Unable to Connect Epson ET-4958 Printer

Question

I followed the instructions to setup the printer to my network. I'm able to print from my mobile phone. However, cannot add this printer as a device in Settings. It lets me add the printer and then just shows "connecting" indefinitely... without ever completing the connection process.

I've been able to connect other printers with no problems before.

Answer 1

Hi Izola

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Forum!

I know how frustrating it is when the printer clearly works from a phone but Windows just sits on “Connecting…” forever.

To try and fix this, you can add the Epson ET‑4958 using a manual TCP/IP (IP address) connection

This avoids Windows printer auto‑discovery, which is usually what gets stuck.

1. On the printer’s control panel, find the IP address
   • Home
   • Settings
   • Network Settings
   • Network Status
2. On the PC, open Settings
   • Bluetooth & devices
   • Printers & scanners
3. Select Add device
4. When it keeps searching and doesn’t finish, select Add manually
5. Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings
6. Select Use an existing port
7. Choose Standard TCP/IP Port and select Next
8. Enter the printer’s IP address when prompted
9. When asked for the driver
   • Select Epson ET‑4950 Series if it appears
   • If it doesn’t, select Windows Update and wait for the list to refresh
10. Complete the setup and print a test page.

This method bypasses the Windows discovery process that causes the endless “Connecting” state.

Hope this will do. Feel free to update here if there's progress!

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