Encountering printer driver compatibility issues after upgrading your macOS can be a frustrating experience. Many users, especially those with Epson printers, have reported challenges in getting their devices to work seamlessly with the latest operating systems like macOS Sonoma. If you own an Epson L120 printer and are facing difficulties finding a compatible driver, particularly when trying to use the L110 driver as an alternative, this guide is for you. We will explore a practical approach to potentially resolve this issue and get your Epson L120 printing again.
Understanding Driver Compatibility Issues
Printer manufacturers like Epson continuously update their drivers to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems. However, there can sometimes be delays or issues, especially with older printer models or newer OS releases. Users have reported problems even with the latest drivers, experiencing communication errors and functionality breakdowns after macOS upgrades. This situation can leave you searching for workarounds to keep your printer operational.
One common approach in such scenarios is to try using drivers from similar printer models. The Epson L110 and L120 are both part of the Epson Ink Tank System series and share similarities in their core functionality. Therefore, utilizing the L110 driver for an L120 printer can sometimes be a viable, albeit unofficial, solution when official drivers are problematic or unavailable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the L110 Driver for Epson L120
While not officially supported by Epson, using the L110 driver for your L120 printer on macOS can be a helpful workaround. Follow these steps to attempt this solution:
1. Download the Epson L110 Driver:
First, you need to download the driver for the Epson L110 printer from the official Epson support website. Navigate to the Epson support page for the L110 model and ensure you select the driver compatible with macOS.
2. Uninstall Existing Printer Drivers (Recommended):
Before installing a new driver, it’s often beneficial to remove any existing Epson printer drivers. This can prevent conflicts and ensure a clean installation. You can reset the printing system on your Mac by following these steps:
- Go to System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Right-click (or Ctrl-click) in the left-hand printer list panel.
- Select Reset printing system….
- Confirm the reset when prompted.
3. Install the Downloaded L110 Driver:
Locate the downloaded L110 driver file and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. You might be prompted to allow the installation of software from Epson; ensure you grant the necessary permissions. In some cases, you might be asked to install Rosetta, especially if you are using a newer Mac with Apple silicon. Rosetta enables Macs with Apple silicon to use apps built for Intel-based Macs, which might be necessary for some older drivers.
4. Add the Printer:
Once the driver is installed, you need to add your Epson L120 printer to your Mac using the newly installed L110 driver.
- Go back to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax… button.
- Your Epson L120 printer should appear in the list. Select it.
- In the “Use” dropdown menu, ensure that you select the Epson Stylus L110 driver (it might be auto-selected if it’s the most recently installed Epson driver).
- Click Add.
5. Test Printing:
After adding the printer, try printing a test page to see if the L120 printer works correctly with the L110 driver. Check for print quality and ensure all functionalities are working as expected.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues during the process, here are a few troubleshooting steps based on user experiences:
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Communication Error: If you see a “communication error,” as some users have reported, ensure your USB cable is properly connected or try switching to a different USB port. For users who have printers with wireless capabilities, connecting via Wi-Fi instead of USB has sometimes resolved driver issues.
Communication Error on Epson PrinterExample of a communication error screenshot reported by a user when facing printer driver issues.
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Driver Version: Ensure you are using a recent version of the L110 driver. While some users have found success with older drivers, newer versions are generally recommended for better compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
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Print-Tool Utility: Some users have reported success using third-party print utilities like “Print-Tool” when facing driver problems. This might be an alternative if the L110 driver alone doesn’t fully resolve the issue.
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Resetting the Printing System: If you still face problems, try resetting the printing system again and repeating the installation process. This can sometimes clear up underlying issues.
Conclusion
While using a driver intended for a different printer model is not an ideal long-term solution, it can serve as a practical workaround when facing driver compatibility issues with your Epson L120 on macOS. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can attempt to use the Epson L110 driver to restore printing functionality. Remember to always check the official Epson support website for the latest drivers for your specific printer model and macOS version for the most reliable and supported solution. However, in situations where official support is lacking or problematic, exploring alternative drivers like the L110 driver can be a worthwhile troubleshooting step.
