Epson Printer Error E02 means the printer has run out of paper or cannot detect paper in the sheet feeder. Load plain paper into the rear sheet feeder or front cassette, aligning the paper neatly within the guides. Press the paper button (or Resume/OK button depending on your model) to resume printing and clear the E02 error. If paper is loaded but E02 still shows, the paper is likely not correctly positioned or the feed rollers need cleaning.
Error E02 on Epson Expression, WorkForce, and EcoTank inkjet printers is the out-of-paper or paper not loaded error. The printer’s paper sensor cannot confirm that paper is correctly seated in the input tray. On many Epson models, E02 is displayed as the error code on the LCD screen; on models without a screen, it appears as a specific pattern of flashing indicator lights (usually the paper light flashing red).
If your Epson printer also displays a different code such as Epson Printer Error E03, follow the dedicated guide for that error.
Follow the steps below one at a time — many error codes can be fixed faster than they look.
Remove all paper from the input tray. Fan the stack of paper to separate any sheets that may be sticking together. Align the edges of the stack so they are even. Load the stack into the tray with the print side facing the correct direction for your printer model (typically face-up in the rear sheet feeder). Slide the paper guides snugly against the sides of the stack but do not press so tightly that the paper is bowed or bent.
Once paper is loaded, press the paper button (the button with a paper/page icon) or the Resume button on the printer control panel. This signals the printer to try picking up paper again and should clear the E02 error if paper is now correctly loaded.
Make sure the paper you are loading is within the size and weight range supported by your Epson printer. Refer to your printer’s specification sheet for minimum and maximum sizes. Standard A4 or Letter plain paper (75–90 gsm) works on all Epson inkjet models. Envelopes, thick card, and glossy photo paper must be loaded one at a time in supported trays only.
Dirty rollers are a frequent cause of E02 on Epson printers with higher page counts. Access the roller cleaning function through the printer’s control panel: Settings > Maintenance > Paper Guide Cleaning. Feed and re-feed paper three times as instructed. Alternatively, wipe the accessible rollers manually with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water.
Look through the paper tray area with a flashlight for tiny torn paper fragments or foreign objects near the paper sensor. The sensor is a small lever or optical detector that should move freely. Remove any obstruction carefully with tweezers — do not use anything metal near the sensor lever.
If E02 persists despite loaded paper and clean rollers, turn the printer off and unplug it from the mains for 60 seconds. Reconnect the power and reload paper before turning the printer back on. This clears any temporary error state in memory.
If Epson Printer Error E02 appears consistently even with freshly loaded, correctly sized paper and clean rollers, the paper detection sensor may have failed. Contact Epson Support with your printer model and serial number for an authorised repair or sensor replacement.
See also: Printer Error Codes – Complete Guide by Brand — browse all HP, Canon, Brother, and Epson error code fixes in one place.
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