Samsung Easy Print Manager can't find working USB printer

[HedAix]

I have a Samsung CLX-3185W multifunction printer scanner. It is connected via USB direct to my W11 PC, latest drivers, firmware and updates installed on both. Samsun Easy Document Creator works absolutely fine, scans well without any issues. The printer prints normally, again without any issues, via CTRL P or the usual print menu.

However I have no way of checking the toner levels or running clean cycles or troubleshooting as Samsun Easy Print Manager simply won't find or recognise the printer via its USB connection and all the instructions seem to relate to wireless printer connections (which I am unable to set up).

Any way to get Easy Print Manager to recognise a USB connected printer? if not is there any way to check toner levels and run cleaning cycles?

[Gaya1239]

Hi @HedAix,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand the Samsung Easy Print Manager is not recognizing your Samsung CLX-3185W printer when connected via USB. 

Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue:

1. Ensure USB Connection is Recognized Properly

• Verify that your printer is correctly connected via USB and is detected in Device Manager.
• Open Device Manager (Right-click on Start > Device Manager) and check if the printer appears under "Printers" or "Universal Serial Bus controllers."
• If there are any yellow exclamation marks or errors, right-click on the device and select Update Driver.

2. Check Samsung Easy Print Manager Version Using Samsung Easy Printer Manager

• Ensure you are using the latest version of Samsung Easy Print Manager. Sometimes, older versions may have compatibility issues with newer operating systems like Windows 11.
• You can download the latest version from the official Samsung or HP (which now owns Samsung printing technology) website.

3. Reinstall the Printer Drivers

• Uninstall the existing printer drivers from Device Manager or via Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.
• Reinstall the printer drivers using the latest drivers from the official Samsung or HP website.
• When reinstalling, ensure that you select USB connection during the setup process.

4. Run Samsung Printer Diagnostics

• Use the Samsung Printer Diagnostics tool (if still available for your model) to check the printer connection and perform cleaning or troubleshooting steps.

5. Manual Check of Toner Levels and Cleaning

If Easy Print Manager is still not detecting the printer, here are some alternative ways to check toner levels and run cleaning cycles:

Check Toner Levels Directly on the Printer:

• The Samsung CLX-3185W has a small screen on the printer where you can navigate through the menu to check toner levels. Typically, this is under a section like "Status" or "Maintenance."

Use Samsung Easy Document Creator: Using Samsung Easy Document Creator

• Since Easy Document Creator is working fine and recognizing the printer, check if it offers any maintenance or status features, such as checking toner levels or performing clean cycles.

6. Try Using HP's Smart Printer Tools  HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

Since HP now owns Samsung's printer division, you might be able to use HP Smart to manage your Samsung CLX-3185W. Although it's primarily designed for HP printers, it may recognize your Samsung device if it's connected properly.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, there may be a compatibility problem with Samsung Easy Print Manager and Windows 11, especially if you're limited to using a USB connection and not a network one.

Refer to this document: Samsung CLX-3185W Color Laser Multifunction Printer User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[HedAix]

Thanks for the detailed suggestions @Gaya1239

Unfortunately none of them fixed the issue.

1) no issues within Device Manager, printer recognised and no yellow warning symbols

2) Latest SEPM downloaded and installed/uninstalled/reinstalled multiple times

3) Printer drivers are the latest

4) Samsung Printer Diagnostics not listed as available for my model and even if it was compatible the download link on the HP site is broken

5) I have succesfully found the colour levels via the device menu but no maintenance options exist nor do any via SEDC

6) The CLX-3185W is not recognised/supported by HP software

[Gaya1239]

Hi @HedAix ,

Thank you for your response, I appreciate your efforts. As the issue persists, I am sorry to hear that I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. 

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!