A situation where you need to connect a printer Epson L355 Connecting to a wireless network but not having a computer or laptop at hand is a fairly common occurrence. Many users encounter problems with lost drivers, unreadable installation discs, and the new computer's operating system lacking an optical drive. Fortunately, the device's architecture allows for initial configuration. wireless connection exclusively using the buttons on the control panel and a mobile device.
The setup process doesn't require extensive technical knowledge, but it's crucial to follow the correct sequence of steps. If you skip the reset step or make a password error, the device may go into standby mode, and trying again will take longer. In this article, we'll cover all available Wi-Fi activation methods in detail, including using Wi-Fi technology. WPS and regime Wi-Fi Direct.
It's worth noting that final driver installation on your computer will still require either a USB cable or a temporary network connection, but you can pair the printer to the router independently. We'll cover how to interpret blinking indicators, what to do if a network isn't found, and how to use your smartphone as a remote control. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and get your equipment up and running quickly.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you start making any changes to your network settings, make sure your router is working properly and broadcasting a signal in the 2.4 GHz range, as the model L355 It doesn't support modern 5 GHz standards. It's also important to know the exact password for your Wi-Fi network, as entering characters will require a limited number of buttons on the device itself. If the password is too complex and contains many special characters, it might be worth temporarily simplifying it in the router settings.
Make sure the printer is plugged in and within range of a strong signal. The distance to the router should be no more than a few meters, and there should be no large metal obstacles or a running microwave oven between the devices, which could create interference. electromagnetic interferenceCheck the ink levels: While this doesn't directly affect the Wi-Fi module, the system may block some functions when consumables are critically low.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure MAC address filtering isn't enabled on your router. If it is, the printer won't be able to connect to the network, even if the password is entered correctly, until you whitelist its MAC address through the router interface.
You don't need a computer to set it up, but a smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS is extremely helpful. It's recommended to install the official app on your device beforehand. Epson iPrint, which will significantly simplify the diagnostic process and final connection check. If the app isn't installed, you can download it later, but internet access is required on your phone.
Resetting the Epson L355 printer's network settings
If the printer was previously used with a different router or setup was unsuccessful, the device may have retained old, now outdated settings. To avoid IP address conflicts and connection errors, perform a full reset before attempting a new connection. reset network settingsThis will reset the Wi-Fi module to its factory state, ready to search for a new network.
The reset procedure is performed using a combination of buttons on the front panel. Locate the button marked with a network icon (often shaped like an antenna or globe) and the cancel button (a triangle in a circle). Press and hold both buttons simultaneously. The exact sequence is described below; failure to follow it may prevent the reset from occurring.
☑️ Checklist before reset
After the reset, the lights on the panel should light up in a specific sequence, signaling a network module reboot. At this point, the printer loses connection to all previously known access points. This is normal behavior and is necessary for a clean installation of the new settings. If the lights are flashing erratically or are red, check for out of ink or a paper jam, as these errors override network settings.
WPS method: quick connection to the router
The easiest way to connect Epson L355 Access Wi-Fi without manually entering a password - using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows devices to exchange encryption keys automatically by physically pressing a button on the router. However, for this method to work successfully, your router must support this feature and have it enabled.
Find the WPS button on your router. It may be a separate physical button or a virtual button in the router's web interface. On the printer L355 There's also a corresponding button with a similar icon. The sequence of actions is strictly timed: you must press the button on the router and then activate the mode on the printer within 2 minutes.
After pressing the WPS button on the printer, the Wi-Fi indicator will begin blinking rapidly, indicating that it is searching for a pair. If the connection is successful, the indicator will turn solid green. If the indicator blinks green and orange simultaneously, or is solid orange, the connection has failed. In this case, check whether the printer has timed out or try moving the printer closer to the router.
What to do if there is no WPS button on the router?
If your router doesn't have a physical WPS button, it doesn't always mean it's not supported. Access your router settings via a browser (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the Wireless or Wi-Fi section, and enable WPS software-based. Then follow the printer instructions. If your router is older and doesn't support WPS at all, use the manual SSID entry method via the Wi-Fi button.
Manual Wi-Fi setup via the button on the panel
If the automatic WPS method doesn't work or isn't supported by your provider, you'll have to resort to manual configuration. Unlike newer models, Epson L355 The printer doesn't have a full LCD screen, so entering the network name and password is done through a combination of buttons and indicators. First, you need to put the printer into setup mode. To do this, press and hold the Wi-Fi button for a few seconds until the indicators start flashing.
In this mode, the printer creates its own temporary network or goes into a waiting mode for commands. You will need to use your smartphone to search for the printer's network or use an app. Epson iPrint, which will detect the device in setup mode. Using the app, you can select your home network from the list and enter the password, which the app will transmit to the printer. This is the most convenient method, as entering the password using the buttons on a device without a screen is extremely inconvenient and time-consuming.
If you use the push-button method without a smartphone, the process will appear as a series of blinks. The printer will cycle through the letters or symbols, and you'll need to press the confirm button at the right moment. The number of orange blinks corresponds to the alphabetical position of the letter or symbol. This method requires high concentration and precise blink counting, so using a mobile app is recommended. recommended as a more reliable option.
| Wi-Fi indicator status | Meaning | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Turned off | Wi-Fi is off or there is an error | Press the Wi-Fi button to turn it on |
| Green (on) | Successful connection | You can start printing. |
| Green (flashing) | Obtaining an IP address | Wait for the process to complete |
| Orange (flashing) | Setup mode or error | Check settings or perform a reset |
| Green and Orange (flashing) | WPS connection error | Try again or change method |
Using Wi-Fi Direct technology
The regime deserves special attention Wi-Fi DirectIn this mode the printer Epson L355 Connects directly to your smartphone or laptop, bypassing your home router. This is ideal if you urgently need to print a document from your phone while visiting someone or if your home Wi-Fi is temporarily down. The printer itself becomes an access point.
To activate this mode, you typically press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the Wi-Fi Direct indicator (often a single icon or combination of indicators) lights up. After this, a network with a name containing "EPSON" and the serial number will appear in the list of available networks on your phone. The password for connecting is usually printed on a label on the back of the device or on the receipt from the initial setup.
The advantage of this method is its independence: you don't need a computer or even a working router. However, data transfer speeds may be slower than over a full-fledged local network, and the range is limited to a few meters. After finishing printing, remember to switch your smartphone back to the main Wi-Fi network to restore internet access.
Troubleshooting and Error Codes
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, difficulties may arise. Model L355 The device is equipped with a self-diagnostic system that displays error codes through blinking indicators. If the ink and paper indicators are lit simultaneously, and the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking, this may indicate a hardware problem with the communication module or a critical firmware error. In such cases, the only solution is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply for 10-15 minutes.
A common problem is incompatibility of encryption standards. If your router is configured to use only WPA3 If the printer is using a mixed mode or a network connection that the printer cannot handle correctly, the connection will fail. Try temporarily changing the router's security type to WPA2-PSK (AES), which is the most universal and stable for older devices.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions may be updated. If the described methods don't work, check the manufacturer's official documentation, as wireless network security algorithms are constantly evolving and may block older connection methods.
It's also worth checking to see if the print buffer is full. If you've sent multiple documents to print and they're stuck in the queue, the printer may be ignoring new connection commands. Clearing the print queue on connected devices and rebooting the printer often resolves the issue of a frozen network module.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Epson L355 be connected to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Connecting to a hidden network (without broadcasting the SSID) on displayless models like the L355 is extremely difficult or impossible using standard methods without using a computer for initial setup via USB cable. It is recommended to temporarily make the network visible for setup.
What should I do if the Wi-Fi indicator is orange?
An orange light usually means the printer is in setup mode, but the connection hasn't been established or an error has occurred. Try resetting the network settings and reconnecting, making sure you're entering the correct password.
Do I need to remove the cartridges when setting up Wi-Fi?
No, cartridges must be installed in the printer. The device performs a system check before activating network functions. Missing cartridges may cause an error and block the setup process.
Does turning off the printer reset the Wi-Fi settings?
No, the settings are saved in non-volatile memory. After turning the printer off and on again, it should automatically attempt to connect to the last known network. If it doesn't, the router's IP address or password may have changed.