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How to Setup Epson Printer ET-3850?

Author: Yana Mir
by Yana Mir
Posted: Oct 07, 2025

Epson is renowned for producing innovative and efficient printing solutions, and the Epson ET-3850 is no exception.

For Setup Your Printer Click Here:

Designed as part of Epson’s EcoTank series, the ET-3850 is an all-in-one printer that combines high performance with cost-efficiency, making it an excellent choice for home offices, small businesses, and anyone looking to minimize printing expenses without compromising on quality.

This article will walk you through what the Epson ET-3850 is, its features and benefits, detailed setup instructions, troubleshooting tips, and a clear conclusion to help you get the most out of your printer.

What is the Epson ET-3850?

The Epson ET-3850 is an all-in-one inkjet printer that offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. It belongs to Epson’s EcoTank series, which is designed to reduce printing costs by using refillable ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This model targets users who require efficient, high-volume printing with minimal interruptions and low cost per page.

The ET-3850 uses Epson’s Micro Piezo technology, ensuring precise ink droplets for sharp text and vibrant colors. Its compact design fits well in home or small office environments. The printer also supports wireless connectivity, mobile printing, and automatic two-sided printing, providing a versatile and user-friendly experience.

Features and Benefits of the Epson ET-3850 Refillable Ink Tank System

One of the defining features of the ET-3850 is its large-capacity ink tanks. Instead of replacing cartridges, users refill the tanks with Epson ink bottles, which lowers running costs significantly and reduces environmental waste.

High Print Quality and Speed

The ET-3850 delivers sharp text and vivid color prints. It supports printing at speeds up to 15 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 8 ppm for color, making it suitable for moderate print jobs without sacrificing quality.

All-in-One Functionality

This model provides printing, scanning, copying, and faxing functions in one device. The flatbed scanner supports various document types and sizes, while the fax feature is useful for traditional office communication.

Wireless Connectivity and Mobile Printing

The ET-3850 supports Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing multiple devices to connect wirelessly. It also supports Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Epson’s own mobile printing apps, providing flexibility for users who prefer printing from smartphones or tablets.

Automatic Duplex Printing

The printer supports automatic double-sided printing, which helps save paper and reduce waste.

Large Paper Capacity

With a 250-sheet input tray, the ET-3850 can handle larger print jobs without frequent refills, increasing productivity.

User-Friendly Interface

The color touchscreen display simplifies navigation and allows easy access to all functions.

Energy Efficient

Epson’s Energy Star certification ensures that the ET-3850 consumes less power during operation and standby modes.

How to Setup Epson Printer ET-3850

Setting up the Epson ET-3850 involves several straightforward steps, including unpacking, connecting the printer, filling the ink tanks, installing software, and configuring settings. Follow this detailed guide to get started:

Step 1: Unboxing and Preparing the Printer

Remove the printer from the box along with all included accessories such as the power cable, ink bottles, USB cable (if included), installation CD, and manuals. Remove any protective tapes or packaging materials from the printer, including those around the scanner glass and paper trays.

Place the printer on a flat, stable surface near your computer or network router, and ensure there is enough space around it for ventilation and ease of use.

Step 2: Filling the Ink Tanks

Unlike traditional cartridge-based printers, the ET-3850 uses refillable ink tanks that need to be filled before printing.

  • Open the ink tank cover on the side of the printer.

  • Identify each tank by color and match it with the corresponding ink bottle.

  • Carefully open the ink bottle, and pour the ink slowly into the correct tank until it reaches the upper line. Be careful not to overfill.

  • Repeat for all four ink colors (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow).

  • Close the ink tank cover securely.

This process is essential before powering the printer on to ensure proper ink flow.

Step 3: Power On the Printer

Connect the power cable to the printer and plug it into a power outlet. Press the power button to turn on the device. The printer will perform an initialization process, including charging the ink system, which may take several minutes.

Step 4: Load Paper

Open the paper tray and load plain paper, adjusting the guides so the paper fits snugly without bending. Close the tray securely.

Step 5: Install Printer Software and Drivers

For the printer to communicate with your computer or mobile device, the correct software and drivers must be installed.

  • Using Installation CD: Insert the CD and follow the on-screen prompts.

  • Downloading from Epson Website: If you don’t have a CD, visit Epson’s official support site on another device, search for ET-3850 drivers, and download the latest software compatible with your operating system.

During installation, you will be prompted to choose a connection method—select between USB or wireless connection.

Step 6: Connect to Your Computer or Network

You can connect your ET-3850 printer via USB cable or wirelessly.

  • USB Connection: Plug one end of the USB cable into the printer and the other into your computer. The software will detect the printer automatically.

  • Wireless Connection: Follow the software instructions to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network. You may need to enter your Wi-Fi password using the printer’s touchscreen display.

Step 7: Print a Test Page

Once installation is complete, print a test page to ensure everything is functioning properly. This confirms that the printer is ready to use.

Troubleshooting Tips for Epson ET-3850 Setup Printer Not Found During Installation
  • Confirm that the printer is powered on.

  • Check cable connections if using USB.

  • Ensure your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network if wireless.

  • Restart your computer and printer.

  • Reinstall the drivers if necessary.

Ink Tank Error or Low Ink Warning
  • Make sure ink tanks are filled properly and the caps are securely closed.

  • Remove any air bubbles by gently shaking the ink bottles before refilling.

  • Ensure you are using genuine Epson ink bottles to avoid compatibility issues.

Paper Jams
  • Remove paper carefully without tearing it.

  • Make sure paper is loaded correctly and within capacity.

  • Use the recommended paper types and sizes.

Print Quality Issues
  • Run the printer’s cleaning utility through the software or touchscreen menu.

  • Align the print head using the printer’s maintenance options.

  • Check ink levels and refill if needed.

Wireless Connection Problems
  • Restart your router, printer, and computer.

  • Move the printer closer to the router to improve signal strength.

  • Ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

  • Reset network settings on the printer and reconnect.

Conclusion

The Epson ET-3850 is a versatile and cost-effective all-in-one printer ideal for those who require reliable, high-quality printing with minimal running costs. Thanks to its refillable ink tanks, wireless connectivity, and user-friendly features, it is well-suited for home offices, small businesses, and students.

Setting up the Epson ET-3850 is a simple process that involves unboxing, filling the ink tanks, connecting to power, loading paper, installing drivers, and establishing a connection to your computer or network. With proper setup and maintenance, this printer offers outstanding performance and longevity.

About the Author

My Name is Yana Mir. I'am an article write, I write article on different different topics related to tech category. Read Our article and rate US.

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Author: Yana Mir
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Yana Mir

Member since: Sep 01, 2025
Published articles: 100

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