Epson Printer Error Code W-05 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Epson error W-05 means a paper jam has been detected inside the printer. The paper has either stopped moving through the printer or a sensor detected paper in an incorrect position. You need to find and remove the jammed paper before printing can continue.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Epson EcoTank ET-3850
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson WorkForce WF-2960
Epson Expression Home XP-4200

Common Causes

A sheet of paper became stuck in the paper feed rollers during the feeding process
Two or more sheets of paper were fed at once and became jammed together
The paper loaded in the tray is too thick, too thin, or wrinkled for the printer to feed cleanly
A small piece of torn paper from a previous jam is still inside the printer blocking the path
The paper feed rollers are worn and are not gripping paper correctly

How to Fix It

Turn the printer off. Never try to remove jammed paper from a powered-on printer — the rollers could engage and tear the paper.

Powering off first also prevents any electrical issues while you reach inside the printer.
Open the printer's front access cover and rear access panel if available. Use a flashlight to look for jammed paper in the paper path.

Paper can jam in multiple areas — check the rear feed, the internal path, and the output area near the front.
Gently pull the jammed paper out in the direction of paper travel — typically straight toward you from the front of the printer.

Use both hands and pull smoothly without jerking. Tearing the paper creates fragments that can cause more jams.
After removing the paper, check for any remaining fragments. Use a flashlight to look deep into the paper path. Even a small torn corner can trigger the jam sensor.

If you find a torn piece, use tweezers to carefully remove it. Do not use sharp objects that could scratch the rollers.
Turn the printer back on and run a test print to confirm the jam is cleared.

If the W-05 error reappears without any paper in the printer, there may still be a fragment inside triggering the sensor.

When to Call a Professional

Paper jams are almost always fixable at home. No repair technician is needed for a typical jam. If jams happen constantly with correct paper loaded, the feed rollers may be worn and a service center can clean or replace them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know exactly where the paper is jammed?

Open all available access panels and use a flashlight to look through the paper path. Epson printers typically have a front cover that lifts and a rear panel that can be removed. The paper is most often jammed in the feed roller area (rear) or just before the output tray (front).

My printer keeps jamming with the same paper. Is the paper the problem?

Possibly. Paper that is wrinkled, damp, too thin, or outside the printer's supported weight range jams more easily. Use flat, dry paper within your printer's specified weight range (usually 64 to 90 gsm for plain paper). Also fan the paper stack before loading to prevent sheets from sticking together.

Can worn rollers cause repeated paper jams?

Yes. The rubber rollers that grip and feed paper wear down over time, especially with heavy use. Worn rollers become smooth and cannot grip paper reliably, leading to feeding failures and jams. Epson printers have a roller cleaning function (Menu > Maintenance > Paper Guide Cleaning) that can refresh slightly worn rollers. Severely worn rollers need to be replaced by a service technician.