Epson Printer Error Codes Explained — Which Ones Mean Waste Ink?

Your Epson printer is showing an error, and you need to figure out what is going on. Maybe there is a cryptic error code on the screen. Maybe the lights are blinking in a pattern you have never seen before. Maybe the computer just says “printer error” with no further explanation.

The problem is that Epson uses dozens of different error codes and light patterns, and many of them look similar. But they do not all mean the same thing — and crucially, not all of them can be fixed the same way.

This guide will help you identify your specific error and determine whether it is a waste ink counter issue (which can be reset with a tool like PrintFix) or something else entirely.

Waste Ink Counter Errors — The Ones PrintFix Can Fix

These are the errors caused by the waste ink pad counter reaching its limit. The printer hardware is fine — a software counter has decided to lock the printer. These errors can be resolved by resetting the counter.

Error Messages on Screen

If your printer has an LCD display, you will see one of these messages:

• “A printer’s ink pad is at the end of its service life. Please contact Epson Support.” — This is the most common and most recognizable waste ink error. It is unambiguous.
• “A printer’s ink pad is nearing the end of its service life.” — This is the warning version. The printer still works, but it is telling you the counter is approaching the limit (usually above 90%). You can still print, but the full lockout is coming.
• “Printer needs servicing. Contact Epson Support.” — A vaguer version of the same error. On many models, this specifically means the waste ink counter. See our detailed guide on this message.
• “Service Required” — Extremely terse, but on most consumer Epson inkjets, this refers to the waste ink counter.

Error Code W-13

The error code W-13 (sometimes displayed as W13 or Error W-13) appears in some Epson printer utilities and status monitors. This code specifically means the waste ink pads need attention. It is a waste ink counter error, and it can be reset.

Error Code 0xF1

Error 0xF1 is a bit more ambiguous. On some Epson models, it indicates a waste ink pad issue. On other models, it can indicate a paper feed mechanism problem or a carriage error. If you see 0xF1:

1. First, check if the printer has a paper jam or if the print head carriage is stuck.
2. Turn the printer off, open the cover, and gently check that the carriage moves freely.
3. If there is no physical obstruction, 0xF1 is likely the waste ink counter. You can confirm by running PrintFix’s free diagnostic — if the counter is at or near 100%, that is your problem.

Blinking Light Patterns (Waste Ink)

On printers without a screen, the only way the printer communicates errors is through LED light patterns. Here are the waste ink counter patterns:

• All lights blinking simultaneously — On many Epson models (especially XP and L series), every LED on the printer blinking at the same time is the waste ink counter signal. This is the most common pattern.
• Power light and ink light alternating — On some Expression and WorkForce models, these two lights blink in an alternating pattern (one on, then the other, back and forth) to indicate waste ink.
• Power light blinking, paper light solid — This combination appears on some L-series models for the waste ink error.

The exact pattern depends on your specific model. If you are unsure, the fastest way to confirm is to run the free diagnostic in PrintFix and check your counter percentage.

Errors That Are NOT Waste Ink — PrintFix Cannot Fix These

It is just as important to know what PrintFix cannot help with. These are hardware or software errors unrelated to the waste ink counter:

Paper Jam Errors

• “Paper jam” / “Paper is jammed” — Something is physically stuck in the paper feed path. Turn off the printer, open all accessible panels, and carefully remove any jammed paper. Check for small torn pieces. This is a mechanical issue, not a software counter.
• Blinking paper light only — On most models, the paper light blinking alone means a paper feed problem, not waste ink.

Ink Cartridge Errors

• “Ink cartridge not recognized” — The printer cannot read the chip on one of your ink cartridges. Try removing and reinserting the cartridge. This is a cartridge issue, not a waste ink issue.
• “Ink cartridge is expended” — A specific cartridge is empty and needs replacing. This refers to the user-replaceable ink cartridges (or ink tanks on EcoTank models), not the waste ink pads.
• “Non-genuine ink cartridge detected” — You are using third-party cartridges and the printer is complaining. This is an ink cartridge issue.

Printhead Errors

• “Printhead error” / Error code 0x97 — This typically indicates an actual printhead hardware failure. The printhead may be clogged, overheated, or damaged. Try running a head cleaning cycle (if the printer allows it). This is not related to waste ink.
• “Communication error” — The printer’s internal communication between components has failed. This can sometimes be resolved by power cycling, but it may indicate a hardware problem.

Scanner Errors (Multifunction Models)

• “Scanner error” / Error code 0x10 — The scanner component has a problem. This is completely unrelated to printing or waste ink.

Connection Errors

• “Printer offline” / “Cannot communicate with the printer” — This is a network or USB connection issue. Check your WiFi, restart your router, or reconnect the USB cable. Not a waste ink issue.

How to Diagnose Your Error in 60 Seconds

If you are not sure which category your error falls into, here is a quick diagnostic process:

Step 1: Check for physical problems

Open the printer and look for obvious issues:

• Paper jammed in the feed path?
• Print head carriage stuck or unable to move?
• Any unusual sounds when the printer tries to start?

If you find a physical problem, fix that first. This is not a waste ink issue.

Step 2: Check the ink cartridges or tanks

• Are any cartridges low, empty, or improperly seated?
• Did you recently replace a cartridge?
• Does the error specifically mention a color or cartridge slot?

If yes, this is a cartridge issue.

Step 3: Run the PrintFix free diagnostic

If there are no physical issues and the cartridges are fine, the most likely culprit is the waste ink counter. Here is how to check:

1. Download PrintFix (free, available on Windows, macOS, Linux)
2. Open it and let it scan for your printer (works over WiFi or USB)
3. Select your printer and check the waste ink counter percentage

If the counter is at or near 100%, you have found your problem. The error is the waste ink lockout, and you can fix it by resetting the counter.

If the counter is well below 100% (say, 30% or 50%), the error is probably caused by something else. In that case, Epson’s support website or a local repair shop may be more helpful.

Common Error and Light Combinations — Quick Reference

What If You Are Still Not Sure?

Some errors are genuinely ambiguous, especially the blinking light patterns that vary between models. If you cannot determine the cause from the error message or lights:

1. Try the free PrintFix diagnostic first. It takes 30 seconds and costs nothing. If the waste ink counter is maxed out, you have your answer.
2. Search your exact model number + the error code online. Model-specific forums often have the definitive answer.
3. Contact us. We are happy to help you figure out whether your issue is waste-ink-related before you spend anything.

Ready to Fix It?

If your error is waste ink related, the fix is straightforward:

1. Download PrintFix for free — check your counter level
2. Get a reset key — starting at EUR 4.99
3. Reset in seconds and get back to printing

No USB cable needed, no sending the printer anywhere, no weeks of waiting.