Epson EcoTank ET-2856: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson EcoTank ET-2856 right for you?

The ET-2856 is a European retailer edition of the ET-2850, bundled with an additional set of 104 ink bottles and sometimes sold in a white case. The cassette-fed duplexing hardware is unchanged, so it is the model to choose if you find it cheaper than the ET-2850 on the day. Expect the same modest speed and eventual ink pad warning.

Best for: European shoppers wanting the ET-2850 with bonus ink

Setting up the Epson EcoTank ET-2856

Use the ET-2850 driver if your support site does not list the ET-2856. Smart Panel handles Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz and prompts for firmware updates. Turn on automatic duplex in the driver and keep the bonus ink sealed until needed.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink bottles (fill each tank to the upper line), and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use Epson's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The Epson EcoTank ET-2856 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson 104 Black
• Epson 104 Cyan/Magenta/Yellow ink bottles

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications