The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is an all-in-one wireless printer with high-capacity ink tanks designed for home and small office use. With its innovative EcoTank refillable ink system, it delivers ultra-low-cost printing with exceptional quality.
Key Features of Epson EcoTank ET-3850:
- EcoTank Refillable Ink System: Comes with up to 2 years of ink (based on average use)
- Wireless Connectivity: Print from anywhere in your home or office
- All-in-One Functionality: Print, scan, copy, and fax
- High-Yield Ink: Each bottle fills the tank multiple times
- Auto 2-Sided Printing: Saves paper automatically
- Mobile Printing: Works with Epson Smart Panel app
Understanding Your Epson ET-3850 Printer Components
Before setup, familiarize yourself with these key components of your Epson EcoTank ET-3850:
Epson EcoTank ET-3850 Printer Diagram
Control panel, ink tanks, paper trays, scanner unit, document feeder
- Ink Tanks: Four separate tanks for CMYK colors
- Control Panel: 2.4" color LCD screen for easy navigation
- Paper Tray: Holds up to 100 sheets of plain paper
- ADF (Automatic Document Feeder): For scanning/copying multiple pages
- Scanner Unit: Flatbed scanner with 1200 x 2400 dpi resolution
- Rear Paper Feed: For specialty paper and cardstock
Unboxing and Initial Printer Setup
Proper initial setup is crucial for optimal print quality and printer longevity. Follow these detailed steps for your Epson ET-3850:
Step 1: Unpack Your Epson ET-3850 Printer
- Remove all tape and packaging materials (check for hidden tapes)
- Take out the power cord, ink bottles, and documentation
- Remove all orange protective tapes and transit locks
- Keep the box and packaging for possible future service needs
- Place printer on a stable, level surface with adequate clearance
Step 2: Fill the EcoTank Ink System
- Open the ink tank cover on the front of the printer
- Remove the ink bottle caps and protective seals
- Match each bottle color to the corresponding tank (color indicators)
- Insert bottle into tank and let it fill automatically (do not squeeze)
- Wait until ink stops flowing before removing bottle
- Repeat for all four colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
- Close the ink tank cover securely
Important: Never turn off the printer during initial setup as this may cause ink system issues. Always use genuine Epson EcoTank ink to prevent print head clogging and to maintain warranty. Avoid touching the ink tank nozzles to prevent contamination.
Step 3: Power On and Initialize Printer
- Connect the power cord to the printer and wall outlet
- Power on the printer using the power button
- Follow on-screen prompts to select language and country
- The printer will automatically begin charging the ink system
- This process may take 10-15 minutes (do not interrupt)
- Load paper into the main paper tray
Connecting Your Epson ET-3850 Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 offers multiple connection options for home and office use:
| Connection Type |
Best For |
Setup Complexity |
Speed |
| Wi-Fi |
Wireless printing from multiple devices |
Moderate |
Fast |
| USB |
Direct computer connection |
Easy |
Very Fast |
| Epson Connect |
Remote printing from anywhere |
Moderate |
Good |
Detailed Wireless Setup for Epson ET-3850
Method 1: Wi-Fi Connection (Recommended)
- From the printer's control panel, tap Settings (gear icon)
- Select Network Settings > Wi-Fi Setup Wizard
- Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list
- Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted
- Wait for connection confirmation
- Print a network configuration page to verify settings
- Install printer software on your computer or mobile device
Home Office Tip: For most home users, Wi-Fi connection provides the most flexibility. Place your printer within good range of your router for best performance. The ET-3850 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks.
Driver and Software Installation
For full functionality, install Epson's software package on your computer:
Windows Installation (Detailed Steps)
- Visit Epson's support website (epson.com/support)
- Search for "EcoTank ET-3850" and select your exact model
- Download the complete software package for your OS
- Run the installer as Administrator
- Follow on-screen instructions (choose Wireless or USB connection)
- Complete the installation wizard
- Print a test page to verify setup
- Install Epson Smart Panel app on mobile devices
Mobile Printing Setup
Printing from Smartphones and Tablets
- Download "Epson Smart Panel" app from your app store
- Open the app and follow setup instructions
- Select your ET-3850 from available printers
- Configure default print settings
- Test printing a photo or document
- Enable Epson Connect for remote printing
Important: For full functionality including scanning features, install the complete software package. The basic drivers included with Windows may not support all ET-3850 features. Keep your software updated for best performance.
Advanced Printer Configuration
Maximize your Epson ET-3850's capabilities with these professional settings:
Ink System Management
- Access the Ink Levels menu from the control panel
- Configure low ink alerts
- Set up ink monitoring preferences
- Check estimated ink remaining
- Order replacement ink when levels are low
Custom Print Settings
Configure these settings for different printing needs:
- Paper Types: Presets for plain, photo, cardstock, etc.
- Print Quality: Draft, Standard, High quality modes
- Color Management: Vivid, Natural, Custom profiles
- Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing options
- Eco Settings: Ink saving and quiet modes
Printing Pro Tip: Create custom presets for your most common print jobs (like photo printing or document copying) to save time. The ET-3850 can store multiple presets for quick access.
Epson ET-3850 Troubleshooting
Resolve common Epson EcoTank ET-3850 printing issues with these solutions:
Print Quality Problems
Streaks, Lines, or Faded Prints
- Run nozzle check from maintenance menu
- Perform print head cleaning (Level 1 first)
- Check ink levels and refill if necessary
- Verify correct paper type is selected
- Align print head from maintenance menu
- For persistent issues, perform deep cleaning
Connection Issues
Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Restart printer and router
- Move printer closer to router
- Verify correct Wi-Fi password
- Check for interference from other devices
- Try connecting to 2.4GHz network if using 5GHz
- Reset network settings and reconnect
Warning: Excessive cleaning cycles waste ink. If print quality issues persist after 2-3 cleanings, contact Epson Support. Never use third-party inks as they will void your warranty and may damage the printhead.
Error Codes
Common Epson ET-3850 error codes and solutions:
- 000031: Ink pad nearly full - prepare for service
- 000041: Paper jam - clear any obstructions
- 000091: Ink system error - check ink tanks
- 000101: Carriage error - check for obstructions
Epson ET-3850 Maintenance
Proper maintenance is critical for consistent print quality and printer longevity:
Monthly Maintenance Routine
- Run nozzle check pattern
- Clean print head if needed
- Check and clean paper feed rollers
- Clean scanner glass and ADF feed
- Verify ink levels and order replacements if low
- Update printer firmware when available
Long-Term Care
- Use printer regularly to prevent ink drying
- Store in a clean, dust-free environment
- Keep original ink bottles for refills
- Use genuine Epson paper for best results
- Register product for warranty support
EcoTank Pro Tip: For printers used infrequently, print a nozzle check page at least once a week to keep ink flowing smoothly through the print head. This prevents clogging and maintains print quality.
Conclusion and Recommendations
By following this comprehensive guide, you've learned professional techniques for setting up, configuring, and maintaining your Epson EcoTank ET-3850 printer. Remember these key points for optimal performance:
- Always use genuine Epson EcoTank ink for best results and warranty compliance
- Register your product for extended support and warranty benefits
- Maintain a consistent printing schedule to prevent ink drying
- Follow maintenance schedule for best print quality
- Use appropriate paper types for different print jobs
- Keep firmware and software updated
- Consider Epson's extended warranty options for added protection
With proper setup and care, your Epson EcoTank ET-3850 should deliver years of reliable service and ultra-low-cost printing. For professional support, always consult Epson's customer service or authorized service providers.