Connect Epson EcoTank L6290 to WiFi

How to Connect Epson EcoTank L6290 to WiFi, PC, and Mobile Devices

by

The Epson EcoTank L6290 is more than just a printer — it’s an all-in-one workhorse for printing, scanning, and copying without the hassle of constant ink replacement. Thanks to its EcoTank technology, you can print thousands of pages before refilling ink, saving both time and money.

One of the main reasons people choose the L6290 is wireless printing. You can print from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone — all without plugging in a USB cable.

But many users still struggle with setting up and maintaining a stable wireless connection. That’s why this guide will walk you through:

  • The difference between Wi-Fi Direct and Network Wi-Fi.

  • How to use the control panel for wireless setup.

  • Installing Epson software on Windows and Mac.

  • Setting up the Epson Smart Panel app on Android/iOS.

  • Troubleshooting connection drops or errors.

  • Best practices for stable wireless printing.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to connect your L6290 to Wi-Fi, PC, and mobile devices with minimal frustration.

Wi-Fi Direct vs Network Wi-Fi: Choosing the Right Connection

Before connecting your Epson L6290, you need to understand the two main wireless modes it offers: Wi-Fi Direct and Network Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi Direct

What It Is
Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct link between your device and the printer without needing a router or access point.

When to Use

  • You’re outside your usual network environment.

  • You want to connect a single device quickly.

  • Internet isn’t required for your task.

Advantages

  • Quick setup.

  • No router needed.

  • Ideal for temporary printing.

Drawbacks

  • Only one device can connect at a time.

  • Device loses internet access while connected (unless using mobile data).

Network Wi-Fi

What It Is
The printer connects to your home or office router, making it available to all devices on the same network.

When to Use

  • You have multiple devices that need to print.

  • You want stable long-term wireless printing.

  • You want to print while staying online.

Advantages

  • Works for multiple users.

  • No need to reconnect devices for each print job.

  • Supports printing from anywhere within the network range.

Drawbacks

  • Slightly longer setup process.

  • Relies on network stability.

Recommendation:

  • Use Network Wi-Fi for regular home/office use.

  • Use Wi-Fi Direct for quick, one-off printing.

Using the Control Panel for Wireless Setup

The Epson EcoTank L6290’s control panel is your main tool for connecting to Wi-Fi. The LCD screen makes it easy to navigate menus and enter passwords.

Connecting to Network Wi-Fi

  1. Turn On the Printer

    • Press the Power button. Wait until the LCD lights up.

  2. Open the Wi-Fi Setup Menu

    • Press Home.

    • Use the arrow keys to go to Wi-Fi Setup.

    • Press OK.

  3. Select Wi-Fi Setup Wizard

    • This option scans for available networks.

  4. Choose Your Network (SSID)

    • Scroll and select your network.

    • Press OK.

  5. Enter Your Wi-Fi Password

    • Use the on-screen keyboard.

    • Check upper/lowercase carefully.

    • Press OK.

  6. Confirm Connection

    • The printer will connect.

    • If successful, you’ll see the Wi-Fi icon on the LCD.

Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct

  1. From the Wi-Fi Setup menu, select Wi-Fi Direct.

  2. The screen will display an SSID and password.

  3. On your device, open Wi-Fi settings and connect to the printer’s SSID.

  4. Enter the password shown.

  5. You can now print directly without a router.

Tip:
If your Wi-Fi password is long, consider using the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) option if your router supports it — no typing needed.

Installing Epson Software for Windows and Mac

Even if your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, your computer needs the right drivers and utilities to communicate with it.

Windows Setup

  1. Download the Software

    • Visit the Epson Support website.

    • Search for “Epson EcoTank L6290”.

    • Download the Drivers and Utilities Combo Package.

  2. Install

    • Open the downloaded file.

    • Accept the license agreement.

    • Choose Wireless Connection as your setup type.

  3. Printer Detection

    • The installer will search for printers on your network.

    • Select the L6290 when it appears.

  4. Finish Setup

    • Follow the remaining prompts.

    • Run a test print to confirm.

Mac Setup

  1. Download the Mac drivers from the Epson Support website.

  2. Open the .dmg file and follow the installation steps.

  3. Choose Wi-Fi when prompted.

  4. Select your printer from the detected list.

  5. Finish installation and print a test page.

Extra Step:
Install Epson Scan 2 for wireless scanning from your computer.

Epson Smart Panel App for Android/iOS

The Epson Smart Panel app brings printer management to your fingertips.

Setting Up the App

  1. Download

  2. Open & Grant Permissions

    • Allow Wi-Fi, storage, and camera access.

  3. Add Your Printer

    • Tap Add.

    • The app will detect printers on the same Wi-Fi.

  4. Choose Connection Type

    • Wi-Fi: Select from list.

    • Wi-Fi Direct: Tap “Connect via Wi-Fi Direct” and follow prompts.

  5. Confirm

    • Print a photo or document as a test.

App Features

Troubleshooting Connection Drops or Errors

Wireless printing can face hiccups. Here’s how to fix common issues:

Printer Not Found

  • Check printer’s Wi-Fi status on LCD.

  • Restart printer and router.

  • Make sure printer and device are on the same network.

Slow or Unstable Connection

  • Move printer closer to router.

  • Avoid interference from microwaves or cordless phones.

  • Switch router to a less congested channel.

Wi-Fi Direct Problems

  • Only one device should connect at a time.

  • Re-enable Wi-Fi Direct if issues persist.

PC Connection Failure

  • Reinstall drivers.

  • Temporarily disable the firewall to test.

  • Assign the printer a static IP to prevent IP changes.

Best Practices for Stable Wireless Printing

To keep your Epson L6290 running smoothly:

  1. Prefer 5GHz Wi-Fi if available.

  2. Update firmware regularly.

  3. Assign a static IP in router settings.

  4. Avoid frequent reboots — keep printer in sleep mode.

  5. Clear print queues regularly.

  6. Keep signal strong — avoid walls and interference.

  7. Perform router restarts monthly.

Final Thoughts

The Epson EcoTank L6290 offers excellent flexibility with its wireless printing features, but proper setup makes all the difference. Understanding the difference between Wi-Fi Direct and Network Wi-Fi, using the control panel setup, installing the right software and apps, and following best practices will ensure a smooth printing experience.

With the steps in this guide, you can connect your L6290 to Wi-Fi, your PC, and mobile devices quickly and troubleshoot any issues that arise, so you spend less time fixing connections and more time getting things printed.

Read More: How to Scan and Copy Documents Using the Epson EcoTank L6290 (With Settings Explained)

Leave a Comment