Epson Printer Says Out of Paper but It Isn't: How to Fix It

May 23, 2026 4 min read 2,702 views

Summary: Epson printer is displaying an "out of paper" message even though there is paper loaded, it likely means there's a problem with the paper sensor, which could be dirty, misaligned, or faulty. By following these troubleshooting steps you can usually resolve the problem quickly.

Epson printers are known for their reliability and high-quality prints, but sometimes they can encounter issues that can be frustrating. One common issue users experience is the printer displaying an "Out of Paper" error even when there is paper loaded in the tray. If you are facing this problem, don’t worry. Below are several troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue and get your printer working smoothly again.

Common Causes of the "Out of Paper" Error

Before diving into the solutions, it's important to understand why your Epson printer might be falsely detecting an empty paper tray. Some of the most common reasons include:

Misaligned or improperly loaded paper
Dirty or faulty paper feed rollers
Paper sensor malfunction
Software or driver issues
Firmware bugs

Now, let's go through the solutions step by step.

Method 1: Check and Reload the Paper Properly

The first thing to do is verify that the paper is correctly loaded in the tray.

Step 1: Remove the stack of paper from the tray.

Step 2: Fan out the sheets to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Align the paper properly and reload it into the tray.

Step 4: Make sure the paper guides are snug against the edges of the paper but not too tight.

Step 5: Close the paper tray and try printing again.

Method 2: Check for Paper Jams

A small piece of torn paper inside the printer can trigger a false "Out of Paper" message.

Step 1: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.

Step 2: Open the printer cover and inspect the paper feed area.

Step 3: Carefully remove any stuck paper or debris.

Step 4: Close the cover and turn the printer back on to check if the issue is resolved.

Method 3: Clean the Paper Feed Rollers

Dirty rollers may prevent the printer from properly picking up paper.

Step 1: Turn off and unplug the printer.

Step 2: Open the rear or front access panel to locate the rollers.

Step 3: Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol to clean the rollers.

Step 4: Let the rollers dry completely before turning the printer back on.

Step 5: Reload the paper and test if the printer is functioning properly.

Method 4: Reset the Printer

Sometimes, a simple reset can clear the error message.

Step 1: Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power outlet.

Step 2: Wait for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Step 4: Try printing again to check if the problem persists.

Method 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers may cause communication issues between the printer and computer.

Step 1: Go to the official Epson website.

Step 2: Download the latest drivers for your printer model.

Step 3: Uninstall the existing drivers from your computer.

Step 4: Install the newly downloaded drivers and restart your system.

Step 5: Try printing again to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 6: Perform a Printer Firmware Update

Firmware issues can sometimes cause persistent errors.

Step 1: Visit the Epson website and check if a firmware update is available for your printer model.

Step 2: Follow the provided instructions to install the update.

Step 3: Restart the printer and test it again.

Method 7: Check the Paper Sensor

The paper sensor inside your printer may be dirty or malfunctioning.

Step 1: Turn off and unplug the printer.

Step 2: Open the printer cover and locate the paper sensor (usually near the paper feed mechanism).

Step 3: Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean any dust or debris from the sensor.

Step 4: Plug the printer back in and turn it on to see if the issue is fixed.

Method 8: Try a Different Paper Type

If your printer is not picking up paper, it may be due to the paper type.

Step 1: Ensure you are using the correct paper size and type recommended by Epson.

Step 2: Try using a different batch of paper to see if the issue persists.

FAQ for Epson Printer Says Out of Paper but It Isn't

Q1. Why is my Epson printer showing 'out of paper' when it's not? Ans: If your Epson printer says out of paper when it's not, the issue is likely with the paper sensor. It might be dirty, misaligned, or faulty. Try cleaning the sensor, adjusting the paper stack properly, and checking for any jammed bits inside.

Q2. How do I fix the 'out of paper' error on my Epson WF 7840 printer? Ans: If your Epson WF 7840 out of paper error won’t go away, make sure the paper is loaded correctly, clean the rollers, and reset the printer. If it keeps saying out of paper, updating the firmware or checking for sensor issues might help.