Printer Light Status / Error Guide (without LCD Display)

Applies To

  • Epson EcoTank and Expression printers without an LCD display. These models use indicator lights to show status and error conditions.
  • For printer with a LCD display, refer to the actual printer message displayed.

Description

This guide helps you understand the control‑panel lights on Epson EcoTank and Expression printers and how to fix common problems like Wi‑Fi issues, paper jams, incomplete ink charging, and ink pad alerts. For detailed instructions for your exact model, visit the official Epson user guides at https://epson.sn

Solution

Printer Panel with LCD Display

Quick Reference Table: Light Patterns & Meanings

Light Light Pattern Status Solutions
Wi‑Fi light ON
Wi‑Fi light ON The printer is connected to a wireless (Wi-Fi) network. No action needed
Wi‑Fi Direct light ON
Wi‑Fi Direct light ON The printer is connected to a network in Wi-Fi Direct (Simple AP) mode. No action needed
Wi‑Fi or Wi‑Fi Direct light flashing
Wi‑Fi or Wi‑Fi Direct light flashing Wi-Fi connection error has occurred Press the Wi‑Fi button to clear the error and retry
Ink light ON
Ink light ON (EcoTank models only) Initial ink charging may not be complete Complete ink charging using the printers Start Here guide
Ink light ON
Ink light ON (Expression models only) An ink cartridge is empty, not installed or not recognised

Replace any empty ink cartridges with a new ink cartridge.

Ensure that all cartridges installed in the device are compatible with your printer model.

Press the Stop button to clear the error.

Ink light flashing
Ink light flashing (Expression models only) An ink cartridge is nearly expended. You can continue to print until the Ink light is lit constantly. Prepare a new ink cartridge and replace it once it is empty.
Paper light ON
Paper light ON No paper loaded or multiple sheets fed Load paper and press the B&W BW Copy button or Color Colour Copy buttoncopy button
Paper light flashing Paper jam Remove jammed paper; press B&W BW Copy button or Color Colour Copy button copy button to reset
Ink & Paper lights ON
Ink + Paper lights ON

Printer was not turned off correctly.

The power was turned off with a power strip or breaker, the plug was pulled out of the outlet, or an electrical failure occurred.

Clear error by pressing the B&W BW Copy button or Color Colour Copy button copy button, run nozzle check. 

 To turn off the printer, always use printers Power Power Button button
Ink + Paper lights flashing simultaneously
Ink + Paper lights flashing simultaneously Main ink pad nearing or at end of service life Contact Epson service (not user‑replaceable)
Ink + Paper lights flashing alternately
Ink + Paper lights flashing alternately Borderless printing ink pad nearing or at end of service life Contact Epson service; borderless printing disabled (not user‑replaceable)
All lights ON
All lights ON The printer has started in recovery mode because the firmware update failed.

Follow the steps below to try to update the firmware again.

 

1. Connect the computer and the printer with a USB cable. (During recovery mode, you cannot update the firmware over a network connection.)

2. Visit your local Epson website for further instructions.

All lights flashing
All lights flashing A printer error has occurred.

Remove any paper inside the printer. Turn the power off and on again.

 

If the error continues to occur after turning the power off and on again, contact Epson support.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do the lights on my EcoTank printer indicate?

The lights show whether the printer is operating normally or if an error has occurred. Normal lights indicate network connections, while flashing or steady error lights indicate issues such as Wi‑Fi problems, paper jams, incomplete ink charging, or ink pad conditions.

2. Why is the Wi‑Fi light flashing?

A flashing Wi‑Fi light means the printer cannot connect to the wireless network.

Fix: Press the Wi‑Fi button to clear the error and retry setup.

3. What does the Wi‑Fi Direct light mean?

A solid Wi‑Fi Direct light means the printer is connected directly to a device without a router. This is normal and requires no action.

4. Why is the ink light on?

The ink light turns on when initial ink charging is not complete.

Fix: Follow the Start Here guide to complete ink charging.

5. Why is the paper light on?

The paper light turns on when no paper is loaded or multiple sheets feed at once.

Fix: Load paper and press the B&W or Color copy button.

6. Why is the paper light flashing?

A flashing paper light indicates a paper jam.

Fix:

  • Remove jammed paper
  • Press the B&W or Color copy button
  • If the error persists, load A4 paper and press copy to eject remaining paper

7. Why are the ink and paper lights on together?

This means the printer was not turned off correctly during operation, which may cause the nozzles to dry and clog.

Fix:

  • Clear the error using the copy button
  • Run a nozzle check
  • Always turn off using the Power button

8. Why are the ink and paper lights flashing simultaneously?

The main ink pad is nearing or at the end of its service life.

Fix: Contact Epson service; ink pads are not user‑replaceable.

9. Why are the ink and paper lights flashing alternately?

The borderless printing ink pad is nearing or at the end of its service life.

Fix: Contact Epson service; borderless printing is disabled until replaced.

10. What does recovery mode mean (All lights ON)?

Recovery mode appears when a firmware update fails.

Fix: Please visit My product is stuck in Recovery Mode for instructions.

11. What should I do if a general printer error appears (all lights flashing)?

A general error is shown by all error lights flashing together and a message on your computer.

Fix:

  • Remove any paper inside the printer
  • Turn the printer off and on again
  • Contact Epson support if the error continues