If your Epson printer not printing even though it has ink and appears to be working, you are not alone. This is one of the most common problems faced by Epson printer users. The good news is that in most cases, the issue can be fixed by resetting the printer and checking a few related settings. This detailed guide explains why your Epson printer may stop printing and provides clear, step by step instructions to reset it properly.
Before resetting your printer, it is important to understand the possible reasons behind the problem. Knowing the cause helps ensure the reset actually resolves the issue.
Temporary software glitches or frozen print jobs
Incorrect printer settings or wrong default printer selection
Outdated or corrupted Epson printer drivers
Wi Fi or USB connection issues
Ink cartridge recognition errors
Clogged print head or low ink warnings
Firmware related errors
A printer reset helps clear many of these internal errors and restores normal functionality.
Resetting an Epson printer restores it to its default factory settings. This process clears error states, removes stuck print jobs, refreshes internal memory, and fixes minor firmware glitches. However, it also removes saved Wi Fi networks and custom settings.
Resetting is recommended when:
The printer is powered on but does not print
Error messages keep appearing
The printer does not respond to print commands
Ink is installed but printing does not start
Follow these methods carefully to reset your Epson printer and restore printing.
A power reset is the simplest and safest method to start with.
Turn off the Epson printer using the power button
Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet
Disconnect the USB or network cable if connected
Wait for at least five minutes
Plug the power cable back in
Turn the printer on
This clears temporary memory issues and often fixes basic printing problems.
If your printer has a display screen, you can reset it directly from the control panel.
Turn on the printer
Press the Home button
Go to Settings
Select Restore Default Settings
Choose All Settings or Reset All
Confirm the reset
After the reset, the printer will restart automatically.
For printers without a display panel, use this manual reset method.
Turn off the printer
Press and hold the Stop button
While holding the button, turn the printer on
Continue holding for 10 to 15 seconds
Release the button and allow the printer to restart
This method resets internal printer settings and clears errors.
You can also reset your Epson printer through your computer.
Open Control Panel on Windows or System Settings on Mac
Go to Devices and Printers
Right click on your Epson printer
Select Printing Preferences
Open the Maintenance or Utility tab
Choose Restore Default Settings or Reset Printer
Restart your computer after completing the reset.
After resetting your Epson printer, you may need to reconnect it.
Press the Home button on the printer
Go to Network Settings
Select Wireless Setup Wizard
Choose your Wi Fi network
Enter the Wi Fi password
Complete the setup
Plug the USB cable into the printer and computer
Wait for the system to detect the printer
Install drivers if prompted
Additional Fixes If Epson Printer Still Not Printing
If resetting does not fix the issue, try the following solutions.
Outdated drivers often cause printing problems.
Visit the Epson official website
Download the latest driver for your printer model
Install the driver and restart the system
Open Devices and Printers
Right click your Epson printer
Select See what is printing
Cancel all pending print jobs
Run Print Head Cleaning
Open Epson printer utility
Select Maintenance
Choose Print Head Cleaning
Run nozzle check after cleaning
This usually happens due to clogged print heads, outdated drivers, incorrect printer settings, or communication errors between the printer and computer.
Yes, resetting restores factory defaults and removes saved Wi Fi networks. You will need to reconnect the printer to Wi Fi.
You should only reset when necessary. Frequent resets are not recommended unless the printer frequently stops responding.
Yes, Epson printers may stop printing if ink levels are very low or if a cartridge is not recognized properly.
Usually no, but reinstalling or updating drivers can help if printing issues continue.
Resetting an Epson printer not printing is one of the most effective ways to fix common issues such as frozen print jobs, driver conflicts, and internal errors. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can restore your printer to working condition and avoid unnecessary downtime. If the problem continues even after a reset, contacting Epson customer support is the best option for further assistance.