Modern office equipment has long ceased to be just a device for outputting text onto paper, having turned into a full-fledged node of the home network. Model Epson L355Despite its age, the printer remains popular thanks to its continuous ink supply system and wireless technology support. However, initial setup of the connection between the printer and a mobile device often presents difficulties for users unfamiliar with the intricacies of network protocols.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at integrating your smartphone into the Epson printing ecosystem. You'll learn how to properly initiate setup mode, which apps are required for Android and iOS, and how to avoid common mistakes when entering router passwords. Proper setup will allow you to forget about wires and print documents or photos directly from your phone's gallery.
Before proceeding with the software, you need to ensure the hardware is physically ready. The printer must be turned on, filled with ink, and within range of your wireless router's signal. If the device was previously connected to a different network, you may need to reset the network settings to factory defaults.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
The first step is to check the status of the indicators on the control panel MFPThe device has a button with a smartphone image or a Wi-Fi icon on it. If the indicator light is green, the device is already connected to a network, and you need to either use the current settings or reset them. A flashing indicator indicates connection standby or data transfer.
Make sure your mobile phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. Dual-band routers, broadcasting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, are common in residential areas. L355 supports only the standard 2.4 GHz, so the phone must also operate in this range at the time of setup.
⚠️ Note: If your router automatically combines 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks under a single name (Smart Connect), conflicts may occur during setup. Temporarily separate the networks in your router settings or disable 5 GHz during pairing.
It's also worth checking your smartphone's battery level. Driver installation and device detection can take time, and a sudden screen shutdown or power saving mode can interrupt the printer discovery process on the local network.
Resetting the Epson printer's network settings
If the printer was previously used in a different location or connected to a different router, it may have retained the old network settings. To successfully connect to the new Wi-Fi router, you must reset the network settings. This does not affect the ink system settings or page counters; it only affects Wi-Fi configuration.
To reset, locate the Wi-Fi button on the control panel. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the power and wireless lights begin flashing simultaneously. The exact combination may vary, but typically it's a long press (about 10-15 seconds) until the lights flash alternately.
- 📱 Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer panel.
- 🔄 Wait until the Wi-Fi and network indicators start blinking.
- ✅ Release the button when the device enters setup mode.
- 📶 Make sure that a new device with a name starting with "EPSON" appears in the list of Wi-Fi networks on your phone screen.
After a reset, the printer enters access point mode or setup mode, creating its own temporary network. This is a critical step that is often missed when attempting to connect the device directly without first clearing its memory of old profiles.
What to do if resetting doesn't help?
If the printer doesn't enter setup mode after a reset, try turning off the device, holding down the Wi-Fi button, and then turning it on again, holding it down for 5 seconds. This is a hard reset of the network modules.
Using the Epson iPrint app for Android and iOS
The main tool for managing printing from mobile devices is the official application Epson iPrintAvailable in the Google Play and App Stores, this software not only allows you to print documents but also serves as a wizard for initial wireless setup.
After installing and launching the app, you'll see the printer status on the main screen. If the device isn't found, tap "No printer selected" or a similar button at the top of the interface. The app will prompt you to select a printer from the list or add a new one. Select the option to set up a new device.
The app will request permission to use geolocation. This isn't a developer whim, but a technical requirement of the Android operating system for scanning available Wi-Fi networks. Without this permission, the app won't be able to see your router and transmit the printer's password to it.
Follow the instructions on your smartphone screen. You'll be prompted to select your home network from the list and enter the password. The app will transfer this data to the printer via a temporary direct connection or via the cloud, after which L355 will try to connect to the router on its own.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
If your router has a button WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) significantly simplifies the connection process. This method automatically transfers the password, eliminating the need to manually enter it on a phone or computer screen. This is especially convenient if your Wi-Fi password is long and complex.
Press the WPS button on your router. It's usually located on the back of the device and may be labeled "WPS" or have an icon with two arrows. After pressing it, you have about two minutes to activate the mode on the printer.
On the control panel Epson L355 Press and hold the Wi-Fi button for about 3 seconds until the lights start flashing. The printer will begin searching for a WPS signal from the router. If the connection is successful, the Wi-Fi light on the printer will turn green and stop flashing.
| Indicator | State | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | It's green | Connection successful |
| Wi-Fi | Flashing green | Data transfer or retrieval in progress |
| Wi-Fi | It's glowing orange | Connection error or weak signal |
| Wi-Fi + Network | They are blinking | Setup Mode (WPS/AP) |
This method doesn't work with all providers and router models. Some carriers block the WPS function for security reasons, so if the connection doesn't establish within 2-3 minutes, try manual setup via the app.
☑️ Checklist for a successful connection
Setup via Wi-Fi Direct (printing without a router)
A unique feature of the series L The phone supports Wi-Fi Direct technology. This allows you to connect your phone directly to the printer, bypassing your home router. This is ideal for printing photos while traveling or in offices where access to the main Wi-Fi network is limited.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the printer panel (or the button combination specified in the instructions for your model). The network name created by the printer will appear on the screen, for example, DIRECT-XX-EPSON L355, and a password to connect.
Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, find the network with the printer's name, and enter the password. Once connected, your phone will receive the printer's IP address. You can now open the app. iPrint or any document and send it to print. In this mode, the phone may temporarily lose Internet access, since it is connected to the printer, and not to the global network.
⚠️ Please note: When using Wi-Fi Direct, the data transfer speed may be lower than via a router, and large files (such as high-resolution photos) will take longer to print.
Some models allow you to set a permanent password for Wi-Fi Direct, eliminating the need to search for it on a label each time. This can be done through the printer's web interface by entering its IP address in a browser while connected to the main network.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, technical issues may arise. Often, the problem lies in the router's security settings. If the printer sees the network but can't connect, try temporarily disabling filtering. MAC addresses in the router settings or change the encryption type to WPA2-PSK (AES).
Another common reason is the use of a hidden network name (SSID). Epson L355 It may not find the network if it's hidden. Enable network name broadcasting in your router settings during setup. Also, make sure the router doesn't have "Guest Network" mode enabled for the device, as client isolation can interfere with communication between the phone and printer.
If the app on your phone says "Printer not found" even though the indicator is green, check if you're using a VPN on your smartphone. VPNs often change the local IP address or redirect traffic, preventing the phone from seeing devices on the local network.
What should I do if my phone doesn't see the printer after setup?
Try restarting your router, printer, and phone. Make sure both devices are connected to the same network (check the SSID). In rare cases, updating the printer firmware via a USB cable from a computer may help.
Can the L355 be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, the Epson L355's Wi-Fi module only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting to a 5 GHz network is technically impossible.
Do you need internet to print from your phone?
Internet access is not required when using Wi-Fi Direct. If the printer is connected to a router, internet access is only required for the initial driver installation or Epson Connect cloud printing; actual printing occurs within the local network.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the correct setting Epson L355 Opens up a wide range of possibilities for a mobile office. Use official apps, keep your software up-to-date, and check your router's security settings to ensure stable operation.