An Epson printer won’t scan but prints normally when the printing side of the device can communicate with your computer, but the scanner cannot. This can be confusing because everything may appear connected correctly—you can send documents to the printer without any problem, yet Epson Scan 2, Epson ScanSmart, Windows, or macOS cannot detect the scanner.
The good news is that successful printing usually means you don't need to troubleshoot every part of the printer from scratch. Instead, focus on scanner detection, Epson scanning software, network communication, USB connectivity, and operating-system settings.
This guide explains why your Epson printer is not scanning and provides practical solutions for Windows, Mac, USB, and WiFi connections.
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Printing and scanning are separate functions, even when they are built into the same all-in-one Epson printer.
Your computer may have everything it needs to send a print job while the scanning software, scanner configuration, or network connection required for scanning isn't working correctly.
Common causes include:
Epson Scan 2 cannot detect the scanner
Epson ScanSmart is not configured correctly
Scanner software is missing or damaged
Computer and printer are on different networks
Network scanner hasn't been added to Epson Scan 2
USB connection is unstable
Printer is connected through a problematic USB hub
Firewall settings interfere with network scanner discovery
Scanner software wasn't reinstalled after an operating-system upgrade
Wrong scanner is selected in the scanning application
Computer is in sleep or power-saving mode
High-resolution network scanning causes a communication problem
The scanner isn't correctly installed in Windows or macOS
Epson specifically recommends checking whether the scanner appears in Epson Scan 2 Utility, verifying cables, checking network scanner settings, and reinstalling Epson Scan 2 after an operating-system upgrade when necessary.
Start with a complete restart.
Turn off your Epson printer and shut down the computer. If the printer uses WiFi, you can also restart your router if you suspect a network communication problem.
Wait briefly and then restart your equipment.
After everything is fully powered on, open Epson Scan 2 or Epson ScanSmart and try scanning a simple document.
Restarting can clear temporary communication problems without requiring you to change more complicated settings.
Your Epson printer appearing under Printers & scanners doesn't always guarantee that its scanner function is available correctly.
On Windows, open:
Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Find your Epson device.
Microsoft notes that an all-in-one device may appear primarily as a printer. Selecting the device and opening its management options can help confirm whether Windows also recognizes scanner functionality.
If Windows doesn't recognize the scanner at all, focus on the scanner driver, Epson software, USB connection, or network scanner configuration.
If your Epson printer prints but won't scan, Epson Scan 2 Utility is an important place to troubleshoot.
Open Epson Scan 2 Utility on your computer and verify that your correct Epson product is selected.
If you use the printer over a network and the scanner doesn't appear, Epson recommends adding the network scanner from the utility's scanner settings.
After selecting or adding the correct scanner, test the connection and try scanning again.
Sometimes the printer itself is fine, but Epson Scan 2 cannot communicate with its scanner.
Make sure:
Your Epson printer is turned on
The correct scanner is selected
USB cables are secure
Network communication is working
The computer isn't in sleep mode
Epson Scan 2 is properly installed
Epson also advises reinstalling Epson Scan 2 if the operating system was upgraded and the scanning software was not reinstalled afterward.
This is especially worth checking if scanning stopped after a Windows or macOS upgrade.
A printer can sometimes print over the network while scanner discovery still fails because the scanning application isn't correctly associated with the network device.
If you're using WiFi, make sure your computer and Epson printer are connected to the same network or network segment.
Epson recommends checking this specifically when Epson ScanSmart cannot scan over a network.
Check the network name on the printer and compare it with the WiFi connection on your computer.
If they differ, connect both devices to the appropriate network and try again.
Weak wireless communication can also interfere with network scanning.
Epson recommends moving the scanner or multifunction product and computer closer to the router or access point when network scanning doesn't work.
This can be particularly helpful if scanning starts but then stops, produces a network communication error, or works inconsistently.
Try moving the printer closer to the router temporarily.
If scanning begins working normally, wireless signal quality may have been contributing to the problem.
High-resolution scans contain much more data than ordinary print jobs.
As a result, a network connection that handles everyday printing may encounter problems when transferring a large, high-resolution scan.
Epson specifically recommends trying a lower resolution when large originals scanned at high resolution cause network communication errors.
For troubleshooting, choose a moderate resolution and scan a single page.
If that works, gradually increase the quality until you find a setting that remains reliable.
If your Epson printer connects directly to the computer using USB, inspect the cable.
Make sure it is securely connected at both ends.
If possible, connect the printer directly to your computer rather than through a USB hub.
Epson notes that scanners may not work correctly through certain USB hubs and recommends a direct computer connection when troubleshooting Epson Scan 2.
You can also try another compatible USB port.
If the printer continues printing but scanning doesn't work, the next step should be checking the scanning software and scanner detection.
This problem is easy to overlook if you've previously installed another Epson printer or scanner.
Open Epson Scan 2 Utility and confirm that the correct product is selected.
Similarly, if you're using another TWAIN-compatible scanning program, verify that your actual Epson device is selected as the scanner or source.
Epson includes selecting the correct product as a troubleshooting step when Epson Scan 2 cannot start.
A corrupted or incompatible installation can prevent scanning even while printing continues normally.
Consider reinstalling Epson Scan 2 if:
Scanning suddenly stopped working
Epson Scan 2 won't open
Scanner isn't detected
Windows or macOS was recently upgraded
You have conflicting versions of Epson scanning software
Epson recommends reinstalling Epson Scan 2 after an operating-system upgrade in cases where scanning software wasn't reinstalled afterward.
Use the software intended for your exact Epson model and operating system.
After installation, restart your computer before testing the scanner.
If you normally scan through Epson ScanSmart, determine whether the problem occurs only in ScanSmart or in every scanning application.
Try opening Epson Scan 2 directly.
If Epson Scan 2 works but ScanSmart doesn't, the problem is more likely related to the application or its configuration than to the scanner hardware itself.
If neither program detects your Epson scanner, investigate the network or USB connection and scanner installation.
Firewall or network-security settings can interfere with scanner discovery.
Epson notes that an active firewall can prevent a product from being discovered by Epson Scan 2 Utility. In this situation, Epson recommends adding the scanner using its IP address in Epson Scan 2 Utility.
Don't permanently disable important security protections merely to make scanning work.
Instead, identify whether the firewall is actually responsible and configure the appropriate trusted application or network rule according to your security software's instructions.
Some wireless routers have a feature commonly called client isolation, AP isolation, wireless isolation, or privacy separation.
This prevents wireless devices on the same network from communicating directly with one another.
Your computer may still have internet access, and the printer may still appear usable in some situations, while network scanning fails.
Epson's network-scanning troubleshooting documentation specifically notes that a router's privacy separator can prevent communication between the scanner and computer.
Check your router documentation before changing this setting because terminology varies among router manufacturers.
If your Epson printer won't scan on Windows 11, first determine whether Windows recognizes the scanner.
Open:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Select your Epson device and check whether scanner functionality is available.
Microsoft says Windows generally discovers and installs local and network scanners automatically, but a scanner that isn't discovered can also be added manually.
Next, open Epson Scan 2 Utility and confirm that the correct Epson product is selected.
If you recently upgraded Windows, reinstalling the appropriate Epson scanning software may also help.
If Windows cannot detect the scanner correctly, reinstalling the device may restore scanner recognition.
Before doing this, make sure you know your Epson model and have access to the appropriate installation software.
After removing the affected device, restart Windows and reinstall or add the scanner.
Then test it using Epson Scan 2 or the Windows scanning interface.
Mac users should first verify whether macOS can see the scanner.
Go to:
Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & Scanners
Select the Epson multifunction printer.
If scanner functionality is available, choose Open Scanner.
Apple explains that a printer with a built-in scanner can be accessed from Printers & Scanners when properly configured.
Try scanning a basic document.
If this works, the Epson hardware and basic Mac scanner connection are likely functioning, and the issue may instead involve the Epson scanning application.
Image Capture is another useful way to determine whether macOS can communicate with your Epson scanner.
Open Image Capture and look for your Epson device.
If the scanner appears there and works, but Epson software doesn't, focus your troubleshooting on the Epson application.
If the scanner doesn't appear anywhere, check the physical or network connection and scanner installation.
Apple recommends checking connections and trying scanning applications such as Image Capture when troubleshooting scanning problems.
If the Epson scanner used to appear on your Mac but no longer does, removing and adding the multifunction device again may help.
Apple specifically suggests deleting and re-adding a scanner or multifunction printer if scanning functionality that was previously available disappears.
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, remove the affected Epson device, and then add it again.
Once configured, test both printing and scanning.
If printing works wirelessly but scanning does not, concentrate on scanner discovery.
Check the following:
Printer and computer are on the same network
Epson Scan 2 Utility shows the correct scanner
WiFi signal is strong
Firewall isn't blocking scanner discovery
Router isn't isolating wireless devices
Scanner's IP/network configuration is correct
Epson ScanSmart and Epson Scan 2 are installed correctly
Epson recommends many of these checks when network scanning fails.
If your Epson printer can copy documents from its own control panel but won't scan to your computer, the scanner hardware may still be functioning.
In that situation, focus on communication between the computer and scanner.
Check Epson Scan 2 Utility first.
Then verify the USB or network connection, scanner software, operating-system detection, and selected scanner.
If scanning works from an application but not when you press the Scan button on the printer, the button or scan-to-computer configuration may need attention rather than the scanner itself.
Epson recommends verifying the selected scanner, scanning software, network or USB connection, and button-related software when a scanner button doesn't perform the expected action.
Sometimes scanning works from Epson Scan 2, but pressing the physical Scan or Start button doesn't send anything to the computer.
This is a different problem from complete scanner failure.
First, try starting a scan directly from Epson Scan 2 or ScanSmart.
If software-based scanning works, check the program associated with the scanner button and any Epson event or document-capture software required by your model.
Epson recommends confirming that the appropriate scanning application is installed and that the correct action is assigned to the scanner button where applicable.
A communication error generally means the scanning software cannot reach the scanner reliably.
For USB connections:
Check the cable, connect directly to the computer, and avoid unnecessary hubs.
For network connections:
Make sure the devices use the same network, check Epson Scan 2 Utility, move the printer closer to the router, and test a lower scan resolution.
Also check firewall or router isolation settings if the scanner cannot be discovered.
If scanning stopped after an operating-system update, don't assume the printer itself is damaged.
Check whether Windows still recognizes the scanner and whether Epson Scan 2 opens correctly.
If the scanning software is missing, incompatible, or no longer detects your scanner, reinstall the appropriate version for your Epson model.
Epson explicitly recommends reinstalling Epson Scan 2 when the operating system was upgraded without reinstalling the scanning software.
If your scanner works but you cannot create a PDF, the problem may be related to your scanning application's output settings rather than scanner communication.
Try scanning a single page first.
Choose PDF as the file format if your scanning software provides that option, select a valid destination folder, and use a moderate resolution for testing.
If ordinary image scans work but PDF scans don't, focus on application settings and file-saving permissions.
If your Epson model has an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and flatbed scanning works while feeder scanning doesn't, check the feeder separately.
Make sure the pages are loaded correctly and the feeder cover is fully closed.
Some Epson troubleshooting documentation specifically advises checking the document cover and ADF cover when scanning through the feeder.
Remove any jammed or improperly loaded originals before testing again.
When your Epson printer won’t scan but prints normally, try these steps in order:
Restart the Epson printer and computer.
Confirm that Windows or macOS detects the scanner.
Open Epson Scan 2 Utility.
Select the correct Epson scanner.
Check Epson Scan 2 and ScanSmart.
Verify the USB connection.
Connect directly instead of through a USB hub.
Make sure the printer and computer use the same WiFi network.
Move the printer closer to the router.
Try scanning at a lower resolution.
Check firewall and router isolation settings.
Reinstall Epson Scan 2 if necessary.
Re-add the scanner in Windows or macOS.
Test with another scanning application.
Check ADF settings if feeder scanning is the only feature that fails.
Printing and scanning rely on different software components and communication processes. Your printer may have a working print connection while Epson Scan 2, scanner drivers, network scanner settings, or operating-system scanner detection isn't configured correctly.
The computer may not detect the scanner, Epson Scan 2 may have the wrong device selected, or a USB or network communication problem may be preventing scanning. Check Epson Scan 2 Utility and confirm the scanner is recognized by your operating system.
Possible causes include an incorrect scanner selection, USB connection problem, network configuration issue, firewall restriction, outdated installation, or the scanner not being added as a network scanner. Epson recommends checking the product in Epson Scan 2 Utility and adding it if necessary.
Your printer may be connected well enough for printing while scanner discovery is failing. Verify that your computer and printer are on the same network and that Epson Scan 2 Utility recognizes the network scanner.
Check Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners to see whether Windows recognizes the device. Then verify the scanner in Epson Scan 2 Utility. If necessary, reinstall the appropriate Epson scanning software.
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select the Epson device, and try Open Scanner. You can also test the scanner using Image Capture. If the scanner previously worked but disappeared, remove and add the multifunction printer again.
The computer and printer may be on different networks, scanner discovery may be blocked, the WiFi signal may be weak, or Epson Scan 2 may not have the correct network scanner configured. Check these settings before reinstalling everything.
Reinstallation is worth trying if Epson Scan 2 won't start, doesn't recognize the scanner, became unreliable after an operating-system upgrade, or appears corrupted. Epson specifically recommends reinstalling it after certain OS upgrades.
Yes. Epson notes that an active firewall can interfere with product discovery in Epson Scan 2 Utility. Configure trusted network/application permissions rather than permanently turning off security software.
If USB scanning works, the scanner itself is likely functioning. Check the WiFi network, Epson Scan 2 network scanner configuration, router settings, firewall, and whether your computer and printer are on the same network.
Network instability or a high-resolution scan can sometimes cause a communication failure. Epson recommends trying a lower resolution when high-resolution network scans cause communication errors.
If scanning works from Epson software but not from the printer's physical button, check the button's assigned scan action and required Epson software. Also confirm that the correct scanner is selected.
Depending on your printer and operating system, yes. For example, macOS can scan from compatible multifunction devices through Printers & Scanners or Image Capture. Available options vary by printer model.
Not necessarily. Successful printing shows that at least the printing function and its communication path are working. It does not by itself prove whether the scanner hardware is functioning. Testing a local copy, Epson Scan 2, or another supported scanning application can help narrow down the cause.
Check the support documentation for your exact Epson model. Scanner configuration, supported applications, network procedures, and control-panel options vary between models. If the scanner cannot make copies locally and isn't detected by any supported scanning method after connection and software checks, further model-specific troubleshooting or service may be required.
If your Epson printer won’t scan but prints normally, start by treating the problem as a scanner communication or software issue rather than a general printer failure.
First, restart the printer and computer and check whether Windows or macOS recognizes the scanner. Next, open Epson Scan 2 Utility and make sure the correct Epson product is selected. For WiFi scanning, verify that the printer and computer are on the same network and check signal strength, firewall rules, and router isolation settings. For USB scanning, use a secure direct connection whenever possible.
If the problem started after an operating-system upgrade, reinstalling the appropriate Epson scanning software may restore scanner communication. Mac users can also test with Image Capture, while Windows users can verify scanner detection under Printers & scanners.
By identifying whether the failure involves Epson Scan 2, network communication, USB connectivity, operating-system detection, or the scanner itself, you can troubleshoot the actual cause instead of repeatedly changing unrelated printer settings.