. If your router combines both bands into one name, the printer will attempt to connect to the 2.4GHz portion automatically.
What do the different Wi-Fi light colors mean?
A solid green light indicates a successful connection to the router. A blinking green light means the printer is searching for a network or waiting for WPS input. An orange or red light signifies a connection error or that the printer is offline. Check your router’s status if the light remains orange after configuration attempts.
Why can't my computer find the printer after switching routers?
This usually happens because the computer still holds the old IP address or the printer received a new IP from the new router’s DHCP server. Refresh your computer’s network adapter or reinstall the printer driver to force it to discover the new IP address. Restarting the printer also helps it announce its presence on the new network.
Is WPS secure enough for home use?
WPS has known security vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to brute-force the PIN. While it is convenient for initial setup, it is recommended to use standard WPA2 or WPA3 password authentication via the Epson Network Setup Utility for better long-term security. Disable WPS in your router settings after the printer is connected.
How do I print a network configuration sheet?
Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the L355 for approximately five seconds until the printer starts printing. The resulting page will show the current IP address, subnet mask, and gateway settings. Use this information to manually configure static IPs if needed or to troubleshoot connectivity issues.