The XP-970 does not have a built-in scanner

The Epson Expression Premium XP-970 is a printer and copier, not a multifunction device with scanning capability. It prints, copies, and faxes, but it cannot scan documents to your computer or save them as digital files. If you need scanning as part of your workflow, you will need a separate scanner or a different multifunction printer.

This matters because many people assume a high-end printer includes scanning. The XP-970 is positioned as a photo and document printer for home offices and small businesses, but its feature set stops at output and copying. The copy function works by using the automatic document feeder to scan pages internally, then printing them — but that internal scan does not send data to your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • The XP-970 prints, copies, and faxes, but has no scanner port or scanning software for sending documents to your computer.
  • The copy function uses an internal scan to reproduce pages, but does not create digital files you can save or edit.
  • If you need scanning, you can pair the XP-970 with a standalone scanner or choose a multifunction printer like the Epson XP-980 instead.
  • The XP-970 excels at photo printing and borderless document output, which is why it was designed without scanning features.

What the XP-970 can and cannot do

The XP-970 has a 50-sheet automatic document feeder and can copy single-sided or double-sided pages at up to 37 copies per minute. It also sends and receives faxes over a phone line. These functions work well for a small office that needs reliable output and document reproduction.

What it lacks is the ability to scan documents into your computer. There is no scanner glass, no scanning software, and no USB or network scanning option. You cannot place a document in the feeder and save it as a PDF or image file on your hard drive. The copy function is one-way: it reads the page internally and prints a physical copy, but does not create a digital record.

Comparing the XP-970 to multifunction alternatives

If scanning is important to your workflow, the Epson XP-980 is the closest alternative in the same product line. The XP-980 is a true multifunction printer that includes a flatbed scanner and automatic document feeder, so you can scan to your computer, email, or cloud storage. It prints, copies, scans, and faxes. The trade-off is that the XP-980 costs more and takes up more desk space.

Other multifunction printers in the mid-range include the Canon PIXMA TR8720 and the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015. Both offer scanning alongside printing and copying. If you are set on the XP-970 for its printing quality or price, pairing it with a standalone flatbed or sheet-fed scanner is a practical solution that keeps your total cost lower than buying a full multifunction device.

Why the XP-970 was designed without a scanner

Epson positioned the XP-970 as a photo printer and document output device. Its strengths are color accuracy, borderless printing, and fast document output. Adding a scanner would have increased the footprint, raised the price, and complicated the design. For users whose primary need is printing high-quality photos and documents, the scanner was not a priority.

The XP-970 is also marketed toward small offices that already own a scanner or use a multifunction device elsewhere in their workflow. It fills the role of a dedicated, high-quality printer rather than a jack-of-all-trades machine. If your office needs both printing and scanning, you may be better served by a true multifunction device or by keeping your current scanner and upgrading your printer separately.

Standalone scanner options to pair with the XP-970

If you own or plan to buy an XP-970, a standalone scanner gives you the best of both worlds: a printer optimized for output quality and a scanner optimized for document capture. Sheet-fed scanners like the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500 or the Brother ADS-3600W are fast and compact, making them ideal for home offices. Flatbed scanners work better if you need to scan books, photos, or fragile originals.

Sheet-fed scanners typically cost between $300 and $600 and can process 25 to 40 pages per minute. Flatbed scanners range from $100 to $400 depending on resolution and build quality. Both types connect via USB or network, so they integrate easily with your computer alongside the XP-970. This approach often costs less than buying a multifunction printer if you already have the XP-970 or if you value its printing performance enough to keep it.

Checking your actual needs before you buy

Before purchasing the XP-970, ask yourself whether you will actually scan documents regularly. If you receive paper documents that need to become digital files — invoices, receipts, contracts, photos — then scanning is a core part of your workflow and you should choose a multifunction printer instead. If you print far more than you scan, or if you scan only occasionally, the XP-970 plus a separate scanner may be the right fit.

Also consider where the scanner will live. The XP-970 is a large printer; adding a scanner on the same desk may not be practical. If space is tight, a multifunction printer takes up less room overall, even though it is larger than the XP-970 alone. If you have room for both devices and you want the best printing quality, the separate approach works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scan with the XP-970 using the copy function?

The copy function scans pages internally to reproduce them, but it does not send the scan to your computer. You get a physical copy, not a digital file. If you need digital scans, you need a separate scanner or a different printer.

What if I buy the XP-970 and then realize I need scanning?

You can add a standalone scanner at any time. Sheet-fed and flatbed scanners connect via USB or network and work alongside the XP-970 without any conflict. This is often cheaper than replacing the printer with a multifunction model.

Is the XP-980 worth the extra cost if I need scanning?

If scanning is a regular part of your work, the XP-980 is worth considering because it combines both functions in one device. However, if you only scan occasionally, a separate scanner paired with the XP-970 may cost less overall and give you better printing quality.

Can I scan documents using my phone or tablet instead?

Yes. Mobile scanning apps like Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, or Evernote can turn your phone camera into a document scanner. This works well for quick captures, though the quality and speed are not as good as a dedicated scanner for high-volume work.

Does the XP-970 work with network scanning software?

No. The XP-970 has no scanning hardware, so there is nothing to network or configure for scanning. It can receive scanned documents from other devices on your network, but it cannot scan itself.