Epson Printer Not Responding on macOS? Try These Fixes

An Epson printer that suddenly stops responding on a Mac can bring your productivity to a halt, especially when you’re in the middle of an important print job. Whether the printer shows as "offline," fails to appear in the printer list, or doesn’t react when you click print, the issue can often be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. This guide walks you through the most effective fixes to get your Epson printer working again on macOS.

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Step 1: Check the Basics First

Before diving into deeper fixes, make sure the fundamental setup is correct:

• Ensure the printer is powered on

• Confirm all cables are securely connected

• Make sure the printer has paper and ink or toner

• Look at the printer's screen for any error messages

• Confirm the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac

These small details can often be overlooked and are common reasons why the printer may appear unresponsive.

Step 2: Restart Devices

Sometimes, all it takes is a restart to resolve the issue:

• Turn off your Epson printer and unplug it from the power outlet

• Restart your Mac

• Plug the printer back in and power it on

Once both devices are fully restarted, try printing again.

Step 3: Check the Printer Status on macOS

Sometimes the printer is listed as "offline" or "paused" in the Mac printer settings.

Here’s how to check:

• Go to System Settings or System Preferences

• Select Printers & Scanners

• Click on your Epson printer from the list

• Look at the status below the printer’s name

If it says "Paused," click the Resume button. If it says "Offline," ensure the printer is turned on and connected properly.

Step 4: Reset the Print System

If the printer is still not responding, resetting the print system can often clear up communication problems.

To do this:

• Open System Settings or System Preferences

• Go to Printers & Scanners

• Right-click (or Control-click) on the printer list

• Choose Reset Printing System

• Confirm when prompted

This will remove all installed printers and queues. After resetting, re-add your Epson printer:

• Click the + button under the printer list

• Select your Epson printer from the list

• Click Add

Once re-added, try printing again.

Step 5: Reinstall Epson Printer Drivers

macOS often installs generic drivers that may not fully support all Epson printer functions. Installing or reinstalling the proper drivers can solve communication problems.

• Go to Printers & Scanners

• Select your Epson printer and click the Minus button to remove it

• Reboot your Mac

• Re-add the printer using the + button

• Allow macOS to download and install the correct driver

If your printer supports AirPrint, macOS might default to that driver. However, you can manually select the Epson driver from the "Use" dropdown during installation for better compatibility.

Step 6: Check for Software Updates

Running outdated macOS versions can cause printer compatibility issues.

To check for updates:

• Open System Settings

• Select General

• Click Software Update

• Install any available updates

Also, check if Epson offers a newer version of the printer driver compatible with your current macOS version.

Step 7: Verify Network Connectivity

If you're using a wireless Epson printer, make sure it's properly connected to your Wi-Fi network.

On the printer's display panel:

• Navigate to the Wi-Fi Setup or Network Settings menu

• Verify that the printer is connected to the same network as your Mac

• Print a Network Status Report to confirm connection details

If there’s a network issue, reconnect the printer using the Wi-Fi Setup Wizard and enter your Wi-Fi credentials again.

Step 8: Turn Off Firewall and Security Software Temporarily

Sometimes macOS firewall settings or third-party security software can block communication between your printer and Mac.

To check firewall settings:

• Go to System Settings

• Select Network or Security & Privacy

• Look for Firewall settings

• Temporarily turn off the firewall and test the printer connection

If the printer responds after disabling the firewall, consider adding an exception for the Epson software.

Step 9: Try a USB Connection (If Applicable)

If you’re unable to fix the wireless connection, try connecting your printer directly to your Mac using a USB cable.

• Turn off the printer

• Connect the USB cable between your printer and Mac

• Turn the printer on

• Go to Printers & Scanners and re-add the printer if needed

This test helps determine whether the issue is with Wi-Fi or the printer itself.

Step 10: Use Epson Software Utilities

Some Epson printers come with software utilities like Epson Printer Utility or Epson Scan. These apps help manage printer settings and scan functions.

Running these tools can provide additional diagnostic details or allow firmware updates that fix hidden issues.

Final Thoughts

An Epson printer not responding on macOS can often be fixed by checking the basics, restarting devices, updating drivers, or resetting the print system. Whether you're using Wi-Fi or a wired connection, methodically walking through these steps will usually resolve the issue.

If all else fails and your printer remains unresponsive, it may be time to contact Epson customer support or take your printer to a service center for a deeper diagnosis. With a little patience and the right steps, your printer should be back in working order quickly.

Adam Smith is a professional content writer.