Epson EcoTank ET-M1170: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 right for you?

The ET-M1170 is the mono tank printer that actually competes with a small office laser: 20 ppm, automatic duplex, a 250-sheet cassette and Ethernet, with a single black bottle lasting around 6,000 pages. It suits home offices that print contracts and invoices and never need colour. Pigment black output is crisp but the single channel needs weekly use, and the sealed waste pads eventually limit life on heavy use.

Best for: Home offices that want a laser replacement for black text

Setting up the Epson EcoTank ET-M1170

Plug into Ethernet or set up Wi-Fi from the small LCD or Smart Panel on 2.4 GHz. Install the driver from epson.com/support and turn on automatic duplex in Printing Preferences. Run a nozzle check after any break of two weeks or more before printing important documents.

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-M1170 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson 532 Black ink bottle (US)
• Epson 110 Black ink bottle (UK/EU)

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