W-21
Epson Printer
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Warning W-21 is a general maintenance notice on Epson printers. It can mean the printer needs a cleaning cycle, maintenance check, or a consumable item is near its limit. This is a warning, not a shutdown — the printer can usually still print.
Affected Models
- Epson WorkForce WF-3720
- Epson WorkForce WF-3730
- Epson Expression ET-3750
- Epson EcoTank ET-4760
- Epson WorkForce WF-7710
Common Causes
- The printer's internal maintenance counter has reached a service milestone
- A consumable item such as the maintenance box or ink pad is approaching its limit
- The printer detected a print quality issue and is recommending a cleaning cycle
- The printer has not been used for an extended period and is recommending maintenance
- An ink cartridge requires attention — it may be low, empty, or unrecognized
How to Fix It
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Check the printer's display panel for any additional details about what W-21 is referring to.
Some models display a sub-code or text message alongside W-21 to explain the specific issue.
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Open Epson Status Monitor on your computer (right-click the Epson icon in the system tray).
Status Monitor gives more detailed information about the printer's current condition.
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If the notice is about print quality, run a nozzle check and head cleaning from the maintenance menu.
On the printer: Setup > Maintenance > Head Cleaning.
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If the notice is about ink levels, check all cartridges and replace any that are low.
Check the ink level display on the printer panel or in Epson Status Monitor.
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After addressing the identified issue, press OK or Continue to dismiss the warning.
If the warning returns immediately, dig deeper into Epson Status Monitor for more clues.
When to Call a Professional
W-21 is a warning and rarely requires immediate professional service. Check the printer's display or Epson Status Monitor for more details about what needs attention. If the warning points to a failing component, contact Epson support for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep printing if W-21 is showing?
Usually yes. W-21 is a warning that allows you to continue printing. Just press OK or the continue button on your printer's panel. However, if the warning points to something important like a full waste ink pad, address it soon.
W-21 appeared after I reinstalled my printer driver. Is that related?
Possibly. Driver reinstallation sometimes causes the printer to re-evaluate its maintenance counters. Also, if the reinstallation included a firmware update, new maintenance thresholds may have been applied. Check the printer's maintenance status in Epson Status Monitor.
How do I stop W-21 from appearing after every print job?
Find and fix the underlying issue the warning is pointing to. Once the root cause — such as low ink, waste pad level, or print quality — is resolved, the warning will stop. Suppressing warnings without fixing the cause can lead to bigger problems later.