Epson Expression Photo XP-8700: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 right for you?

The XP-8700 is the current compact six-colour photo all-in-one, moving US models to 314 cartridges while Europe keeps the 378 Squirrel series. Print quality on glossy paper is excellent for the size, and CD printing and auto duplex are included. It is the right choice if you want lab-style prints without the bulk and price of an ET-8500, but cartridges will cost more than the printer over its life.

Best for: Photo enthusiasts wanting a current compact six-ink printer

Setting up the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700

Smart Panel handles Wi-Fi setup on 2.4 GHz networks. Install the driver and Epson Print Layout from epson.com/support. US owners need 314 cartridges; 312 from the XP-8600 will not fit. Use the dedicated photo tray for 4x6 paper.

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-8700 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson 314 / 314XL (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