Epson Printer Warning W-31 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Warning W-31 on an Epson printer means one or more ink cartridges are running low. This is an early warning — the printer is still printing, but ink is getting low. You have time to order a replacement cartridge before the printer stops.

Affected Models

Epson WorkForce WF-2750
Epson WorkForce WF-2760
Epson Expression ET-2750
Epson WorkForce WF-3730
Epson Expression Home XP-440

Common Causes

An ink cartridge has been used extensively and the ink level has dropped below the low-ink threshold
A third-party or refilled cartridge has an inaccurate chip that is misreporting the ink level
The printer ran multiple cleaning cycles, using more ink than normal printing would have
The cartridge is older and ink may have evaporated slightly from the nozzles during long storage
You recently installed a new cartridge but the chip is registering as low due to a compatibility issue

How to Fix It

Check the Epson printer software on your computer (Epson Status Monitor) or the printer's control panel to see which specific cartridge is low.

The Status Monitor shows a graphical representation of all cartridge ink levels. Identify the colour that is low.
Continue printing if you only need a few more pages — the W-31 warning means ink is low, not empty. The printer will stop automatically when ink runs out.

Forcing the printer to keep printing after ink runs completely dry can damage the print head, so do not ignore the warning for too long.
Purchase a replacement cartridge for the low colour. Use a genuine Epson cartridge for best results and to avoid compatibility warnings.

Note the cartridge model number from your printer documentation or from the existing cartridge label before buying.
When ready, open the printer, remove the low cartridge, and install the new one. Make sure it clicks fully into place.

After installation, the printer may run a brief initialization routine. Do not turn it off during this process.
The W-31 warning should clear automatically once the new cartridge is installed. If it does not, restart the printer.

If the warning still shows after installing a new genuine cartridge, the cartridge may be defective. Contact the retailer for a replacement.

When to Call a Professional

W-31 is a routine maintenance warning — professional service is not needed. Simply replace the low ink cartridge and the warning will clear automatically. If the warning appears on a brand-new cartridge, the cartridge or its chip may be defective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many more pages can I print after seeing W-31?

It depends on the cartridge and what you are printing. For standard documents, you may get anywhere from 20 to 100 more pages after a low-ink warning. For photos or documents with a lot of colour, the remaining ink will run out much faster. Have a replacement on hand so you are not caught off guard.

Can I print when W-31 appears, or does the printer stop?

Yes, you can continue printing when W-31 appears — it is only a warning, not a hard stop. The printer will continue to print until the cartridge is completely empty. At that point, the printer will display a different error (ink out) and stop printing.

My new cartridge shows W-31 immediately — is it faulty?

Possibly. A new cartridge showing as low immediately after installation is usually a chip issue. Try removing and reinstalling the cartridge to ensure a proper connection. If the warning persists with a brand-new genuine Epson cartridge, the cartridge is likely defective and should be exchanged at the retailer.