Epson WorkForce WF-3820: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Epson WorkForce WF-3820 right for you?

The WF-3820 is the current compact WorkForce Pro for home offices, moving to 822 cartridges in North America and keeping the 250-sheet cassette, ADF, fax, Ethernet and duplex. It prints fast pigment text and is cheaper to buy than the WF-4820 while sharing most of its features. The WF-3823 is a store variant. As with all PrecisionCore cartridge models, keep it in weekly use and expect compatible 822 cartridges to be hit-or-miss after firmware updates.

Best for: Home offices wanting a current compact office all-in-one

Setting up the Epson WorkForce WF-3820

Smart Panel on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet handles setup. Install the driver bundle from epson.com/support and enable duplex. Use the WF-3820 package for a WF-3823. Fit all four 822 cartridges before the first power-on.

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-3820 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Epson 822 / 822XL (US)
• Epson 35 / 35XL Umbrella (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