Epson Printer Error 0xE8 — Paper Jam in Feed Path

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0xE8 means your Epson printer has detected a paper jam somewhere in the paper feed path. The printer stops printing and locks up when it can't move paper through properly. In most cases there is actual jammed paper that you can remove — but sometimes there's no paper and the feed rollers or sensors are the problem. This is one of the more fixable Epson errors and rarely requires a technician.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET-2720
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson WorkForce WF-2850
Epson Expression Home XP-4105
Epson L3150 and L series printers

Common Causes

Paper is actually jammed in the feed path — torn pieces, wrinkled sheets, or a full page stuck mid-feed
Torn pieces of paper from a previous jam still inside the printer are triggering the jam sensor
Using the wrong type or weight of paper that jams more easily in the feed mechanism
Dirty or worn paper feed rollers that fail to grip paper correctly, causing misfeed errors
Overfilled paper tray — too many sheets cause the top sheets to misfeed and jam

How to Fix It

Turn off the printer and unplug it. Open all accessible covers — top cover, rear cover, and paper input/output trays. Look for any paper inside. Check every accessible area carefully, including the rear of the printer where a removable back panel often provides access to the feed path.

Never pull paper sideways or at an angle — always pull straight out in the direction the paper would normally travel. Pulling at an angle can tear the paper and leave a fragment behind.
Look carefully for torn paper pieces. Even a small 1-inch fragment left in the feed path will continue to trigger the jam sensor on every print job. Use a flashlight to inspect the rollers, and remove any fragments with tweezers if needed.

This is the #1 cause of recurring paper jams — a fragment of paper left from a previous jam that nobody noticed.
Check your paper. Make sure you're using fresh, flat paper within the printer's paper weight specifications (usually 64-90 g/m² for most home Epson printers). Fan the paper stack before loading to separate sheets and remove static. Don't overfill the tray — stay within the fill line.

Paper that has absorbed moisture from humidity curls slightly at the edges and jams much more easily. Keep paper in its sealed ream until use.
Clean the paper feed rollers. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water (not soaking — just slightly damp) and gently wipe each visible rubber roller. Rollers accumulate dust and paper coating over time, becoming smooth and losing their grip.

You can also buy rubber rejuvenator spray designed for printer rollers, which restores grip to smooth rubber without damage.
After clearing the jam and closing all covers, plug in and power on the printer. The printer should run a short internal check and resume. Print a test page. If 0xE8 recurs immediately with no paper visible, there may be a faulty paper jam sensor that requires technician diagnosis.

A jam sensor that's stuck in 'jammed' position is rare but does happen, especially on older printers.

When to Call a Professional

Most 0xE8 jams can be cleared at home without any tools. If jams recur every few pages despite correct paper loading, the feed rollers likely need cleaning or replacement. Feed roller cleaning kits are available for $10-$20. A technician charges $60-$120 to clean or replace rollers if DIY isn't comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Epson says 0xE8 but I can't find any paper. What now?

Check more carefully — look with a flashlight at the far end of the paper path, including behind a removable back access panel. Small torn pieces are easy to miss. If the path is truly clear, the jam sensor itself may be dirty or stuck. A puff of compressed air aimed at the sensor area sometimes frees a stuck sensor flag.

Why does my Epson jam on the same type of paper every time?

Some paper brands and types don't feed well in specific printers. Glossy photo paper, card stock, or cheap generic paper are common culprits. Check your printer manual for the exact paper specifications. Switching to a different paper brand, especially a major brand like Hammermill or HP, often eliminates recurring jams.

Can a paper jam damage my Epson printer?

Rarely. Most jams cause no permanent damage if the paper is removed carefully without tearing. The main risks are a torn piece of paper left behind (causing future jams) and forcing the paper out at an angle (which can dislodge internal parts or damage the print head carriage). Always be gentle when clearing jams.