Epson Printer Error Code I-60 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Epson error I-60 is an ink delivery warning indicating that the printer cannot get ink to the print head correctly. It is less severe than an E-series error but still needs to be addressed. Printing quality will be poor or the printer may stop entirely if this is not resolved.

Affected Models

Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Epson EcoTank ET-3850
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
Epson EcoTank ET-5850
Epson WorkForce WF-4830

Common Causes

One or more ink tanks are low and ink is not reaching the print head consistently
Air has entered the ink supply tubes after a tank was improperly refilled
The printer was stored or transported at an angle, causing ink to settle unevenly
A partially clogged print head nozzle is causing inconsistent ink flow
The ink tube connector at the tank or print head end has a slight leak or loose fit

How to Fix It

Check the ink levels in all tanks and refill any that are low or empty.

On EcoTank models, the ink tanks are visible on the outside of the printer. Fill to the maximum line.
Make sure all ink tank caps and fill ports are tightly closed after refilling.

A loose cap allows air into the system, which disrupts ink flow and triggers ink delivery errors.
Run a head cleaning cycle from the printer maintenance menu.

This pumps ink through the system and helps push out any air pockets that formed in the tubes.
Print a nozzle check pattern after the cleaning cycle.

If all lines in the pattern are solid and complete, the ink is flowing correctly and the error should clear.
If the pattern still shows gaps, run one more cleaning cycle. Wait 5 minutes, then print the nozzle check again.

Do not run more than three cleaning cycles in one sitting. Too many cycles can overheat the print head.

When to Call a Professional

If the I-60 error continues after refilling ink and running head cleaning, the ink tube system may need inspection. A technician can check for air leaks in the tubing and perform a more thorough flush. Expect a service visit to cost $50 to $90 for ink system diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between I-60 and E-80?

I-60 is a warning — the printer detected an ink delivery problem but it may still be recoverable. E-80 is a hard error — the printer has stopped working entirely due to a confirmed ink system fault. I-60 is your early warning to act before it becomes an E-80.

Can tipping the printer to one side cause I-60?

Yes — Epson EcoTank printers should always be kept upright. Tilting or transporting them on their side can cause ink to flow into the wrong parts of the tube system, trapping air bubbles. If you recently moved the printer, this is very likely the cause.

Does I-60 mean I need new ink tubes?

Not necessarily — most I-60 errors are caused by air in the tubes or low ink, not physical tube damage. Try refilling and running a cleaning cycle first. Only if the error persists after multiple attempts is it worth suspecting a damaged tube.