Epson EcoTank ET-M3170: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson EcoTank ET-M3170 right for you?

The ET-M3170 is the full-featured mono EcoTank with a 35-sheet ADF, fax, duplex and Ethernet, aimed squarely at small offices replacing an ageing mono laser MFP. Running costs are very low and there is no toner dust or warm-up wait. The trade-offs are slower speed than a laser on long runs, a single pigment channel that must be used regularly, and sealed waste ink pads rather than a replaceable box.

Best for: Small offices replacing a mono laser MFP with cheaper ink

Setting up the Epson EcoTank ET-M3170

Connect Ethernet for shared office use and run the fax setup wizard from the LCD if you attach a line. Smart Panel handles Wi-Fi on 2.4 GHz. Install ScanSmart from epson.com/support for ADF batch scanning to searchable PDF.

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-M3170 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