Epson EcoTank EWT-2980 Paper Jam Fix, How to Fix It

A paper jam can stop printing without warning, even when your Epson EcoTank EWT-2980 was working perfectly just moments before. You may see a paper jam message on the printer display, receive an error in Windows, or hear the printer attempting to feed paper without success. These interruptions are frustrating, especially when you're trying to finish an important task. Fortunately, most paper jams can be resolved without professional repair. While a sheet of paper may be causing the immediate problem, outdated printer software can also contribute by sending incorrect instructions or causing communication issues that interrupt the printing process. Updating the printer software and checking the paper path often restores normal operation.

Quick Fix Checklist

Before taking the printer apart, try these quick solutions.

• Turn the printer off and back on.
• Remove any paper from the input tray.
• Check for visible jammed paper.
• Remove loose paper scraps carefully.
• Verify the paper guides are adjusted correctly.
• Reload clean, undamaged paper.
• Update the printer software.
• Restart your Windows computer.

If the printer still reports a paper jam, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.

Why Paper Jams Happen

Paper jams are not always caused by a sheet becoming trapped inside the printer. In many cases, several factors work together to create the problem.

The Epson EcoTank EWT-2980 uses sensors and printer software to control how paper moves through the printer. If Windows cannot communicate properly with the printer because the software is outdated or damaged, print jobs may not be processed correctly. This can cause the printer to stop unexpectedly while feeding paper.

Other common causes include:

• Wrinkled or damp paper.
• Overloaded paper trays.
• Paper guides that are too loose or too tight.
• Small pieces of paper left inside the printer.
• Dust or debris on the paper rollers.
• Incorrect paper settings in Windows.
• Interrupted print jobs after a Windows update.

Understanding the cause helps you avoid repeated paper jams in the future.

Method 1, Update Printer Software Automatically (Recommended)

Updating the printer software is one of the easiest ways to improve communication between Windows and your Epson EcoTank EWT-2980.

DriverAssist scans your computer, detects outdated printer software, and installs the appropriate version automatically. This saves time and helps reduce compatibility issues after Windows updates.

You can download DriverAssist here.

Follow these steps:

1. Download DriverAssist.
2. Install the application.
3. Open DriverAssist.
4. Start a full system scan.
5. Review the detected updates.
6. Install the recommended software for your Epson EcoTank EWT-2980.
7. Restart your computer.
8. Test the printer with a small document.

Updating the printer software helps Windows send print jobs correctly and reduces communication errors that may interrupt printing.

Method 2, Download the Latest Software from Epson

If you prefer to update manually, you can install the latest software from Epson.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit Epson's official support website.
2. Search for Epson EcoTank EWT-2980.
3. Select the exact printer model.
4. Choose your Windows version.
5. Download the latest printer software package.
6. Run the installer.
7. Complete the installation.
8. Restart your computer.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Downloading software for a different Epson model.
• Choosing the wrong version of Windows.
• Interrupting the installation before it finishes.
• Using old installation files that are already stored on your computer.

Installing the correct software helps the printer communicate properly with Windows.

Method 3, Update Through Windows Device Manager

Device Manager can sometimes locate a newer version of the printer software already available through Windows.

To check:

1. Press Windows + X.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand Printers or Print queues.
4. Locate Epson EcoTank EWT-2980.
5. Right click the printer.
6. Select Update driver.
7. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
8. Restart Windows after the update finishes.

Keep in mind that Device Manager may not always find the latest version available from Epson.

Remove Jammed Paper Safely

Never pull paper out quickly or at an angle because it can tear and leave small pieces inside the printer.

Instead:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the power cable.
3. Open the printer cover.
4. Gently pull the paper in the direction it normally travels.
5. Check the paper path for torn pieces.
6. Close the cover securely.
7. Restart the printer.

If even a small piece of paper remains inside, the printer may continue reporting a paper jam.

Inspect the Paper Rollers

The paper rollers are responsible for pulling each sheet into the printer. Over time, they can collect dust, paper fibers, or residue that reduces their grip. When this happens, the printer may feed multiple sheets at once or fail to move the paper through the paper path correctly.

To inspect the rollers:

1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
2. Open the areas recommended in your printer documentation to access the paper path.
3. Look for dust, scraps of paper, or other debris around the rollers.
4. Wipe the rollers gently with a soft, lint free cloth that is only slightly damp.
5. Allow the rollers to dry completely before reconnecting the printer.

Avoid using harsh cleaning products or excessive moisture, as they can damage internal components.

Check the Paper Tray

A paper tray that is loaded incorrectly can trigger repeated paper jams.

Before printing again:

• Remove the entire stack of paper.
• Fan the pages gently to separate them.
• Reload only the recommended number of sheets.
• Make sure the paper stack sits flat inside the tray.
• Adjust the paper guides so they lightly touch the edges without bending the paper.

If the guides are too tight, the paper may not move freely. If they are too loose, the paper can feed at an angle.

Use the Right Paper

Not every type of paper works well with every print job.

Using paper that is curled, damp, folded, or unusually thick can increase the chance of a jam. Whenever possible, use clean paper that matches Epson's recommended specifications for the EcoTank EWT-2980.

It is also helpful to store paper in a dry location to prevent moisture from causing sheets to stick together.

Check the Print Settings

Sometimes the printer is configured for a different paper size or paper type than what is loaded.

Before printing:

1. Open the document you want to print.
2. Select Print.
3. Open Printer Properties or Preferences.
4. Verify the paper size matches the paper in the tray.
5. Confirm the selected paper type is correct.
6. Save the changes and print a test page.

Matching the software settings with the paper loaded in the printer helps reduce feeding problems.

Windows 10 and Windows 11

The troubleshooting methods in this guide work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

On Windows 10:

• Open Settings.
• Select Devices.
• Choose Printers & scanners.
• Select your Epson EcoTank EWT-2980.

On Windows 11:

• Open Settings.
• Select Bluetooth & devices.
• Choose Printers & scanners.
• Select your Epson EcoTank EWT-2980.

Although the menus are slightly different, the troubleshooting process remains largely the same.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

If paper jams continue to happen even after removing the jammed paper, there may be another issue that has not been addressed.

Some of the most common reasons include:

• Dust building up on the paper rollers.
• Worn or damaged rollers.
• Paper loaded incorrectly.
• Paper guides that are not adjusted properly.
• Printer software that has not been updated for recent Windows changes.
• Interrupted print jobs that leave the printer in an unexpected state.

Regular maintenance and software updates can help reduce these recurring problems.

Keep Printer Software Updated Automatically

Many people only think about updating printer software after something goes wrong. However, keeping it current can help maintain reliable communication between Windows and your printer.

Automatic update tools periodically check for newer printer software and notify you when updates are available. This helps reduce compatibility issues after Windows updates and minimizes unexpected printing errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Epson EcoTank EWT-2980 keep reporting a paper jam when there isn't one?

Small pieces of paper, dust around the sensors, or outdated printer software can sometimes cause the printer to continue displaying a paper jam message even after the obstruction has been removed.

Can damaged paper cause repeated jams?

Yes. Torn, folded, curled, or damp paper does not move smoothly through the printer and can easily become stuck.

Should I pull jammed paper out quickly?

No. Pulling too hard may tear the paper and leave small pieces inside the printer, leading to additional jams.

Can Windows updates affect printing?

Yes. A Windows update may change how the operating system communicates with the printer. Installing the latest printer software can help restore compatibility.

Does this guide work with Windows 11?

Yes. The troubleshooting steps in this guide apply to Windows 11 as well as Windows 10.

How can I reduce future paper jams?

Use clean paper, avoid overloading the tray, keep the rollers free of dust, verify the paper settings before printing, and keep your printer software updated.

Final Thoughts

Paper jams can interrupt your work, but they do not always indicate a serious hardware problem. In many cases, the issue is caused by worn paper, incorrect loading, dirty rollers, outdated printer software, or a temporary communication problem between Windows and the Epson EcoTank EWT-2980.

By carefully removing jammed paper, inspecting the paper path, checking the printer settings, and updating the printer software, you can often restore normal printing without professional assistance. Regular cleaning and keeping your printer software current will also help reduce the likelihood of future paper feed problems.