Modern multifunctional devices Epson printers are equipped with a variety of wireless interfaces for user convenience. One of the key features is Wi-Fi Direct, which allows smartphones and tablets to connect directly to a printer without a router. However, in some situations, this option may create conflicts on the local network or simply be unused by the owner.
Disabling this feature may be necessary if you want to force the device to work exclusively through Wi-Fi router or eliminate interference with other wireless devices. In this article, we'll cover in detail methods for disabling direct connection mode for various printer models.
The need to manage network settings often arises when changing providers or upgrading home equipment. Understanding how it works wireless protocol your MFP will help you avoid common configuration errors.
Why disable direct connection mode?
The main reason why users tend to deactivate Wi-Fi Direct, lies in the stability of the home network. When a printer creates its own access point, it can occupy the radio channel, causing interference for other devices, especially in multi-apartment buildings with high wireless network density.
Additionally, smartphones' constant search for available Epson printers can result in unnecessary notifications and battery drain on mobile devices. Background mode Network scanning sometimes interferes with the fast internet performance on your phone.
⚠️ Attention: Before making any changes to your network settings, make sure you have access to your primary router. If you disable Direct Mode and your primary Wi-Fi is configured incorrectly, you will lose the ability to control the printer wirelessly.
There are also use cases in offices where security policies prohibit the creation of uncontrolled access points. In such cases local area network should be the only communication channel for printing documents.
- 📶 Reducing the level of radio interference in the air to improve internet speed.
- 🔋 Saves printer energy by disabling unnecessary modules.
- 🔒 Improving corporate network security by closing unnecessary ports.
Sometimes users confuse completely disabling the Wi-Fi module with deactivating Direct mode. It's important to understand the difference: in the first case, the printer becomes completely unavailable over the air, while in the second, it continues to operate via router, but stops broadcasting its signal.
Preparing to change network settings
Before you begin manipulating the device's menu, you should complete a few preparatory steps. This will ensure the process goes smoothly and doesn't reset other important settings, such as a static IP address or scanning settings.
First, make sure the device is turned on and ready. The lights should be solid and not flashing, which would indicate an error or printing. Stable power supply critical during configuration changes.
☑️ Check before setup
If you plan to manage settings remotely via the web interface, find out the printer's current IP address. You can find it in the device's menu or by printing a network status report. For models with a display, the path usually looks like this: Settings → Network → View settings.
It's important to have a computer or smartphone connected to the same network as your printer. This will allow you to quickly check the results of your actions and ensure that compound was not completely torn apart.
Disabling via the printer control panel
The most universal way to control Epson functions is through the built-in control panel. The interface may differ depending on the series (L, XP, ET), but the logic remains similar. You'll navigate the menu using buttons or the touchscreen.
On LCD models, press the button Home and select a section Wi-Fi or Network settingsIn the list that opens, find the item Wi-Fi DirectIt is usually placed in a separate category to prevent the user from confusing it with the main connection.
Once you enter the menu, you'll see the function status. If the indicator is lit or says "On," select the option. Off or OffThe system may ask you to confirm the action. Accept the changes, and the device will restart the network module.
What if the menu is in a foreign language?
If your printer only has an English or other language interface, look for the words "Wireless," "Direct," and "Setup." Visually navigating the icons is often helpful: a smartphone icon typically indicates a direct connection, while a globe or antenna icon indicates a connection via a router.
For models without a screen, equipped only with buttons and indicators, the procedure may differ. Often, you need to hold down a button. Wi-Fi Direct (smartphone icon) for a few seconds until the indicators start flashing in a certain pattern, or use a combination of buttons Wi-Fi And Wireless button.
⚠️ Attention: On some EcoTank models, holding the Wi-Fi Direct button for longer than 5 seconds may reset all network settings to factory defaults. Be careful and release the button immediately after the indicator lights change their blinking pattern.
Using the Epson iPrint Utility and Web Interface
More flexible control is available through software. Utility Epson iPrintAvailable for PCs and mobile devices, it allows you to control connection settings without physically accessing the printer. This is especially convenient if the device is installed high up or in a hard-to-reach location.
Launch the app on a smartphone connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Select your device from the list and go to the settings section. There you'll often find the option Wi-Fi Direct settings, where you can not only disable the function, but also change the password or network name.
An alternative and very powerful tool is the embedded web interface (EWS). Enter the printer's IP address in the address bar of your computer's browser. A management page will open, where in the section Network or Net You can find the detailed configuration.
| Access method | Required device | Complexity | Available options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control Panel | The printer itself | Low | On/Off, Change Password |
| Epson iPrint | Smartphone/Tablet | Average | Full control, monitoring |
| Web interface | Computer (PC) | High | All settings, logs, IP addresses |
In the web interface, look for the tab Wi-Fi DirectThere will be a status switch. After changing the setting, be sure to click the button OK or Submit at the bottom of the page, otherwise the settings will not be saved. The device may require a reboot for the changes to take effect.
Solution and reset network settings
Sometimes standard methods fail due to software glitches or network module freezes. In such situations, a more radical approach may be required: reset network settingsThis will reset Wi-Fi and Direct settings to factory defaults.
To perform a reset on most Epson models, you need to hold down the buttons simultaneously. Net (or Wi-Fi) and Information (the "i" icon) for 5-7 seconds. The network indicators should flash, after which the module will reboot.
After a reset, Wi-Fi Direct is usually enabled by default. You'll need to go through the process of disabling it again, but this time on a clean configuration. This often resolves the frozen status issue.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer after resetting the settings.
- 📡 Check if your phone has automatically connected to the printer's network.
- ⚙️ Update your device's firmware using Epson Software Updater.
If the problem persists, it may be due to outdated software. Checking the firmware version and updating it to the latest version can eliminate bugs that prevent correct management of wireless interfaces.
Features of different series of Epson devices
Epson's product line is extensive, and operating details may vary. For example, in the series L-Series (L3150, L5190) Controls often rely on button combinations due to the lack of a full-screen display. Precise timing is crucial.
Models of the series WorkForce And OfficeJet (analogues) often have more advanced touchscreens. Here, disabling is done through a graphical menu: Settings → General Settings → Network Settings → Wi-Fi Direct → Off.
Office MFPs that support corporate security standards may have additional restrictions. The network administrator can block the ability to change Wi-Fi Direct settings from the user panel, requiring an administrator password.
Owners of older models that don't support dual-band Wi-Fi should be especially careful. Disabling Direct on these devices may be the only way to ensure stable operation in today's crowded airwaves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the Wi-Fi Direct feature from the printer?
It's impossible to completely "remove" this feature at the software level, as it's built into the device's firmware. However, you can disable it, which will stop it from consuming resources and transmitting a signal. The printer will ignore direct connection requests.
Does enabling Wi-Fi Direct affect the print speed over the primary channel?
In most cases, the impact is minimal, but theoretically possible. If the airwaves are heavily loaded, the operation of two modules (receiving from the router and broadcasting Direct) may create additional delays or reduce channel throughput.
What should I do if I can't print from my phone after disabling it?
Most likely, your phone was connected directly to the printer. After disabling Direct, you need to make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network (router) as the printer. Then, in the printing app, select the printer via the network, not as a direct device.
Will my IP address be reset when I turn off Wi-Fi Direct?
Usually no. Disabling Direct mode shouldn't affect the TCP/IP settings received from the router. However, if you performed a full network reset, the IP address may change unless the router has a statically reserved address for the printer's MAC address.