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Printing from Chromebooks and Chrome OS devices has been a hot-button issues since the inception of Google Cloud Print in the spring of 2010. For the most part, Google’s cloud-based printing protocol has worked almost seamlessly for users with the proper printing hardware.
Alas, nothing works perfectly all the time.
Reports have been rolling in through the Chromebook Central help forum that Epson printers have suddenly begun shutting themselves down when connected to Google Cloud Print. We have just recently received confirmation that the problem exists within a firmware issue on Epson’s end.
One user in particular reached out to Epson support and was offered the following “solution.”
I just had a chat session with Epson. This is what they told me to do. I am in the process of trying it.
- Power OFF the printer
- Power OFF the router
- Power ON the printer
- The printer should now start up normally to the home screen. From the control panel reset the printer to default settings
- Power ON the router
- Reconnect the printer to the network
- Do not connect your printer to google cloud services for now.
GM Enterprises via Chromebook Help Forum
Epson’s support offers no real resolution for the issue. However, another post from a Google employee states that Google and Epson are aware of the issue and are working together to resolve the problem.
We are working with Epson and internal Google teams to root cause this issue. We will update as we know more.
Brian Blietz via Chromebook Help Forum
Printers currently confirmed with this bug include the Epson WF-4630, XP-215, XP-415, XP-610, WF-545, WF-845, and WF-7610. Presumably, the problem is affecting most, if not all Epson printers.
Whatever the issue may be, I would presume the developers will be quick to resolve the problem. As Chromebooks begin to saturate the consumer market the need for stable printing options will become more and more a priority. New options for “traditional” printing are in the works and will offer more options for users when issues like this arise.
As the Epson bug is being resolved we will keep you updated with the latest progress from developers.
Source: Chromebook Central Help Forum
