Epson Printer Troubleshooting Guide for Error Code 00033

Epson error code 00033 usually appears when the printer cannot communicate over the network, detects a blocked update, or encounters a problem in the paper path that halts printing. The good news: most cases can be cleared with a structured approach—check connections, restart services, update firmware, and inspect the paper feed. Follow this guide in order to restore printing without guesswork.

What Error 00033 Means

On many Epson consumer and small-office models, 00033 flags a communication failure: the printer lost contact with the host or Epson's update server, or an internal task stalled. It can also show up if a firmware update started but did not finish. Less commonly, a paper sensor fault triggers it. Because the code is broad, the best path is to rule out network issues first, then confirm firmware and paper path health.

Check Power and Basic State

Make sure the printer is fully powered on, the control panel is responsive, and the output tray is open. Remove any obvious jammed paper. If you recently replaced cartridges, confirm each is seated and the scanner lid is closed. A printer stuck mid-initialization can misreport as 00033, so clear visible errors before proceeding.

Stabilize the Network Connection

Error 00033 often clears once the printer is firmly back on Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If using Wi-Fi, verify you are on 2.4 GHz (most consumer Epson units do not support 5 GHz) and that the password is correct. Avoid guest networks with client isolation. If you use Ethernet, reseat the cable and check for link lights on the router. Print a network status sheet from the panel to confirm the IP address and that the connection status reads Connected.

Power Cycle Devices in the Right Order

Turn the printer off, then power off your router for 20 seconds, and turn it back on. Wait until the internet light is stable. Power the printer on and let it reconnect. This clears stale DHCP leases and refreshes the path to Epson servers. After the printer reconnects, try a test print. If the error persists, move to firmware checks.

Check for Firmware Updates

On the printer panel, look for Setup > Firmware Update or run the Epson Software Updater on your computer. If an update is available, install it with a stable network connection; do not power off during the process. A failed or paused update frequently triggers 00033. After updating, restart the printer and test again. If you use third-party cartridges, be aware that some firmware updates change chip recognition—keep at least one genuine cartridge available for testing.

Reinstall or Reset the Driver

On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, remove the Epson device, and reinstall using the latest driver from Epson's support page. During reinstall, pick the correct connection type (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB) and ensure the port matches the current IP. On macOS, remove the printer from Printers & Scanners, click plus, and re-add it; choose the Epson driver instead of AirPrint to keep utilities. A corrupted driver queue can repeatedly throw 00033 even when the printer is fine.

USB Test to Isolate Network Issues

If you still see 00033 over Wi-Fi, connect the printer to a computer via USB. Install the USB driver if prompted and print a test page. If USB works, the hardware and firmware are likely healthy; focus on router settings (client isolation, firewall rules, or VLANs). If USB also fails with the same code, check for jams and run maintenance steps next.

Inspect the Paper Path and Sensors

Remove paper from the tray and look for scraps or curled sheets inside. Open rear access panels if your model has them. Gently clean rollers with a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. A stuck sensor flag can stop jobs and raise 00033. Reload fresh, dry paper and ensure guides are snug but not tight. Try a copier function (copying a plain page) to see if the printer operates independently of the computer; if copy works, the core mechanism is fine.

Run Maintenance Cycles

From the maintenance menu, run a Nozzle Check to confirm printhead health. If patterns are missing, run Cleaning and recheck. Although clogs don't directly cause 00033, printers may halt if they detect failed initialization of the head. Keeping the head clear prevents cascading errors and reduces the chance of failed updates.

Router Settings to Review

Disable client isolation and make sure the printer and computer are on the same subnet. If your router has parental controls or firewall rules that block outbound connections, allow the printer full internet access during updates. Consider reserving the printer's IP address so ports in Windows or macOS do not break. For mesh systems, pair the printer with the main node during setup to avoid latency spikes that can trigger timeouts.

When to Reset the Printer

If error 00033 persists after network checks, firmware updates, driver reinstall, and paper inspection, perform a network reset (clear Wi-Fi settings) and retry. As a last resort, execute a full restore to factory defaults from the printer's settings menu; this clears custom profiles and may require re-adding fax or scan destinations. After resetting, run through setup again with a stable network and fresh driver install.

Quick Recovery Checklist

• Confirm power, clear visible jams, and note the IP from a network status sheet.
• Reconnect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi or reseat the Ethernet cable; avoid guest networks.
• Reboot router and printer; then check for firmware updates and complete them.
• Reinstall the Epson driver and verify the port points to the correct IP.
• Test via USB to separate network issues from hardware problems.
• Inspect and clean the paper path; run nozzle checks and cleanings.

Follow these steps, and error code 00033 should clear, leaving your Epson printer ready to connect, update, and print without interruptions. Keep this guide nearby for the next time you change routers or see similar network-related codes.