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0X97Epson

Epson Error Code 0x97

What it means

Error 0x97 is Epson’s general internal hardware error, seen most on WorkForce and Expression models. It means the printer’s mainboard detected a fault it could not recover from on its own — often the print head, the ink system, or the board itself. It usually appears suddenly, with the printer working one day and showing 0x97 the next.

A power-cycle reset clears it in many cases. If it returns immediately and repeatedly, the mainboard or print head may have failed, which on lower-cost models can cost more to repair than the printer is worth.

A Epson printer

How to fix it

Try these in order — most Epson 0X97 cases clear within the first couple of steps.

  1. Step 1 of 3

    Power-cycle the printer

    Fully reset the mainboard with an unplugged restart.

    1. Turn the printer off using its power button.
    2. Unplug the power cable from both the printer and the wall.
    3. Wait a full 5 minutes so the board fully discharges.
    4. Plug it back in and power it on. Many 0x97 errors clear here.
  2. Step 2 of 3

    Check for obstructions and the print head

    Clear anything blocking the carriage path.

    • Open the printer and gently move the print-head carriage by hand — it should glide freely.
    • Remove any torn paper, packing material, or debris from the path.
    • Reseat the ink cartridges firmly until they click.
  3. Step 3 of 3

    If it returns, contact Epson support

    A persistent 0x97 usually means a hardware failure.

    If the error comes straight back after a clean reset, the mainboard or print head has likely failed. Check whether the printer is under warranty before considering a paid repair.

Still stuck after these steps? The Epson help hub covers more issues, or browse all error codes.

Where to go next

Epson help hubCommon Epson issues and the guides that fix them.Read guide →Printer not printingGeneral fixes once the error clears but pages still won’t print.Read guide →