W-61
Epson Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Epson warning W-61 indicates a problem with paper detection in the rear feed slot or manual feed tray. The printer sent a signal to feed from the rear tray but either no paper was detected or the paper did not feed correctly. This is usually a simple paper loading issue.
Affected Models
- Epson WorkForce WF-4830
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840
- Epson EcoTank ET-5850
- Epson Expression Premium XP-970
- Epson WorkForce WF-2930
Common Causes
- No paper is loaded in the rear feed tray and a print job was sent expecting paper there
- Paper was not inserted straight into the rear tray and the feed sensor did not detect it properly
- The paper loaded in the rear tray is too thick or too stiff for the manual feed path
- The paper detection sensor in the rear tray area is dirty or has debris partially blocking it
- The print settings on the computer specify the rear tray as the source, but the tray is empty or not set up
How to Fix It
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Check whether the print job is configured to print from the rear feed tray. Open the print dialog on your computer and look at the paper source setting.
If you meant to print from the main paper cassette, change the paper source to 'Cassette' or 'Auto' and resend the job.
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If you do want to use the rear tray, load paper into it now. Insert the sheet or sheets straight into the tray, aligned with the guide marks.
The rear tray typically holds a smaller stack than the main cassette. For manual feed on some models, load one sheet at a time.
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Adjust the paper width guides in the rear tray to sit snugly against the edges of the paper without bending it.
Guides that are too loose allow the paper to sit crooked, which can prevent the sensor from detecting it properly.
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Use a flashlight to look into the rear feed slot for any small pieces of torn paper, dust, or debris that might be blocking the paper sensor.
Even a tiny scrap of paper can prevent the sensor from detecting newly loaded paper. Remove any debris with tweezers.
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Turn the printer off and back on, then try loading the paper again and printing.
A power cycle resets the paper detection sensors. After restarting, load the paper before sending the print job.
When to Call a Professional
If W-61 appears consistently even with paper correctly loaded in the rear tray, the paper detection sensor in that tray may be stuck or failed. A technician can access and clean or replace the sensor. This is typically a minor repair costing $40 to $70.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rear tray on an Epson printer and when do I use it?
The rear tray — also called the rear feed or manual feed — is a separate paper slot at the back of the printer. It is designed for special paper types like thick card stock, envelopes, or photo paper that cannot go through the main cassette. Most everyday printing uses the main front cassette, not the rear tray.
My Epson printer keeps defaulting to the rear tray and showing W-61. How do I change the default?
Open the printer driver settings on your computer. Look for 'Paper Source' and change it from 'Rear Paper Feed' to 'Cassette' or 'Auto Select.' Also check the printer's own settings menu for any paper source preference that may have been set previously.
Can I disable the rear tray on my Epson printer so it never tries to use it?
Not directly — printers do not have an option to 'disable' a tray. However, as long as you set your paper source to 'Cassette' or 'Auto' in both the print dialog and the printer's settings, it will only use the rear tray when you specifically load paper there and select it. The W-61 warning only appears when a job explicitly requests the rear tray.