Before you start
- A4 plain paper and installed cartridges with sufficient ink; clear any active paper or cartridge error first.
Step 1:Load A4 plain paper
Open the feeder guard, extend and tilt back the paper support, and slide the edge guide left. Load A4 paper upright against the right side with the printable face up. Bring the guide to the paper edge, close the guard and extend the output tray.
Step 2:Switch on while holding Stop
Press Power to switch the printer off and wait for its light to go out. Hold Stop—the triangle inside a circle—and press Power. Release both buttons when the power light flashes. Wait for the pattern to print; it can take time to start. Repeatedly pressing buttons is unnecessary.
Step 3:Compare the line groups
- All lines complete: the nozzle check does not indicate a clog. Do not clean just because you printed a test.
- Some gaps or missing lines: follow the linked print-head cleaning guide and compare another pattern afterward.
- Most lines missing or an almost blank pattern: Epson directs you to Power Cleaning, with its ink-use requirements and waiting periods. See the cleaning guide before proceeding.
Step 4:Use the pattern to choose the next action
Keep the first sheet to compare with a later check. A complete pattern confirms that the tested nozzles are printing; it does not confirm that a document’s colour, paper or layout settings are correct.
Questions & troubleshooting
The printer did not print immediately. Should I keep pressing Stop?
No. Epson says the pattern may take time to begin. Use the power-off sequence once and release when Power flashes; check for paper or ink errors if it never starts.
