Epson WorkForce WF-2870: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson WorkForce WF-2870 right for you?

The WF-2870 was a short-lived 2021 refresh of the WF-2860 for North America, keeping the cassette, Ethernet, touchscreen and 502 cartridges with updated firmware. It fills the same role as a compact home-office all-in-one with pigment black text. Owners should keep the head exercised and expect the same cassette roller wear as the WF-2860 over time.

Best for: Home offices wanting a cassette-fed cartridge all-in-one

Setting up the Epson WorkForce WF-2870

Use Ethernet or Smart Panel on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Install the driver package from epson.com/support; the WF-2860 package also works if the WF-2870 entry is missing. Enable duplex and set the cassette paper size in the printer menu.

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 WorkForce WF-2870 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson 502 Black
• Epson 502 Cyan/Magenta/Yellow
• Epson 502XL 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