Epson Printer Error Code W-60 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Epson warning W-60 means the printer is having difficulty feeding paper from the tray. The paper pickup roller may not be grabbing the paper reliably, causing feeds to fail or skip. This warning often comes before more serious paper feed errors if left unaddressed.

Affected Models

Epson WorkForce WF-2850
Epson WorkForce WF-4830
Epson EcoTank ET-4800
Epson Expression Home XP-4100
Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820

Common Causes

The paper pickup rollers are worn smooth and can no longer grip the paper surface effectively
The paper tray is overloaded beyond its maximum capacity, causing the rollers to struggle
The paper loaded in the tray is damp, humid, or stuck together, making it hard to separate and feed
A small piece of torn paper or debris is partially blocking the paper path inside the printer
The paper loaded is too thin, too thick, or an unsupported media type for this feed tray

How to Fix It

Remove all paper from the tray. Fan the paper stack thoroughly to separate any sheets that are stuck together, then reload the tray.

Do not overfill the tray. Stay below the maximum fill line marked on the tray edge.
Check the paper you are using. Make sure it matches the paper type and size settings in the printer, and that it is not damp or wrinkled.

Paper stored in humid areas often develops a slight curl that makes reliable feeding difficult. Fresh paper from a sealed ream feeds best.
Open any access panels and look inside the paper path for torn pieces of paper or foreign objects.

Even a small torn fragment stuck against a roller can cause consistent feed problems. Remove any debris you find.
Locate the paper pickup rollers — visible at the back of the paper tray slot — and clean them with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water.

Roller surfaces accumulate paper dust and coating from glossy media. Cleaning restores grip. Let the rollers dry fully before loading paper.
If cleaning does not improve feeding, inspect the rollers for wear. Worn rollers look shiny and hard rather than slightly textured and grippy. Replace them if they are worn.

Search for your printer model plus 'roller replacement kit' on Epson's accessories page or a third-party supplier.

When to Call a Professional

If W-60 persists and the pickup rollers are visibly worn down — they will look shiny and smooth rather than textured — replacement is needed. Epson pickup roller replacement kits are available online. A technician can replace them if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Roller replacement for a WorkForce or EcoTank typically costs $30 to $70 including parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is W-60 the same as a paper jam error on Epson printers?

Not exactly. W-60 is a warning that paper feeding is becoming unreliable — it has not fully jammed yet. Think of it as an early warning before a full paper jam. Addressing W-60 early usually prevents the more disruptive jam errors.

How often should I clean the Epson printer rollers?

For typical home use, cleaning the rollers once every 6 to 12 months is sufficient. If you print frequently — especially glossy photos — clean them every few months. You will know it is time when you start seeing misfeeds, skewed pages, or this W-60 warning.

What kind of paper should I use to avoid W-60?

Use fresh, dry paper from a sealed ream. Stay within the paper weight range your printer supports — typically 64 to 90 g/m² for standard paper. Avoid very thin paper (it sticks together) and very thick stock (the rollers may not grip it). Always check your printer's specifications for supported paper types and weights.