The Epson L805 is a high-quality inkjet printer designed for photo printing and general use. With its six individual ink tanks and advanced Micro Piezo technology, it delivers vibrant, long-lasting prints with exceptional color accuracy.
Key Features of Epson L805:
- Six Individual Ink Tanks: CMYK + Light Cyan and Light Magenta for photo printing
- EcoTank System: High-capacity ink tanks for low-cost printing
- High Resolution: Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi print quality
- Fast Printing: 4" x 6" photo in about 12 seconds
- Wireless Printing: Connect via Wi-Fi Direct
- Compact Design: Space-saving footprint
Understanding Your Epson L805 Printer Components
Before setup, familiarize yourself with these key components of your Epson L805:
Epson L805 Printer Diagram
Control panel, paper tray, ink tank system, print head, output tray
- Print Head: PrecisionCore Micro Piezo technology
- Ink System: Six individual high-capacity ink tanks
- Paper Feed: Rear paper feed and front output tray
- Control Panel: Simple buttons for printer operation
- Connectivity: USB and Wi-Fi Direct options
- CD/DVD Printing: Optional tray for printable discs
Unboxing and Initial Printer Setup
Proper initial setup is crucial for optimal print quality and printer longevity. Follow these detailed steps for your Epson L805:
Step 1: Unpack Your Epson L805 Printer
- Remove all tape and packaging materials (check for hidden tapes)
- Take out the power cord, ink bottles, and documentation
- Remove all transit locks and protective materials
- Keep the box and packaging for possible future service needs
- Place printer on a stable, level surface with adequate clearance
Step 2: Install Ink Tanks
- Power on the printer and wait for it to initialize
- Open the ink compartment cover
- Install ink bottles in their correct positions (C, M, Y, K, LC, LM)
- Fill each tank to the indicated maximum level line
- Close the ink tank caps securely
- Allow the printer to charge the ink system (may take 10-15 minutes)
Important: Never turn off the printer during initial setup as this may cause ink system issues. Always use genuine Epson ink to prevent print head clogging and to maintain warranty. Ensure each ink tank is filled to the correct level - not too full or too empty.
Step 3: Perform Initial Printer Calibration
- Load plain paper into the rear paper feed
- From your computer, open Epson Printer Utility
- Select "Head Cleaning" and follow prompts
- Run nozzle check pattern to verify all channels are working
- Perform print head alignment if needed
- Print a test page to verify color accuracy
Connecting Your Epson L805 Printer
The Epson L805 offers multiple connection options for different usage scenarios:
Connection Type |
Best For |
Setup Complexity |
Speed |
USB |
Single computer, most reliable |
Easy |
Fast |
Wi-Fi Direct |
Wireless printing without router |
Moderate |
Good |
Network Wi-Fi |
Multiple devices, home/office |
Moderate |
Good |
Detailed Wireless Setup for Epson L805
Method 1: Wi-Fi Direct Connection
- Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on printer for 3 seconds
- Wait for the Wi-Fi light to flash (indicates Wi-Fi Direct mode)
- On your computer/device, connect to "DIRECT-xx-ET-L805" network
- Enter the password (found on printer's Wi-Fi Direct information sheet)
- Install printer driver on your computer
- Select the printer when printing
Printing Tip: For most home users, Wi-Fi Direct provides the simplest wireless printing solution. For office environments or when you want to print from multiple devices through your router, use standard Wi-Fi setup instead.
Driver and Software Installation
For full functionality, install the Epson L805 printer drivers and software:
Windows Installation (Detailed Steps)
- Visit Epson's support website
- Search for "L805" and select your exact model
- Download the complete software package for your Windows version
- Run the installer as Administrator
- Choose "Wireless Connection" or "USB Connection" as appropriate
- Follow the on-screen instructions for connection setup
- Complete the installation wizard
- Print a test page to verify setup
Mac Installation
Basic Setup for macOS
- Connect printer via USB or ensure it's on the same network
- Download Epson Printer Utility from Epson's website
- Open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
- Click "+" to add new printer
- Select your Epson L805 from the list
- Choose appropriate driver (AirPrint or Epson driver)
- Print test page to confirm installation
Important: Always download the latest drivers from Epson's official website. macOS may automatically install basic drivers, but for full functionality (especially for photo printing), install the complete Epson software package.
Advanced Printing Configuration
Maximize your Epson L805's capabilities with these professional printing settings:
Photo Printing Setup
- Select appropriate paper type in printer settings
- Choose "Photo" or "Best Photo" quality mode
- Enable color management in your photo editing software
- For critical work, use custom ICC profiles
- Allow prints to dry completely before handling
- Store photo paper properly to prevent moisture absorption
Custom Print Modes
Configure these settings in your printer driver for different applications:
- Photo Printing: Highest quality, slowest speed
- Document Printing: Faster speed, standard quality
- Draft Mode: Fastest speed, lowest ink usage
- Borderless Printing: For full-bleed photos
- CD/DVD Printing: Special settings for printable discs
Photo Pro Tip: For best photo results, use genuine Epson photo paper and allow 24 hours for prints to fully cure before framing or displaying in humid environments. This prevents bronzing and ensures maximum longevity.
Epson L805 Troubleshooting
Resolve common Epson L805 printing issues with these solutions:
Print Quality Problems
Streaks or Missing Colors
- Run nozzle check pattern from printer utility
- Perform print head cleaning (1-2 times max)
- Verify ink levels in all tanks
- Check for clogged nozzles in nozzle check pattern
- For persistent issues, perform deep cleaning
- As last resort, manually clean print head
Paper Feeding Issues
Paper Jams or Misfeeds
- Turn off and unplug printer
- Open rear cover and remove any jammed paper
- Check for small torn pieces of paper
- Ensure paper guides are properly adjusted
- Use recommended paper types and weights
- Don't overfill paper tray
Warning: Excessive cleaning cycles waste expensive ink. If print quality issues persist after 2-3 cleanings, try printing several color pages to clear clogs naturally. Never use third-party inks as they will void your warranty and may damage the printhead.
Error Codes
Common Epson L805 error codes and solutions:
- 00010005: Ink system error - check ink tanks
- 0001001C: Paper jam - clear any obstructions
- 00020001: Waste ink pad near full - may require service
- 00030004: Ink tank not recognized - reinstall tank
Epson L805 Maintenance
Proper maintenance is critical for consistent print quality and printer longevity:
Regular Maintenance Routine
- Run nozzle check pattern weekly
- Clean printer exterior with soft, dry cloth
- Check ink levels before important print jobs
- Keep paper path clean and free of dust
- Print color pages periodically if printer sits idle
- Store printer in clean, moderate environment
Monthly Deep Maintenance
- Clean print head manually if needed
- Check for firmware updates
- Inspect ink lines for bubbles or obstructions
- Clean inside of printer (dust with soft brush)
- Verify all software is up to date
Longevity Tip: If you won't be using the printer for several weeks, print a nozzle check pattern before storing. For long-term storage (months), consider removing ink tanks and sealing them properly to prevent drying.
Conclusion and Recommendations
By following this comprehensive guide, you've learned professional techniques for setting up, configuring, and maintaining your Epson L805 printer. Remember these key points for optimal performance:
- Always use genuine Epson ink for best results and warranty compliance
- Register your product for extended support and warranty benefits
- Perform regular maintenance to prevent ink drying and clogging
- Use recommended paper types for different printing needs
- Keep printer firmware and software updated
- For photo printing, allow proper drying time before handling
- Consider professional servicing for waste ink pad replacement
With proper setup and care, your Epson L805 should deliver years of reliable service and excellent print quality. For professional support, always consult Epson's customer service or authorized service providers.