What Ink Does the Epson EcoTank ET-M2170 Use?
Last Updated:CastleScore · October 2026
79/100 — Recommended
Epson EcoTank ET-M2170
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 81 | 4.17★ average across 647 ratings at Amazon (3.9), Staples (4.3), Walmart (4.5) |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 70 | PCMag 3.5/5 |
| Cost per page (24%) | — | Not scored: the maker does not publish page yields for these cartridges, so we cannot calculate an honest cost per page. |
| Reliability (13%) | 89 | Most-reported problems: the ink maintenance box fills from cleaning cycles and must be replaced, an extra running cost |
| Features (12%) | 81 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, fast (20+ ppm). No fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 76 | Running cost and owner satisfaction against a street price of about $349 |
Still sold new by Epson in the U.S. (listed at $349.99). Epson's Certified ReNew version has been out of stock.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 10, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
We don't sell Epson 532 ink
Castle Ink doesn't carry Epson 532 bottles, genuine or compatible, so we can't supply ink for the ET-M2170. Buy genuine Epson 532 black (T532120) from Epson or an office-supply retailer. Genuine ink also keeps you eligible for Epson's second warranty year if you registered the printer.
Quick answer: what ink does the Epson EcoTank ET-M2170 use?
The Epson EcoTank ET-M2170 uses a single Epson 532 black EcoTank ink bottle (T532120). It's a black-only printer, and Epson rates one 532 bottle at about 6,000 pages. The 532 ink is pigment-based, so text is crisp and resists smudging. There are no cartridges or chips; you refill the built-in tanks from bottles.
Ink bottles at a glance
| Bottle | Part number | Volume | Approx. yield* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson 532 black (pigment) | T532120 | 120 ml | ~6,000 pages |
*Epson ISO yields per bottle. Real-world results depend on coverage, photo printing, and cleaning cycles.
Common questions about Epson EcoTank ET-M2170 ink
How long does a 532 bottle last?
The ET-M2170 takes one black bottle, not a set. Epson rates a replacement 532 bottle at up to about 6,000 pages, so at 400 pages a month one bottle lasts more than a year. Compared with cartridge printers, EcoTanks cost more up front but far less per page. See Refillable ink tank vs. cartridge printers and try the Printer ink cost calculator.
What other printers use Epson 532 ink?
Epson 532 bottles also fit the EcoTank ET-M1170, ET-M2170, ET-M3170, WorkForce ST-M1000, and ST-M3000.
Can I use Epson 502 or 522 bottles in the ET-M2170?
No. Epson keys each bottle type so it only fits its own printers. 502 or 522 bottles are used by color EcoTanks such as the ET-2800 and ET-2850 and won't fit or fill a 532 printer.
How do I refill the ink tanks?
Open the ink tank cover, open the tank cap, remove the bottle cap and seal, and push the bottle straight onto the matching port. Ink flows in and stops automatically when the tank is full. Remove the bottle, close the tank cap and cover, then follow the on-screen or control-panel prompt to confirm the refill so the ink level resets. See How to install an ink cartridge in an Epson printer.
Do I need to reset the ink level after refilling?
Yes. EcoTanks don't read the ink level with a chip; they estimate it. After filling a tank, confirm the refill when the printer prompts you (or use the ink-level reset in the maintenance menu) so the estimate starts from full.
Are compatible EcoTank bottles safe?
Yes. EcoTank bottles have no chips, so firmware updates can't lock out compatible ink the way they can with cartridges. Use ink made for your exact bottle number, and don't mix brands in the same tank. Using third-party ink doesn't void the standard one-year warranty under U.S. law, but Epson's extension to a second year requires registering the printer and using genuine Epson ink. More: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
What if I let a tank run below the lower line?
Refill before the ink drops below the lower line. Running a tank dry can pull air into the ink lines and cause missing lines. If that happens, refill, run a nozzle check, and do one or two head cleanings. Epson's Power Cleaning clears air but uses a lot of ink, so save it for last.
Why are my prints faded or streaky after refilling?
Usually it's air or a partial clog. Run a nozzle check, then up to two head cleanings with a rest in between. If lines persist, leave the printer off overnight and try again. More fixes: Why is my printer printing streaks?.
How long does an opened bottle last?
Store bottles upright, capped, at room temperature, and use them within the date printed on the box. Once you open a bottle, fill the tank completely or reseal it tightly and use it soon.
What does a maintenance box message mean on the ET-M2170?
Ink used in cleaning cycles drains into a user-replaceable Epson ink maintenance box (T04D1). When the printer says the box is full or near the end of its life, swap in a new box yourself. You don't need to send the printer away for waste-pad service.
Can the ET-M2170 print in color?
No. It's a black-only all-in-one designed for high-volume text, forms, and records.
Does the ET-M2170 have a document feeder and duplex?
Yes. It has an automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning and copying and supports automatic 2-sided printing. If you only need printing, the ET-M1170 uses the same 532 ink.
ET-M2170 key facts
- Type: wireless monochrome supertank all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
- Ink: Epson 532 pigment black bottle
- Document feeder: yes
- Duplex: automatic
- Same ink as: ET-M1170, ET-M3170, WorkForce ST-M1000, ST-M3000
What EcoTank ET-M2170 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Epson's support pages and owner reviews, answered in our words.
Is the bottle in the box the same as a replacement 532 bottle?
It's the same 120 ml bottle, but it prints fewer pages, because part of it primes the ink system at setup. Replacement 532 bottles are rated at up to about 6,000 pages.
Can I connect it by cable?
Yes. It has Hi-Speed USB and 10/100 Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.
How much should I print on it each month?
Epson rates it for up to 5,000 pages a month and recommends up to 800.
Does two-sided printing slow it down?
Yes, a lot. Epson rates it at 20 pages a minute one-sided but 9 pages a minute two-sided (ISO).
EcoTank ET-M2170 quirks worth knowing
- Unlike the screenless ET-M1170, the ET-M2170 has a 1.44-inch color LCD.
- It uses the same T04D1 ink maintenance box as many color EcoTanks (such as the ET-3760 and ET-4760) and the ET-M1170 and ET-M3170, so the box is easy to find.
- Paper loads from a 250-sheet front tray, with a single-sheet rear slot for one-off envelopes or special paper.
- Epson's warranty is one year, or two if you register the printer and use genuine Epson ink. Third-party ink doesn't void the first year, but it does cost you the second.
Other printers that use Epson 532 bottles
More Epson ink guides: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 · Epson WorkForce WF-2950 · Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 — CastleScore 90
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850 — CastleScore 86
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820 — CastleScore 80
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 10, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement Epson ink cartridges? Shop Epson ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.