Modern inkjet printers, such as the legendary Epson L805, have long since ceased to be mere peripherals requiring a computer. The ability to instantly print photos directly from a mobile device makes this process a pleasure accessible to every smartphone owner. Wireless technology eliminates the need for wires and complex driver settings, delivering high-quality photos in seconds.
However, despite the apparent simplicity, users often encounter nuances in setting up network interactions. Wireless connection Requires the correct sequence of steps for the phone and printer to "see" each other on the shared network. In this article, we'll cover all available image transfer methods in detail, troubleshoot common connection errors, and help you get your home photo lab up and running smoothly.
Before moving on to the software part, you need to make sure that the hardware is physically ready. Epson MFP The printer must be turned on and the cartridges filled with the appropriate ink colors. Make sure the device is within range of your router's signal if you plan to use infrastructure mode, or simply turn it on if you're setting up a direct connection.
Preparing equipment and checking network settings
The first step is to diagnose the current printer status. On the front panel Epson L805 There's a button with a network icon next to it, along with indicator lights. If the Wi-Fi indicator is green, the device is already connected to a network. Resetting the network settings to factory defaults is often necessary for new setups or changing the router.
To perform a reset, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer's control panel for approximately 5-7 seconds until the Wi-Fi and Direct LEDs begin flashing alternately. Then release the button and wait until both LEDs turn green. This means network settings reset and the printer is ready for a new configuration.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings does not affect printhead parameters or ink levels in the CISS. However, if you work in an office with a secure corporate network, check with your system administrator to ensure that new devices can be connected to Wi-Fi.
It's important to understand the difference between operating modes. The printer can operate as a client of your home network (via a router) or create its own access point. For printing from a phone at home, the printer itself most often creates an access point or connects both devices to a single router. Choose the strategy that best suits your situation.
Setting up a Wi-Fi Direct connection without a router
The fastest way to send a photo for printing is to use technology Wi-Fi DirectIn this mode the printer Epson L805 It becomes an access point to which your phone connects directly, bypassing your home router. This is ideal for situations where the internet connection is busy or the router is located far from the printing location.
To activate this mode, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer until the direct connection indicator (usually a smartphone icon) lights up. A name like EPSONXXXXXXThe default connection password is often indicated on a sticker on the device body or in the instructions, but in most modern scenarios, it is requested upon first connection through the app.
- 📱 Press the Wi-Fi button on the printer to enable Direct mode.
- 🔍 Find the network with the EPSON prefix in your phone's Wi-Fi settings.
- 🔑 Enter the password (by default it is often 12345678 or indicated on the label).
- ✅ Wait for the connection icon to appear in your smartphone's status bar.
Once successfully paired, your phone and printer form a local network. It's important to note that in this mode, your phone may temporarily lose internet access via your mobile network, as the antenna is busy connecting to the printer. Printing photos from your gallery or social media (if they're cached) won't require internet access.
Using the Epson iPrint app to print
The official and most functional tool for print management is the application Epson iPrintIt is available for platforms Android And iOS It allows you to not only print photos but also scan documents and check ink levels. After installing the app, launch it; it will automatically search for available printers on the network.
If a printer is found, its name will appear at the top of the screen. If the status is "Not connected," click this area and select your printer. Epson L810/L805 from the list. The app will prompt you to select the connection type: via an access point (Direct) or via an infrastructure network. Select the appropriate option, and the app will automatically configure the necessary settings.
To print a photo, go to the "Photos" or "Gallery" section within the app. Select the desired image, adjust the settings (size, paper type, number of copies), and click the print button. Epson iPrint Supports borderless printing, which is critical for producing professional 10x15 cm photos.
⚠️ Note: App functionality may vary depending on operating system version. If automatic search isn't working, make sure the app has permission to access your local network (especially relevant for iOS 14+ and Android 10+).
☑️ Check before printing
Printing via Epson Smart Panel and third-party services
Epson also offers a more modern app Epson Smart Panel, which is gradually replacing iPrint on new devices, but works great with the L805 as well. Its interface is more minimalist and focused on quick actions. Its main feature is the ability to quickly scan to and print from cloud storage.
In addition to official utilities, the operating system Android has a built-in printing service. Go to your phone's settings, find the "Connections" or "Advanced Settings" section, and select "Print." The "Epson Print Service" plugin should be available there. Activate it, and the system will see the printer in the standard "Share" -> "Print" menu from any app, whether it's a browser or gallery.
For iPhone users, the situation is even easier thanks to technology AirPrintIf your phone and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network (connected to the same router), you don't need to install any additional apps. Just open the photo, tap the "Share" button, select "Print," and your iPhone will detect it automatically. Epson L810.
What should I do if AirPrint doesn't see my printer?
Make sure your router doesn't have Client Isolation enabled, which prevents devices on the same network from seeing each other. Also, make sure both devices are connected to the 2.4 GHz network, as older printer models may not see 5 GHz networks.
Comparing connection methods and troubleshooting
The connection method you choose depends on your needs. If you need to print a couple of photos quickly and are close to the printer, use Wi-Fi Direct. However, if you plan to print larger quantities or the printer is in another room, it's better to set up a connection through a router to keep your phone connected.
A common problem is when the phone sees the printer's network, but the app displays "Printer not found." In 90% of cases, this can be resolved by rebooting the router and the printer itself. It's also worth checking if your router has a MAC address filter, which could block new devices.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi Direct | Via Router | USB OTG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet access on the phone | No (usually) | Yes | Yes |
| Range of action | Up to 10 meters | By Wi-Fi zone | Cable length |
| Transfer speed | High | Depends on the router | Maximum |
| Difficulty of setup | Low | Average | Low (requires adapter) |
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling mobile data (3G/4G/5G) on your phone when setting up Wi-Fi Direct. Sometimes the operating system prioritizes the mobile channel and ignores the local connection to the printer, even if Wi-Fi is officially connected.
Selecting paper and adjusting print quality
To get the best results, it is important not only to set up the connection, but also to select the correct print settings in the application. Epson L805 — This is a six-color printer designed for photo printing. Using regular office paper will negate all the advantages of the multicolor system.
In the driver settings (in the application), be sure to select the paper type. For glossy photos, choose Epson Glossy or "Glossy Photo Paper." If you're using matte paper, switch the type to "Matte Photo Paper." This will change the ink flow algorithm and drying time, preventing smudging.
- 🖼️ For portraits, select “High” or “Photo” quality.
- ⏳ For a draft version, the "Standard" or "Fast Print" mode is suitable.
- 📏 Always check the margins: for 10x15 photos, enable the "Borderless" option.
Please note that when selecting maximum quality, printing a single photo may take 2-3 minutes. This is normal: the printer applies more layers of ink to achieve rich colors and smooth gradients. Do not open the tray immediately after printing; allow the photo to dry for 10-15 minutes.
Why does my printer print in stripes or faded colors?
Most likely, the print head nozzles are clogged. Open the Epson iPrint app, select "Utilities" or "Maintenance," and run "Nozzle Cleaning." After the first cleaning, perform a test print. If the problem persists, repeat the procedure, but do not clean more than three times in a row to avoid overfilling the printer's pads.
Is it possible to print on discs?
Yes, the L805 model has a CD/DVD tray. However, this feature is often unavailable or unreliable on a phone via Wi-Fi. Using a computer with the Epson PrintCD software is highly recommended for printing discs, as it requires precise positioning, which mobile apps do not provide.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
To find your IP address when connecting through a router, turn off your printer. Press and hold the information button (the "i" icon) and the Wi-Fi button simultaneously, then turn on the printer while still holding them. The printer will print a network settings page, which will show your IP address.