Epson printer error code 000031 can have different causes depending on your printer model and the full message shown on the printer screen or Epson Status Monitor. Start with safe checks: restart the printer, inspect the accessible paper path, and make sure no paper scraps or small objects are blocking normal movement. This guide walks through those fixes in order — and just as importantly, tells you where to stop before a fixable jam becomes an unfixable repair.
Quick Answer: For Epson error 000031: cancel pending jobs, power-cycle the printer (unplugged for a minute), check every accessible part of the paper path for jams and scraps, confirm paper size/type settings, and reinstall the official Epson driver. If the error returns, or you hear grinding noises or see a service/ink-pad message, contact Epson support — don't open the printer.
Before You Start
Do these quick checks first:
- Cancel all pending print jobs on your computer or phone.
- Turn off the printer and unplug its power cable for at least one minute.
- Disconnect any USB cable if you use one.
- Check the printer display or Epson Status Monitor and note the full error message.
- Make sure the printer is on a flat, stable surface with no loose paper or objects around it.
While you're at it, write down your printer model and the exact wording of the message. Epson's error codes are not universal — the same number can mean different things on different models — so the full message plus the model number is what support (and Epson's own search) needs.
Safe Fixes for Epson Error Code 000031
1. Check for Paper Jams or Paper Scraps
A paper jam is the most common trigger. Check the paper tray, rear paper feed, output tray, and any easily accessible paper path. Remove only paper that is visible and comes out with gentle, even pressure — do not pull forcefully, as small pieces can tear off and remain inside the printer.
Also check for:
- Torn paper fragments
- Labels or stickers stuck inside the paper path
- Folded, damp, or curled sheets
- Foreign objects such as paper clips or small pieces of packaging
After checking, reload a small stack of clean, dry paper that matches the size selected in the print settings.
2. Restart the Printer
After checking the paper path, reconnect the power cable and turn the printer back on. Wait until it finishes its startup process before sending another print job. Try printing a simple document or the printer's built-in nozzle-check page. If the error does not return, the problem was likely a temporary paper-feed or communication issue — fixed, and worth knowing about next time.
3. Confirm the Paper Settings
Incorrect paper-size or paper-type settings can sometimes cause printing problems. On your computer or phone, check that:
- The selected paper size matches the paper in the tray.
- The paper type is appropriate for the sheets you are using.
- The paper guides are snug against the stack but not pressing too tightly.
- The tray is not overloaded.
Use good-quality paper in the sizes supported by your specific Epson model.
4. Check the Epson Driver and Connection
If the printer appears normal but the error occurs when you print from one device, the issue may be the driver, print queue, or connection. Try these steps:
1. Restart the computer, phone, or tablet that sends the print job.
2. Remove stuck or failed jobs from the print queue.
3. Make sure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network or USB port.
4. Install the latest official Epson driver for your exact printer model — 2026 firmware updates from Epson have also addressed paper-feed errors on several EcoTank and WorkForce lines, so run Epson Software Updater while you're there.
5. Try printing from another device, if available.
If the printer shows the error even when no device is connected, focus on the printer itself and its on-screen message rather than the driver.
When You Should Stop Troubleshooting
Do not continue with DIY repairs if any of the following apply:
- The error returns after you restart the printer and check the accessible paper path.
- The printer makes grinding, clicking, or unusually loud mechanical noises.
- The display mentions an internal error, service requirement, ink pad, or maintenance box.
- You cannot remove an obstruction without dismantling the printer.
- You are unsure which internal part needs attention.
In these cases, contact Epson support or an authorised Epson service provider. One 2026-specific note: if the message mentions the ink pad or "service required," that's a maintenance counter, not this error — Epson's official guidance routes those to service or, on newer models, a user-replaceable maintenance box. Check which applies to your model before buying anything.
What Not to Do
To avoid causing further damage, do not:
- Force the print head, rollers, or internal components.
- Open the printer casing unless Epson's model-specific documentation instructs you to do so.
- Use syringes, cleaning fluids, or homemade waste-ink disposal methods.
- Replace an ink pad or maintenance component without confirming that your model is designed for user replacement.
- Download unofficial reset software or service utilities from unknown websites — those installers are a classic malware vector.
- Keep printing when the printer reports a service or internal hardware error.
How to Reduce Future Epson Printer Errors
A few regular habits prevent most paper-feed and connection errors:
- Use clean, dry paper that is supported by your printer, and store it in a dry place.
- Do not overload the paper tray.
- Remove printed sheets from the output tray regularly.
- Keep the printer area free from dust, clips, and small objects.
- Use Epson-recommended ink and supplies for your model.
- Check for driver and firmware updates through Epson's official software every few months.
FAQ
Does Epson error code 000031 always mean a paper jam?
No. The meaning of an error can vary by Epson model and the complete message displayed. Check for paper obstructions first — it's the most common cause — but do not assume a paper jam is the only possibility. The exact on-screen wording plus your model number will narrow it down fastest.
Can I fix an Epson internal error myself?
You can safely perform basic checks such as restarting the printer, checking accessible paper paths, and confirming paper settings. Do not dismantle the printer or attempt internal repairs unless Epson provides instructions for your exact model — internal work on Epson mechanisms tends to turn warrantable repairs into unrepairable ones.
Should I reset my Epson printer to clear the error?
A restart is safe to try and clears temporary communication faults. Avoid unofficial reset tools or service-counter resets — they don't fix the underlying cause, and third-party reset utilities can brick firmware or carry malware. If a reset doesn't hold, the error will return until the real cause is addressed.
What if the error keeps returning?
Note the exact message, your printer model, and any blinking-light pattern. Then check Epson's official support resources for your model or contact an authorised Epson service provider. Recurring errors after clean paper paths and restarts usually point to a worn roller or sensor — a service part, not a settings problem.
How do I update my Epson printer's firmware safely?
Only through Epson's own software: Epson Software Updater on a connected computer, or the printer's own web/settings panel when offered. Never sideload firmware from third-party sites. And don't interrupt a firmware update — a printer losing power mid-update is one of the few genuinely unrecoverable states.
Related Reading
- Where Can I Find the WPS PIN on HP Printer? — the Wi-Fi-connection side of printer errors.
- 3 Tips for HP Toner Cartridge Maintenance — supplies care that prevents its own error codes.
- How to Fax from a Wireless Printer Without a Phone Line — another printer feature that generates its own error codes.
Did one of these fixes clear your 000031 — or did it turn out to be something else on your model? Tell us in the comments.
