Paper Jam
Epson Inkjet Printer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Epson paper jams are most often caused by paper loaded incorrectly, a torn piece of paper remaining from a previous jam, or worn paper feed rollers. Always remove jammed paper slowly in the direction the paper travels — never pull against the paper path.
Affected Models
- Epson EcoTank series
- Epson Expression series
- Epson WorkForce series
- Epson XP series
- Epson L series
Common Causes
- Paper not aligned with the tray guides
- Paper tray overfilled
- Torn fragment from a previous jam still inside the printer
- Photo paper, envelopes, or thick paper fed without changing the settings
- Multiple sheets feeding at once
- Paper feed rollers worn and slipping
How to Fix It
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Turn off the printer and unplug it.
Press Power to turn off. Unplug from the wall socket. Waiting removes all electrical and mechanical tension from the rollers and printhead carriage.
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Remove jammed paper slowly.
Gently pull the jammed paper in the direction it was moving through the printer. Do not pull backward against the paper path — this tears the paper and leaves fragments. If you can see the paper from the front or rear, pull from whichever end gives the gentler angle. Use both hands and apply slow, steady tension.
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Check all access areas for torn fragments.
Open the printer scanner lid, rear access cover, and any access doors. Shine a torch into the paper path. Look carefully for small torn pieces of paper — even a stamp-sized fragment triggers the jam sensor. Use tweezers to remove fragments carefully.
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Clean the paper feed rollers.
Dirty or glazed rollers are a frequent cause of recurring jams and multi-feed. Dip a lint-free cloth in clean water, wring it nearly dry, and gently wipe the rollers accessible through the rear or bottom panel. Bringing up the paper path from the rear is usually the best angle. Allow rollers to dry completely before printing.
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Reload paper correctly.
Remove all paper from the input tray. Fan the paper stack to separate sheets. Load squarely against all tray guides — not too tightly. Do not exceed the maximum paper mark. For special media (photo paper, card), check the Epson manual for the correct loading position for that paper type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Epson printer keep jamming even with no paper inside?
If the Epson jam error persists with no paper visible, there is almost certainly a small torn piece of paper lodged inside the printer that is not visible without a torch. Open every access panel, shine a torch into the paper path, and inspect carefully with tweezers. An alternative cause is a faulty paper presence sensor — if the sensor is stuck in the 'paper present' position, it always reports a jam. A printer firmware reset (Menu → Maintenance → Restore Default Settings) can sometimes clear a stuck sensor.