Epson Printer Info Code I-21 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Code I-21 is an informational notice about the paper in the printer. It may mean the paper tray is running low, or the loaded paper size does not match the print job settings. It is not a printer failure — just a notice that needs your attention.

Affected Models

Epson Expression ET-2750
Epson EcoTank ET-4760
Epson WorkForce WF-3730
Epson WorkForce WF-4730
Epson Expression XP-6100

Common Causes

The paper tray has only a few sheets left and the printer is warning you to refill
The paper size loaded in the tray does not match the paper size set in the print job
The paper guides in the tray are not set to the correct paper size
The printer detected mixed paper sizes in the tray
The paper type setting in the driver does not match the paper actually loaded

How to Fix It

Check the paper tray. If it is nearly empty, add more paper of the correct size.

Do not mix different paper sizes in the same tray.
Check the paper guide positions. They should fit snugly against both sides of the paper stack.

Loose guides allow the paper to skew, which can trigger paper size detection errors.
On your computer, check the paper size in the print dialog. Make sure it matches what is loaded.

For example, if the tray has Letter paper but the job is set to A4, you will get a mismatch notice.
On the printer's control panel, verify the paper size setting matches the paper in the tray.

Go to your printer's Settings or Paper Setting menu and confirm the size.
Press OK or Continue on the printer panel to proceed with the print job.

I-21 is a notice, not a hard stop. You can usually override it and continue printing.

When to Call a Professional

I-21 is not a hardware problem and never requires a technician. It is simply a paper or settings mismatch. Fix the paper or adjust your settings and printing will resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does I-21 appear every time I print, even with a full tray?

The most likely cause is a paper size mismatch between the tray setting and the print job. Check your printer's paper size setting and make sure it matches the paper you loaded. Also confirm the paper guides are snug against the paper stack.

Can I stop the I-21 notice from appearing?

Yes. Make sure your paper size settings match both on the printer and in your computer's print dialog. When settings match, I-21 will not appear. You can also disable certain paper notices in the printer's settings menu on some models.

Is I-21 the same as an out-of-paper error?

No. An out-of-paper error (E-02) means the tray is completely empty. I-21 is a notice that paper is low or the size does not match. You can still print with I-21 active by pressing Continue.