Modern office solutions require mobility, and the EcoTank series of inkjet printers are no exception. Model Epson M1120 Originally designed as a budget device for printing black-and-white documents, its functionality is significantly expanded with a wireless connection. Connecting to a local network allows you to print documents directly from your smartphone, tablet, or any computer in the house without the need for USB cables.
The process of activating the wireless module may seem complicated at first glance, especially if you are used to devices with touch screens, and here control is carried out through buttons and indicators. Wireless printing Opens access to cloud services and simplifies work in a multi-user environment. In this guide, we'll cover all the setup details to get your printer working on your network the first time.
Before you begin, make sure your router is turned on and sending a signal, and that your printer is filled with ink and ready to use. For Wi-Fi Direct to work correctly, the distance between the router and the printer should not exceed the standard indoor signal range. Also, find out the password for your home network in advance, as it will be needed for manual setup.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
The first step is to physically prepare the device for network operation. Make sure the printer Epson M1120 Plugged into a power outlet and within range of your router's signal. If the device was previously used with a USB cable, the operating system may have installed drivers for a local connection, which won't interfere. However, using Wi-Fi will require installing additional software or changing the port type.
It's important to understand the difference between wireless adapter operating modes. The printer can operate in infrastructure mode (via a router) or in standby mode. Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection to the device without a router). For a home network where you need to print from several devices simultaneously, the first option is preferable. Check whether your router supports WPA/WPA2 security standards, as older encryption protocols may not be supported by newer hardware.
If you plan to configure your network manually, you'll need your network information. Typically, this includes the network name (SSID) and password. In some cases, if your router has the Hidden SSID feature enabled, the setup process will be more complicated, and you'll have to enter the network name manually, down to the last character. It's recommended to temporarily enable network name display to simplify the process.
Using WPS technology for quick setup
The easiest way to connect Epson M1120 To connect to Wi-Fi, use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to establish a secure connection without entering a password, simply by pressing a button on the router and printer. This method is effective if your router supports this feature, which is common among most modern models.
To begin, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer's control panel for 3 seconds until the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct lights begin flashing alternately. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The printer will automatically detect and connect to the network, indicated by a solid Wi-Fi light.
☑️ WPS Readiness Check
However, it's important to note that not all providers and router models have a physical WPS button or software support for this feature in the interface. If the LEDs don't stop flashing or turn red after two minutes, the connection has failed. In this case, you'll need to resort to manual setup via software.
What to do if the WPS button does not work?
If your router doesn't have a WPS button, check the router's web interface. Sometimes the feature needs to be enabled programmatically in the wireless security section. It's also possible that the feature has been disabled by your ISP.
Manual network setup via Epson iPrint
If automatic connection does not work, the most reliable method is to use a mobile app. Epson iPrintThis is the manufacturer's official software, which allows you to manage the printer and configure network settings from a smartphone or tablet. The app is available for iOS and Android and is the standard for working with Epson equipment.
To begin setup, launch the app and select your printer from the list of available devices. If the printer isn't yet connected to the network, the app will prompt you to change the Wi-Fi settings. You'll need to select your home network from the list and enter the password. The app will transmit this information to the printer, and it will attempt to establish a connection.
During the setup process, you may need to temporarily connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network you want to connect the printer to. Make sure location and Bluetooth are enabled on your mobile device, as modern operating systems require these permissions to search for devices on the local network. Password entry accuracy critically important: letter case matters.
| Parameter | Meaning / Action | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Network Name) | The name of your Wi-Fi | On the back panel of the router |
| Password | WPA/WPA2 security key | On the router sticker or in the contract |
| IP address | Automatic (DHCP) | Assigned by the router |
| Range | 2.4 GHz | Router settings |
Setup via PC using Epson Smart Panel
For users who prefer to work on a computer, there is a utility Epson Smart PanelIt allows you to not only print and scan, but also perform initial network connection setup. Launch the program on a PC connected to the same network you plan to connect the printer to, or via a USB cable to transfer settings.
In the program interface, select "Add a new printer" or "Wi-Fi setup." The setup wizard will prompt you to select a connection method. Select "Wireless setup" and follow the on-screen instructions. The program will automatically detect available networks and prompt you to select yours. After entering the password, the PC will transfer the configuration to the printer.
⚠️ Warning: If you're using an antivirus or firewall with aggressive security settings, they may be blocking the printer's network search. Temporarily relax your security settings or add the Epson app to the exceptions list.
After a successful connection, the program will prompt you to update the device's firmware. This is an important step, as new firmware versions often contain bug fixes for the wireless module. Do not interrupt the update process to avoid damaging the device's internal memory.
Wi-Fi Direct mode: printing without a router
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect mobile devices directly to the printer, bypassing your home Wi-Fi network. This is especially useful if your router is temporarily down or you're in a location without access to the main network. In this mode, the printer automatically creates an access point to which your devices can connect.
To activate this mode, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the lights begin flashing. A signal with a name containing "EPSON" and the device model will appear in the list of available networks on your smartphone screen. The default password is usually printed on the printer's label or in the user manual.
Keep in mind that when Wi-Fi Direct is active, data transfer speeds may be lower than through a router, and your phone's internet connection may temporarily be lost if it switches to the printer. Use this mode for one-time tasks, such as urgently printing a document from your phone.
Diagnosing problems and resetting network settings
During operation, situations may arise where the printer stops responding over the network or router settings (such as the password or network name) change. In such cases, printing a network status report can help. To do this, press the network button (the antenna symbol) and the information button simultaneously to obtain a receipt with technical data, including the IP address and connection status.
If your device shows as "Offline" or "Offline," try resetting your network settings. To do this, use the Control Panel. Epson M1120 You need to press and hold the network button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 5 seconds. The indicators will flash, and the Wi-Fi settings will be reset to factory defaults.
⚠️ Note: After resetting your network settings, you will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password. Make sure you remember your current network access key before performing this operation.
Also, check if the printer's IP address has changed. If your network isn't configured for static IP addressing, the router may assign a new address to the device when it reboots. In this case, the computer driver may "lose" the printer. The solution is to remove the old device in the control panel and add a new one with the current address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't my Epson M1120 printer see my Wi-Fi network?
Most often, the problem lies in the frequency range. This model only supports the 2.4 GHz standard. If your router only distributes 5 GHz or combines them into a single name, the printer may not correctly identify the network. Try separating the networks in the router settings.
Can this printer be connected to a hidden network?
Yes, but it won't be found automatically. You'll need to use manual configuration via a PC or app, where you can manually enter the network name (SSID) and select the security type, even if the network is hidden.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
The fastest way is to print a network status report by holding down the network button and the information button. The IP address is also displayed in the printer driver interface on your computer under the "Ports" tab or in the Epson iPrint app.
Do I need to turn off my router when setting up a printer?
No, the router must be turned on and stable. However, if you're experiencing persistent connection issues, briefly rebooting the router before starting setup may help clear the DHCP cache and assign a new address to the device.