Ricoh M C251FW: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Ricoh M C251FW right for you?

The M C251FW is the 2023 refresh of the M C250FW, keeping the same engine, consumables and footprint while updating the firmware for tighter security defaults and refreshed cloud scan destinations. If you already run M C250 units the toners are interchangeable, which makes it an easy fleet addition. Expect the same trade-offs: a fast single-pass ADF and good touchscreen, but only a one-sheet bypass.

Best for: Small offices upgrading a colour MFP with current firmware support

Setting up the Ricoh M C251FW

Join the network from the touchscreen wizard, then immediately change the default administrator password in Web Image Monitor before enabling scan-to-email. Ricoh recommends a static or DHCP-reserved address so the SMB scan destination and any PC scanning shortcuts keep working after router restarts. Windows users should install the PCL6 Universal Driver from Ricoh's support site rather than relying on the generic Windows driver, which omits duplex and colour controls.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the toner cartridge and drum unit, 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 Ricoh'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 Ricoh M C251FW uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Ricoh M C250 black toner (2,300 pages)
• M C250 colour toners (2,300 pages each)
• M C250 waste toner bottle

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