Kodak ESP 5250: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Kodak ESP 5250 right for you?

The ESP 5250 was one of Kodak's most popular wireless all-in-ones from its 2010 push into cheap ink, built around a permanent printhead and Kodak 10 cartridges. Kodak exited consumer inkjets in 2012, so drivers stopped at Windows 8 era and modern OS support relies on older packages. Printhead failures, identified by four-digit error codes, are the typical reason these printers get retired.

Best for: Owners maintaining an old Kodak ESP with the permanent printhead

Setting up the Kodak ESP 5250

Install the last Kodak All-in-One Printer Software (Home Center) package from the Kodak consumer support archive on Windows; on Windows 11 the USB-connected printer often works with the built-in driver for printing only. Wi-Fi can be configured from the LCD menu. If a printhead error appears, remove the printhead, clean the electrical contacts with a lint-free cloth and reseat it before buying a replacement.

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 Kodak'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 Kodak ESP 5250 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Kodak 10B black cartridge
• Kodak 10C colour cartridge
• Kodak 10XL black

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