my workforce 2960 won't connect to wifi anymore after a router change. it was working fine before.

Diagnosis

The Epson Workforce WF-2960 operates using a static set of network credentials stored in its non-volatile memory. When you replace your router, the printer is still attempting to authenticate using the Service Set Identifier (SSID) and the WPA2/WPA3 security key of your previous hardware. Even if you named your new network exactly the same as the old one, the MAC address of the router has changed, and the security handshake will fail, leaving the printer in a "Disconnected" state. You can confirm this by checking the printer's network status page. If the Wi-Fi indicator is flashing or showing a "Connection Error" message on the LCD, the printer is stuck in a loop trying to find a gateway that no longer exists. This is further complicated if your new router uses a "Smart Connect" feature that merges 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands; the WF-2960 is a 2.4GHz-only device and may struggle to "see" the network if the router is forcing 5GHz priority.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must manually clear the old network cache and establish a new handshake with the current router. Follow these exact steps:

1. Press the Home button on the printer's control panel to ensure you are at the main menu.
2. Use the arrow keys to navigate to Settings and press OK.
3. Scroll down to Network Settings and press OK.
4. Select Restore Network Settings. This is a critical step to wipe the old router's credentials completely. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
5. Navigate back to Network Settings and select Wi-Fi Setup.
6. Choose Wi-Fi Setup Wizard. The printer will now scan for available signals.
7. Scroll through the list of detected SSIDs, select your new network name, and press OK.
8. Enter your Wi-Fi password. Use the arrow keys to toggle between uppercase, lowercase, and numbers. Be precise, as the WF-2960 is case-sensitive.
9. Once the password is entered, select OK. The printer will attempt to acquire an IP address via DHCP.
10. Wait for the screen to display "Setup Complete." The Wi-Fi light on the front panel should transition from blinking to a solid blue color.

If That Didn't Work

• Separate your Router Bands: If you have a dual-band router (e.g., AX or WiFi 6 models), log into your router's admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1) and disable "Smart Connect." Create a dedicated 2.4GHz SSID. The WF-2960 often fails to connect to "merged" networks because it cannot communicate with the 5GHz radio.
• Assign a Static IP: If the printer connects but the computer says "Offline," go to the printer's Network Settings > TCP/IP and change the setting from Auto to Manual. Assign an IP address in the range of your router (e.g., 192.168.1.150) to prevent the IP from shifting during lease renewals.
• Disable MAC Filtering: Check your router settings to ensure MAC Address Filtering is turned off. If it is on, the router will block the WF-2960's specific hardware ID even if the password is correct.
• Perform a Hard Power Cycle: Turn off the printer, unplug the power cord from the wall, and unplug your router. Wait 60 seconds. Plug the router back in first, wait for the internet to stabilize, then plug in and power on the printer. This forces a fresh DHCP request.

Heads Up

• Avoid WPS: While the "Push Button" WPS method is tempting, it frequently fails on the WF-2960 if the router has a high security firewall. Always use the Setup Wizard for a more stable connection.
• Firmware Updates: Once connected, run the Epson Software Updater on your PC. Outdated firmware on the 2960 series can cause "ghost" disconnections on newer WiFi 6 routers.
• Signal Interference: Ensure the printer is not placed directly against a metal filing cabinet or within 3 feet of a microwave, as the 2.4GHz band is highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference.