Printer Does Not Turn On (No Lights or Power)

Applies To

  • Hardware: All Epson printer models (inkjet, EcoTank, laser, and dot matrix) showing no sign of power — no lights, no display, and no start-up sound
  • Software: Not applicable — this is a hardware/power-supply issue and is not related to any operating system, driver, or software
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Description

If a printer shows no sign of power at all — no lights, no display, and no start-up sound — the cause is usually the power source, cable, or socket rather than the printer itself. Work through the checks below in order to identify the fault before assuming the printer is faulty.

Symptoms

  • No lights illuminated on the printer's control panel
  • No display on the printer's LCD screen (if fitted)
  • No start-up sound or mechanism movement when the power button is pressed

Solution

Work through these checks in order.

1. Check for any response when you press the power button

If the power button does not illuminate when pressed, check for any other response from the unit, such as a start-up noise, as the power button LED itself may have blown rather than the unit being fully without power.

2. Check for a power light or any other lights on the printer

Check whether other buttons on the control panel are illuminated — for example, the Ink or Paper button(s) may be lit. If only a red or amber Maintenance, Ink, or Paper light is illuminated, this indicates an error with the printer rather than a complete lack of power; refer to your user guide for that specific error.

Note: If the lights came on and then went out, the printer's voltage may not match the outlet rating. Power off the printer and unplug it immediately, then check the voltage label on the back of the printer.

3. Check that the power socket switch is on

Check that the switch at the mains socket is on. If it is, carefully check the power cable for damage, then remove and reseat it before attempting to turn the printer on again. Hold the power button down firmly for five seconds, or use the power switch, depending on your product.

Also make sure the outlet itself works and is not controlled by a wall switch or timer.

4. Remove and reseat the power cable

Power off the printer at the mains socket. Unplug the power cable from the socket, then remove and reseat it from the printer's power cable port. Plug the printer back in at the mains and make sure the socket is switched on.

5. Hold down the power button firmly for five seconds

For laser and dot matrix printers, use the power switch instead to turn the unit on.

6. Check whether the power button depresses when pressed

Press down firmly on the power button. If it feels stiff and does not depress, there may be a fault with the button itself.

7. Connect the printer directly to the mains

If your printer is connected via a surge protector, power strip, or extension lead, connect it directly to a mains wall socket instead.

8. Try another power cable and socket

Check that other electronic devices connected to the same socket have power. Try a different mains socket, and if necessary, try another known-working power cable of the correct type for your printer.

If the printer still does not power on

Contact Epson for support.