Epson Printer Error Code W-32 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What it means

Error W-32 on an Epson printer means the wireless network setup failed.
The printer tried to connect to the specified Wi-Fi network but could not complete the connection.
This is usually a password error, a router compatibility issue, or a weak signal problem.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson WorkForce WF-2930
Epson Expression XP-4200
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820

Common Causes

The Wi-Fi password was entered incorrectly during the setup process
The router is set to use a security protocol the printer does not support (such as WPA3-only mode)
The Wi-Fi signal at the printer's location is too weak to complete the handshake
The network is 5 GHz only and the printer cannot connect to 5 GHz networks
The router's MAC address filtering is blocking the printer from joining the network

How to Fix It

On the printer, navigate to Settings > Network Settings > Wi-Fi Setup > Wi-Fi Setup Wizard.

Starting the setup wizard fresh ensures you are entering the correct network name and password without any cached data.
When prompted for the password, enter it very carefully. Note that Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.

If you are unsure of your Wi-Fi password, check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router for the default password.
Confirm your router is broadcasting on 2.4 GHz. If you only have a 5 GHz network, you will need to enable 2.4 GHz in your router settings.

Log into your router at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser.
Look for a wireless or Wi-Fi section to check the band settings.
Move the printer within 6 feet of the router for setup. Once connected successfully, you can move it back.

Weak signal during the setup handshake is a common cause of W-32 even if the printer works at that distance once connected.
Check your router's security settings. If it is set to WPA3-Only, change it to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode.

Older Epson printer models do not support WPA3.
Mixed mode allows them to connect while still protecting WPA3-capable devices.

When to Call a Professional

W-32 is a wireless setup error that you can almost always resolve yourself by following the steps below.
If you have tried every step and the printer still cannot connect, contact your internet provider — they can check your router configuration remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WPA3 and why does it cause W-32?

WPA3 is the newest Wi-Fi security standard, introduced in 2018.
Older printers were designed before WPA3 existed and only support WPA2.
If your router is set to WPA3-only, older devices like your Epson printer cannot connect.
Switching the router to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode fixes this.

What is MAC address filtering and how do I turn it off?

MAC filtering is a router security feature that only allows devices with pre-approved hardware addresses to connect.
To check, log into your router and look for 'MAC Filtering' or 'Access Control' in the wireless settings.
Either add your printer's MAC address (printed on its label) to the allowed list, or disable MAC filtering.

Should I use WPS to connect instead of the setup wizard?

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is a faster alternative if your router has a WPS button.
Press the WPS button on your router, then start WPS setup on the printer within 2 minutes.
However, some routers and internet providers have WPS disabled for security reasons.