Epson Error 000033 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Updated July 2026 · Independent PrinterCare USA support guide
The Epson Error 000033 on EcoTank printers is one of the most frustrating issues you can encounter because your printer stops working completely until it's resolved. This error fires when the paper feed sensors detect that paper is not advancing smoothly through the printer, which could mean an actual jam exists, the rollers are dirty, or the paper path is misaligned.
The good news is that most Error 000033 issues are fixable in under fifteen minutes with basic tools you probably have at home. We have walked hundreds of users through this exact problem, and about eighty percent of the time the solution involves clearing a jam or cleaning the feed mechanism.
How to fix it — step by step
- Power cycle the printer completely. Turn off the printer using the power button and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Wait for thirty seconds to allow the printer's memory to clear completely. Plug the printer back in and power it on, then try printing a test page to see if the error clears on its own.
- Open the rear access panel and check for visible jams. Locate the rear access door on your EcoTank model, usually marked with a paper icon or indicated in your manual. Open it gently and look inside with a flashlight for any visible torn paper, tape, or debris stuck in the paper path. Do not pull on anything forcefully; instead, gently wiggle and remove any obstruction by hand or with tweezers.
- Remove and reseat the paper tray. Pull the main paper tray completely out of the printer until it stops. Check the tray for any small paper scraps, dust, or foreign objects on the bottom and sides, and wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Firmly push the tray back in until you hear a click, making sure it is seated evenly and not tilted.
- Clean the rubber feed rollers. Use a clean, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the rubber feed rollers inside the paper path. These rollers grip and advance the paper, and dust or ink residue buildup will cause the feed sensor to report resistance. Rotate the rollers by hand a few times as you clean to ensure you reach all surfaces.
- Check the paper quality and tray settings. Remove all paper from the tray and inspect it for moisture, crumpling, or damage on the edges. Replace it with fresh paper from a new ream stored in a dry area, as damp or low-quality paper causes frequent feed errors. Ensure you have selected the correct paper size and type in your printer settings on Windows 11 or macOS.
- Clear the printer's error log and perform a soft reset. On most EcoTank models, hold the Power button for ten seconds while the printer is off to trigger a soft reset that clears the error log. Once the printer restarts, navigate to Settings in the printer's touchscreen menu, find Maintenance, and look for an option to clear all errors or reset the paper feed sensor. This action removes the error code from memory without erasing your ink levels.
- Update the printer firmware if the error returns. Visit the official Epson support website on your Windows 11 or macOS computer and search for your specific EcoTank model number. Download the latest firmware update file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it to the printer via USB cable or network connection. Firmware updates often fix sensor calibration issues that cause persistent Error 000033 reports.
- Contact Epson support or use remote diagnostics if error persists. If you have completed all steps above and Error 000033 continues, the paper feed motor or sensor may require replacement. You can schedule a remote support session for forty-nine dollars where a technician can run diagnostic tests and guide you through advanced troubleshooting, or contact Epson directly for an in-warranty repair evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I still use my Epson EcoTank printer if Error 000033 keeps appearing?
No, the printer will refuse to print or feed paper while Error 000033 is active. The error is a safety mechanism that prevents the printer from damaging itself or the paper path. You must resolve the error before normal printing can resume.
Is Error 000033 always caused by a paper jam?
Not always. While paper jams are the most common cause, the error can also be triggered by dirty feed rollers, incorrect paper settings, moisture in the paper, or a misaligned paper tray. If you find no visible jam, focus on cleaning the rollers and checking your paper quality.
How often should I clean my EcoTank's feed rollers to prevent Error 000033?
For high-volume offices printing more than five hundred pages weekly, clean the feed rollers once every two months. For home users and light office use, cleaning every six months is sufficient. Regular maintenance prevents error codes and extends the life of your printer's feed mechanism.
Will Error 000033 go away by itself if I leave the printer off overnight?
In rare cases, yes, but only if the error was caused by a temporary sensor glitch. Most of the time, leaving the printer off without addressing the underlying issue means the error will return immediately when you power it back on. Always perform a manual inspection and cleaning before assuming it is a software issue.