Fixing Epson L360 Scanner Not Working: A Troubleshooting Guide

Epson multifunction printers, like the popular L360 model, are incredibly convenient, offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in one device. The scanning function is particularly useful for digitizing documents into various file formats such as JPG, PNG, DOC, and PDF. Beyond file creation, the scanner also serves as a handy substitute for a photocopier, quickly reproducing hard copies of your documents.

However, users sometimes encounter issues with their Epson printers, ranging from ink problems to scanner malfunctions. If you’re facing the frustrating problem of your Epson L360 scanner not working, you’re not alone. This issue can occur across various Epson multifunction models, including the L360, L310, L3150, L6170, L6190, L210, L6160, L3110, L5190, L405, and other Epson series equipped with scanning functionality.

“EPSON Scan Cannot communicate with the scanner” Error

One common error message you might encounter is:

Cannot communicate with the scanner. Make sure the scanner is on, correctly setup and connected with no errors indicated. For detailed information, see Solving Problems in the User’s Guide.

This error, often displayed as “EPSON Scan Cannot communicate with the scanner,” indicates a breakdown in communication between your computer and the scanner.

Common Causes of Scanner Communication Errors

Several factors can trigger the “EPSON Scan Cannot communicate with the scanner” error. Understanding these causes is the first step towards effective troubleshooting:

Incorrect or Faulty Scanner Driver: An improperly installed or corrupted scanner driver is a primary culprit. The driver is the software bridge that allows your computer to communicate with the scanner.
Power Issues: A scanner that isn’t receiving power will obviously not function.
Disabled Scanner Services (Windows): Certain Windows services are essential for scanner operation. If these services are disabled, communication can be disrupted.
USB Connection Problems: For USB-connected scanners, a loose, damaged, or faulty USB cable or port can break the connection.
Network Connectivity Issues (Wi-Fi/Ethernet): For network-connected scanners, problems with your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection can prevent communication.
Defective USB Cable: A physically damaged USB cable can interrupt data transmission.

Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve Epson Scanner Issues

Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s crucial to address the basic potential causes mentioned above. Simple oversights, like an unplugged USB cable, are often the easiest to fix.

Initial Checks:
- Power Cycle: Turn off your Epson printer completely, wait for a few minutes, and then turn it back on. This simple step can resolve temporary glitches.
- Cable Connections: Ensure the USB cable (if applicable) is securely connected to both the printer and your computer. If you’re using a network connection, verify that your printer is connected to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and that your computer is on the same network.
- Check for Error Lights: Look for any error lights on your Epson printer that might indicate a hardware problem. Consult your printer’s manual for the meaning of specific error lights.
Verify Scanner Selection in EPSON Scan Settings:

The EPSON Scan Settings utility allows you to specify which scanner your computer should use. Incorrect settings here can lead to communication errors.
- Access EPSON Scan Settings:
  - Windows 8.x: Go to the Apps screen and select EPSON Scan Settings.
  - Other Windows Versions: Click Start or the Windows icon, then Programs or All Programs. Locate EPSON Scan, EPSON, or Epson Software and then select EPSON Scan Settings.
  - macOS: Open Applications, then the Epson Software folder, and double-click EPSON Scan Settings.
- If you see a message like “EPSON Scan cannot be started,” click No. This window might appear twice.
- Confirm Scanner Selection: In the EPSON Scan Settings window, ensure that the correct scanner is selected.
- Connection Type:
  - USB Connection: If your printer is connected via USB, the Connection setting should be set to Local. If it is, skip the remaining steps in this section.
  - Network Connection: If your printer is on a network, the Connection setting should be set to Network. Verify that your printer appears under Network Scanner Address with the correct IP address. If the IP address is correct, skip the remaining steps. If the IP address is missing or incorrect, proceed to the next step.
- Select IP Address (Network Connection): Choose the correct IP address from the list if multiple IP addresses are shown. Make sure it matches your printer’s IP address.
- Manual IP Address Entry (Firewall Issues): If you use a firewall or internet security software, the automatic scanner search might not work correctly. In this case, click Enter address and manually type in the IP address of your printer.
- Click OK to save the settings and OK again to close the EPSON Scan Settings window.
Reinstall EPSON Scan Driver:

If the EPSON Scan settings are correct, but the problem persists, reinstalling the Epson Scan driver can resolve driver corruption issues.
- Uninstall EPSON Scan:
  - Windows 8.x, Windows 7, Windows Vista:
    1. Turn off your printer.
    2. Uninstall the EPSON Scan software through the Control Panel’s “Programs and Features” or “Add or Remove Programs” section.
    3. Restart your computer.
- Rename Twain_32 Folder (Windows 7/Vista/8.x):
  1. After restarting, open File Explorer (Windows 8.x) or Windows Explorer (Windows 7/Vista).
  2. Navigate to C:Windows.
  3. Locate the twain_32 folder and rename it to something like twain_32_old. This step is to ensure a completely fresh driver installation.
- Restart your computer again.
- Reinstall EPSON Scan: Download the latest EPSON Scan driver for your Epson L360 model from the official Epson support website and reinstall it.
- Windows XP or macOS: For these operating systems, simply uninstall and then reinstall the Epson Scan software.

Conclusion

By systematically following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the “Epson Scan Cannot communicate with the scanner” error and restore your Epson L360 scanner functionality. These solutions are often applicable to other multifunction printer brands like Canon and HP that also experience scanner communication problems. Remember to always check the basics first, like power and connections, before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting steps.