Epson Expression Photo XP-8600: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson Expression Photo XP-8600 right for you?

The XP-8600 updated the XP-8500 with Smart Panel support and retained the six-ink Claria Photo HD system, CD printing and compact footprint. It is a good choice for someone who wants lab-quality 4x6 and letter-size photos from a printer small enough to sit on a bookshelf. Running costs remain the downside, and users running compatible cartridges report recognition errors after firmware updates.

Best for: Photo hobbyists wanting six-ink quality in a small all-in-one

Setting up the Epson Expression Photo XP-8600

Onboard with Smart Panel on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, then add Epson Print Layout for profiled printing. Use the front photo tray for 4x6 paper and the main tray for plain paper. Select the correct Epson paper type in the driver to avoid colour casts.

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-8600 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson 312 / 312XL (US)
• Epson 378 / 378XL (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