Epson ET 2850 Series Constantly Shows Offline -

Question

Level 1

10 points

Epson ET 2850 Series Constantly Shows Offline -

This issue has existed for years now. My experience is on various Macbook / Macbook Pros and currently on a 2020 M1 Macbook running Big Sur 11.7.4. The issue is specific to Wi-Fi printing as I haven't seen anyone ever post an issue about USB. But what percentage of people can really use that as a solution... i.e. move the printer right next to the laptop... pfft.

This isn't a question so much as it is a heads up that I gave the Gutenprint drivers a go even though they're released around the Catalina timeframe (Gutenprint v5.3.3) and these drivers do seem to be a bit more dependable.

The unfortunate thing is that Epson is likely very much aware of their driver issues but I suspect they do not wish to dedicate the time to resolve as it likey requires a code rewrite. Best thing you can do is use ratings to discourage people from purchasing these printers... they're mediocre at best.

If there's any additional answers out there regarding improving the quality of the Epson offline / searching for printer / printer not found / power cycle printer to "sometimes remediate" please feel free to comment. Thank you.

MacBook, macOS 10.14

Posted on Mar 30, 2023 11:34 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

ody2 Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 31, 2023 03:09 PM in response to Owl-53

Okay after resetting printing system, note M1 Macbook connects on the 5ghz and too SSIDs are a match, AirPrint still has the printer going offline and or searching for printer. Originally I was using Secure AirPrint but no matter AirPrint exhibits the same behavior.

I subsequently added the Gutenprint driver back in and similar behaviour as well although it does seem to locate the printer a bit quicker, this is anecdotal.

However all this discussion gave me an idea because at work we simply use IP printing. Gave IP printing a shot with the generic driver and the offline behaviour has been eliminated. Subsequently choosing IP printing and the Epson driver is also working like a charm but with obviously all the printer features. Screenshot below shows the AirPrint offline along with the Gutenprint drivers... but via IP printing both entries are online and responding.

Since this network utilizes static dhcp assignment, this ultimately resolves the problem. Appreciate the collaboration else I might not have thought to go the IP route. Cheers.

Reply

Answer 2

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,163 points

Mar 30, 2023 11:57 AM in response to ody2

Hi,

The Epson ET-2850 is listed in About AirPrint - Apple Support as a model supporting the AirPrint technology, so it should be possible to use this printer without additional drivers, provided that the printer and the Mac are connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router).

You may want to test resetting the printing system and re-adding the printer using AirPrint.

Reset the Mac printing system to solve a problem – Apple Support (UK)

Add a printer on Mac – Apple Support (UK)

If there is a problem with AirPrint, you could try a full power-cycle sequence (do not forget the router): Power off

the router, the printer, the Mac, and all other devices/computers. Wait two to three minutes. Power on the router. Wait two to three minutes. Power on the printer. Wait a minute or two. Power on the Mac. Finally, power on all other

devices/computers.

Reply

Answer 3

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,163 points

Mar 30, 2023 12:22 PM in response to ody2

Also, regarding Wi-Fi, this printer uses 2.4 GHz. Modern dual-band routers often have a "smart" way of detecting devices and selecting bands. This may not always work as intended. Sometimes, it may be necessary to split/rename bands.

Reply

Answer 4

ody2 Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 30, 2023 12:33 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Yup, have done the entire AirPrint routine as well and there was no difference in behaviour.

So while it’s listed as being supported, whatever underlying issue exists within the firmware of that printer inhibits consistent printing behaviour.

Thank you for the update.

Reply

Answer 5

Owl-53

Level 10

100,219 points

Mar 31, 2023 04:56 AM in response to ody2

Using an older Epson ET 2750 via the builtin AirPrint functionality since macOS 11 Big Sur onto macOS 12 Monterey and now macOS 13 Ventura 13.3

The setup is via a Dual Band Router using the Same SSID in the Router.

The 2.4 gHz and 5 gHz bear the Same SSID and is located about 10 - 12 Feet ( 3 - 4 Meters ) from the Printer and Computers

Have Zero printing issues at all.

Reply

Answer 6

Owl-53

Level 10

100,219 points

Apr 1, 2023 01:38 AM in response to ody2

Welcome and thanks for the update

Good work there 👍

If this method works great

Though, reading about Both the ET 2850 or the ET 2850U from the Epson Support Site, they generally point to Printer Off Line to the Wifi Router as to the source of the issue in both cases.

In my case the ET 2750 connects to the 2.4 gHz SSID and both the M1 Mac Mini that ran Big Sur 11 to Monterey 12 and now M2 MBA all running Ventura 13.3 all connect to the 5 gHz SSID have zero AirPrint and Scan Issues

Above is only meant as point of reference and comparison.

Reply