Epson EcoTank lights blinking: what each pattern means

Easy to moderate≈ A few minutes (ink pad: Epson service)

Quick answer

On Epson EcoTank printers without a screen, the light pattern is the error message. A flashing paper light means a paper jam. Ink and paper lights flashing together or alternately mean an ink pad is at the end of its service life and needs Epson service. All lights flashing means a printer error: remove any paper inside and restart.

Basic checks first

  • Note which lights are on, which are flashing, and whether two lights flash at the same time or take turns. Epson treats simultaneous and alternating flashing as two different errors.
  • Look at the power light too. On the L3210 and L3110, ink and paper lights on with the power light off means a failed firmware update; with the power light on or flashing it means the printer was not turned off correctly.
  • If the printer is connected to a computer, read the message there. Epson's L3210 guide says the details of the error are displayed on the computer screen.
  • If only the power light is flashing, the printer is busy. Wait for it to stop before turning the printer off.
  • If your Epson has an LCD screen, follow the message on the screen. Epson's KA-02049 light guide is for models without a display.

Step-by-step by operating system

01Read the error on the computerWhen an error light turns on or flashes, Epson says the details of the error are displayed on the computer screen. With all lights flashing, Epson UK notes a message also shows on the connected computer.
02Ink pad message: continue for nowIf the ink and paper lights flash and a message on the computer says you can continue printing, press the B&W copy button or the colour copy button on the printer. On the L3210 series the lights stop flashing for the time being but come back at regular intervals until the ink pad is replaced.
03Recovery mode: use a USB cableIf the lights show a failed firmware update, connect the computer and the printer with a USB cable and visit your local Epson website for further instructions. Recovery mode cannot update the firmware over a network.
04After an improper shutdown, run a nozzle checkOnce the ink and paper error is cleared with a copy button, Epson recommends a nozzle check and cancelling any pending print jobs.

Fixes by connection type

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi light on: connected to a wireless network. Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct light flashing (both flashing on the L3250): a Wi-Fi connection error. Press the Wi-Fi button to clear the error and try again.

Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct light on means the printer is connected directly to a device in Wi-Fi Direct (Simple AP) mode, without a router. No action is needed.

USB

Keep a USB cable at hand for the firmware recovery pattern: Epson's recovery steps start by connecting the computer and the printer with a USB cable.

Differences by brand

Epson L3250Ink and paper flashing together: ink pad. Flashing alternately: borderless printing ink pad. All lights flashing: paper or protective material stuck inside. Ink, paper, Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct lights on: firmware update error.
Epson L3210 / L3200 seriesInk and paper lights on: if the power light is on or flashing, the printer was turned off incorrectly; if the power light is off, it started in recovery mode after a failed firmware update.
Epson L3110Epson's L3110 guide describes the ink pad patterns with the power and paper lights flashing (together for the ink pad, alternately for the borderless ink pad). Power off with ink and paper on means a firmware update error.
Epson models with a screenEpson's KA-02049 light guide covers EcoTank and Expression printers without an LCD. If yours has a display, follow the message it shows.

Decision tree

Is only the power light flashing?The printer is busy. Wait for the power light to stop flashing before you turn it off.
Is the paper light on or flashing?On: no paper loaded or several sheets fed at once. Load paper and press the B&W or colour copy button. Flashing: a paper jam. Remove the paper and press a copy button.
Is the paper light still flashing after removing the paper and restarting?Paper may remain inside. Load A4 paper in portrait orientation in the rear paper feeder and press the B&W or colour copy button to push it out. If the error cannot be cleared, contact Epson support.
Are the ink and paper lights flashing?Together: an ink pad is nearing or at the end of its service life. Alternately: the borderless printing ink pad is. Both need Epson or an authorised service provider; the pads are not user-serviceable.
Are the ink and paper lights on steadily?With the power light on or flashing, the printer was not turned off correctly. Press a copy button, run a nozzle check and cancel pending jobs. With the power light off, a firmware update failed: connect by USB and follow your local Epson website.
Are all lights flashing?A printer error. Open the front cover, remove any jammed paper or protective material, then turn the printer off and on. If it continues, contact Epson support.

Frequently asked questions

Why are all the lights blinking on my Epson L3250?

Epson's L3250 light table says all lights flashing means a printer error, with paper or protective material stuck inside. Open the front cover, remove any jammed paper or protective materials, and turn the printer off and on again. If the error continues, contact Epson support.

What does it mean when the ink and paper lights blink on an Epson printer?

If they flash at the same time, an ink pad is nearing or at the end of its service life. If they take turns, it is the borderless printing ink pad. Epson says neither pad is user-replaceable: contact Epson or an authorised service provider.

Can I keep printing when the Epson ink pad lights are flashing?

When a message on the computer says you can continue printing, press the B&W or colour copy button. On the L3210 series the lights stop for the time being but return at regular intervals until the pad is replaced. With the borderless pad, printing with a border still works.

Can I reset the ink pad lights on an Epson L3210 or L3250 myself?

Epson's guides say the ink pads need to be replaced by Epson or an authorised service provider and are not a user-serviceable part. Pressing a copy button after the continue-printing message only postpones the warning.

Is ink pad replacement covered by the Epson warranty?

Epson's documents differ by region. The US L3250 and L3110 guides say it is covered during the standard warranty and done by an authorised provider afterwards. The L3210 guide on epson.biz says the Epson warranty does not cover the cost. Ask Epson support in your country.

Why are the ink and paper lights on (not flashing) on my Epson L3110?

If the power light is on or flashing, the printer was not turned off correctly, for example by a power strip, a breaker or pulling the plug. Clear it with a copy button, run a nozzle check, cancel pending jobs, and always switch off with the power button.

Why is the power light blinking on my Epson printer?

Epson's L3250 and L3110 guides say a flashing power light means the printer is busy. Wait for it to stop flashing before turning the printer off.

Why are the Wi-Fi lights blinking on my Epson L3250?

Both the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct lights flashing means a Wi-Fi connection error. Press the Wi-Fi button to clear the error and try the connection again.

My Epson blinks and does not print. What should I check first?

Match the pattern to Epson's table: a steady paper light means no paper or a double feed, a flashing paper light a jam, a steady ink light incomplete initial ink charging. The computer screen also shows the details of the error.

PrinterErrors editorial team

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