Epson Expression Photo XP-55: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson Expression Photo XP-55 right for you?

The XP-55 is a print-only six-ink A4 photo printer that Europe received as a compact, scanner-free alternative to the XP-8x0 all-in-ones. It produced vivid glossy output and could print directly onto CDs. Being a 2014 design without a screen, it relies on LED codes and the old iPrint app, and after a decade of cleaning cycles most units are at the waste ink pad limit.

Best for: European photo hobbyists with a dedicated A4 printer from 2014

Setting up the Epson Expression Photo XP-55

Use WPS or USB-assisted Wi-Fi setup from the driver installer, or connect Ethernet. Install the driver from epson.co.uk/support before printing; Print Layout improves photo colour. Keep the 24-series cartridges in the labelled slots, with light cyan and light magenta in the correct positions.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink cartridges, 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 Expression Photo XP-55 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson 24 Black/Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Light Cyan/Light Magenta
• Epson 24XL high-yield cartridges

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