Epson SureColor F170: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson SureColor F170 right for you?

The SureColor F170 is a letter-size dye-sublimation printer sold with genuine Epson sublimation ink and a warranty, aimed at crafters making mugs, shirts and small gifts who do not want to convert an EcoTank. It shares its chassis with consumer EcoTanks, so setup is familiar, but the supplied ICC profile and Epson Edge Print software are what make colours come out right after pressing. Output looks dull on paper by design; judge colour only after heat transfer.

Best for: Crafters wanting a warranty-backed small sublimation printer

Setting up the Epson SureColor F170

Fill the four sublimation tanks, run the initial charge, and install the driver with the Epson sublimation ICC profile from epson.com/support. Set mirror printing in the driver for transfers. Connect by Smart Panel on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or USB. Print at least weekly to keep the nozzles clear.

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 SureColor F170 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson T49M UltraChrome DS sublimation ink bottles (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)

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