Epson Printer Error Code W-20 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Warning W-20 means your Epson printer detected that more than one sheet of paper was pulled in at the same time. Two or more sheets fed together, which would cause smearing or a jammed print. The printer stopped to let you fix the paper feed before wasting ink.

Affected Models

Epson WorkForce WF Series
Epson WorkForce Pro WF Series
Epson EcoTank ET Series
Epson Expression Premium XP Series
Epson Expression Home XP Series

Common Causes

The paper sheets were stuck together due to static electricity or humidity, causing them to feed as one
The paper tray was overloaded, putting extra pressure on the bottom sheets and causing them to stick
Glossy or coated paper was used without fanning the stack first, causing sheets to cling together
The paper separation pad is worn and can no longer reliably separate individual sheets
Mixed paper types or sizes in the tray caused an uneven feed where two sheets entered together

How to Fix It

Press the Stop/Reset button or OK on the printer panel to clear the W-20 warning.

The printer will hold the misfeeded sheets inside. You may need to open the cover and remove them manually.
Remove all paper from the tray. Check for double-fed sheets inside the paper path and gently pull them out.

Grip the paper with both hands and pull slowly to avoid tearing it inside the rollers.
Fan the paper stack vigorously before reloading to separate the sheets and eliminate static buildup.

This is especially important in dry or air-conditioned environments where static electricity is common.
Reload the paper and adjust the side guides so they are snug against the paper edges — not too tight, not too loose.

Do not fill the tray above the maximum fill line. Overloading causes sheet-sticking and double feeds.
Send the print job again. If W-20 keeps happening with fresh, well-fanned paper, the separation pad may need replacement.

The separation pad is the small rubber or foam pad that rubs against each sheet to hold the others back.

When to Call a Professional

W-20 is almost always a paper handling issue you can fix immediately. If double-feeds happen regularly with normal paper, the separation pad may be worn. Separation pad replacement costs about $10 to $30 for the part, or $40 to $80 at a service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did my document print correctly if W-20 appeared mid-job?

Probably not. When two sheets feed together, the print content usually ends up split between them or smeared. Check the pages that came out before the warning and verify they look correct. Resend the affected pages if they are missing content or show smearing.

Does glossy photo paper cause more double-feeds than regular paper?

Yes. Glossy paper is more prone to static cling, especially in low-humidity environments. Always fan glossy sheets before loading and never put more than 20 sheets of photo paper in the tray at once. Epson recommends loading photo paper one sheet at a time for the most reliable feeding.

How do I know if my Epson's separation pad needs replacing?

Double-feeds that happen consistently on every job — even with perfectly fanned, fresh paper — point to a worn separation pad. You can also inspect the pad through the front paper slot. A worn pad looks shiny, compressed, or cracked instead of soft and grippy.