Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Not Connecting to WiFi, How to Fix It

Trying to print an important document only to discover your Epson EcoTank ET-2980 will not connect to WiFi can be incredibly frustrating. Many Windows users deal with problems like the printer showing offline, print jobs getting stuck, the printer not responding, or the WiFi connection dropping randomly. Sometimes the printer connects once and then disappears again after a Windows update.

The good news is that this problem is usually easy to fix. In many cases, outdated or missing printer software prevents Windows from communicating properly with the Epson EcoTank ET-2980. A few quick changes can often restore the connection and get your printer working again.

Quick Fix Checklist

Before trying advanced fixes, go through this quick checklist:

• Restart your printer and WiFi router
• Restart your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
• Make sure the printer is connected to the correct WiFi network
• Check that airplane mode is turned off on your PC
• Remove stuck print jobs from the print queue
• Update your Epson EcoTank ET-2980 printer software
• Reconnect the printer using Windows printer settings

If the printer still will not connect, continue with the methods below.

Why Your Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Is Not Connecting to WiFi

Your printer relies on software inside Windows to communicate with the device correctly. This software helps Windows recognize the printer, send print jobs, manage wireless communication, and maintain a stable connection.

When the software becomes outdated, corrupted, or missing, Windows may no longer detect the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 properly. This often causes problems like:

• Printer offline errors
• WiFi connection failures
• Printer not responding messages
• Slow printing
• Blank pages
• Stuck print queues

Windows updates can also interrupt printer communication. After a major Windows 10 or Windows 11 update, older printer software may stop working correctly. That is why many users suddenly experience wireless printer problems even though the printer worked fine before.

Method 1, Fix the Problem Automatically With DriverAssist

The fastest way to fix Epson EcoTank ET-2980 WiFi connection problems is by using DriverAssist. It scans your system, detects outdated printer software, and helps install the correct files automatically.

This saves time and avoids the confusion of searching for the right version manually.

Download DriverAssist here:

DriverAssist Download

Steps to Fix the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 WiFi Issue

1. Download and install DriverAssist
2. Open the program and start a scan
3. Wait while it detects printer related issues
4. Select the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 from the results
5. Install the recommended updates
6. Restart your computer
7. Reconnect the printer to your WiFi network

After restarting, try printing a test page.

Many users find this resolves printer offline errors, connection failures, and printer not responding problems immediately.

Method 2, Download the Correct Software From Epson

You can also manually install the latest printer software from Epson’s official website.

This method takes longer, but it works well if you prefer installing updates yourself.

How to Find the Correct Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Software

1. Open your web browser
2. Visit the official Epson support website
3. Search for Epson EcoTank ET-2980
4. Select your exact printer model carefully
5. Choose your Windows version

Make sure you select the correct operating system. Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions may differ.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users accidentally download:

• The wrong printer model
• Mac software instead of Windows software
• Older versions that no longer work correctly
• Incomplete utility packages

Always double check the version before downloading.

Install the Software

After downloading:

1. Open the installation file
2. Follow the setup instructions
3. Choose Wireless Connection during setup
4. Select your WiFi network
5. Enter your WiFi password carefully
6. Finish the installation process

Once completed, restart both the printer and your computer.

Method 3, Update the Printer Through Device Manager

Windows Device Manager can sometimes help restore printer communication problems.

This method is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, but it may not always locate the newest printer software.

How to Update the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 in Device Manager

1. Right click the Start button
2. Select Device Manager
3. Expand Printers or Print Queues
4. Locate Epson EcoTank ET-2980
5. Right click the printer
6. Select Update Driver
7. Choose Search automatically for drivers

Windows will search for available updates.

If the Printer Does Not Appear

If you cannot find the printer:

1. Disconnect the printer
2. Restart your PC
3. Reconnect the printer to WiFi
4. Open Device Manager again
5. Check under Unknown Devices

Sometimes Windows lists the printer incorrectly after failed updates.

Limitations of Device Manager

This method does not always install the latest files directly from Epson. In many cases, Windows only installs basic printer support, which may not fully fix wireless communication problems.

That is why automatic update tools or manual Epson downloads often work better.

How to Reconnect the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 to WiFi

If the printer still will not connect, try reconnecting it manually.

Reconnect Using the Printer Control Panel

1. Turn on the printer
2. Open Wireless Settings
3. Select WiFi Setup Wizard
4. Choose your wireless network
5. Enter the WiFi password
6. Confirm the connection

Wait for the wireless indicator light to stop blinking.

Reconnect Using Windows Settings

For Windows 11:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Bluetooth and Devices
3. Click Printers and Scanners
4. Remove the Epson printer
5. Click Add Device
6. Reinstall the printer

For Windows 10:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Devices
3. Open Printers and Scanners
4. Remove the printer
5. Add the printer again

This refreshes the wireless connection between Windows and the printer.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

Many printer WiFi issues return because printer software becomes outdated over time.

Windows updates frequently change system files and network settings. Older printer software may no longer communicate properly afterward.

Other causes include:

• Router firmware updates
• Weak WiFi signals
• Multiple saved printer profiles
• Corrupted print spooler files
• Interrupted software installations

If the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 disconnects repeatedly, keeping the software updated is extremely important.

How to Keep Printer Software Updated Automatically

Most users do not manually check for printer software updates regularly. As a result, problems slowly build up until the printer suddenly stops responding.

Automatic update tools can help keep printer software current without requiring constant manual checks.

This helps reduce issues like:

• Printer offline errors
• WiFi connection failures
• Slow printing
• Blank pages
• Print queue problems

Keeping everything updated also helps Windows 10 and Windows 11 recognize the printer correctly after major system updates.

Additional Tips for Fixing Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless Problems

Restart the Print Spooler Service

Sometimes the print spooler becomes stuck.

To restart it:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. Press Enter
4. Locate Print Spooler
5. Right click it
6. Select Restart

Try printing again afterward.

Check Your WiFi Signal Strength

Weak WiFi signals can interrupt communication between the printer and computer.

Move the printer closer to the router if possible. Avoid placing the printer near thick walls or large electronics.

Clear Stuck Print Jobs

A blocked print queue can prevent new print jobs from processing.

To clear the queue:

1. Open Printers and Scanners
2. Select Epson EcoTank ET-2980
3. Open the print queue
4. Cancel all pending jobs

Restart the printer afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Epson EcoTank ET-2980 keep going offline?

This usually happens because Windows loses communication with the printer. Outdated printer software, unstable WiFi connections, or corrupted print queues are common causes.

How do I reconnect my Epson printer to WiFi?

Use the printer’s Wireless Setup Wizard or remove and reinstall the printer through Windows printer settings.

Why is my Epson printer connected to WiFi but not printing?

The printer may appear connected even when Windows cannot communicate with it correctly. Updating the printer software often resolves this issue.

Does Windows 11 cause Epson printer connection problems?

Some Windows 11 updates can affect older printer software. Installing updated printer files usually fixes the problem.

Can Device Manager fix Epson printer issues?

Sometimes. Device Manager can install basic updates, but it may not provide the newest files needed for stable wireless printing.

Why does my print queue keep getting stuck?

Corrupted print spooler files or communication failures between Windows and the printer can block print jobs.

Final Thoughts

WiFi connection problems with the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 are very common, especially after Windows updates or long periods without software updates. Fortunately, most issues can be fixed quickly by updating printer software, reconnecting the printer properly, and clearing communication errors inside Windows.

Whether your printer is offline, not responding, or refusing to print wirelessly, the methods above can help restore a stable connection and get your Epson printer working normally again.