A scan error occurs when your Epson scanner is detected but fails to complete a scan. You may see “Scan Error,” “Scanner Communication Error,” “Cannot complete scan,” or error codes. This problem can be caused by driver issues, software conflicts, or hardware problems.
Check the Scanner Glass and Document Placement
The simplest cause of scan errors is improper document placement. Ensure the document is placed face-down on the scanner glass, aligned with the corner arrows. For the automatic document feeder (ADF), ensure the pages are correctly loaded and not stuck. If the scanner cannot detect the document, it will error. Clean the scanner glass with a lint-free cloth. Smudges or debris can confuse the scanner. Proper document placement is essential.
Restart the Scanner Software and Computer
A temporary software glitch can cause scan errors. Close all scanning software. Restart your computer. After restart, open the scanning software and try again. Also, turn off your printer, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. A full restart of both devices clears temporary errors that can cause scan failures. This simple step resolves many scan errors.
Run a Test Scan from the Printer’s Control Panel
To determine if the problem is with the printer or the computer, run a scan directly from the printer’s control panel. Use the printer’s built-in scan function to scan to a USB drive or email. If the scan works, the scanner hardware is fine. The problem is with your computer’s software or connection. If the scan fails from the printer, the scanner hardware may have a problem. This diagnostic step saves time.
Reinstall Epson Scan Software
Corrupted scanning software is a common cause of scan errors. Uninstall all Epson software from Control Panel > Programs and Features. Restart your computer. Download the full driver package from the official Epson website. Install it, ensuring “Epson Scan” or “Epson Scan 2” is selected. After installation, restart your computer. A fresh installation of the scanning software often resolves scan errors. Do not use third-party scanning software until you have tested with Epson’s own software.
Check for Conflicting Applications
Other applications may be using the scanner, causing a conflict. Close all applications that might use the scanner: PDF readers, image editors, fax software, and other scanning programs. Restart your computer and only open your scanning software. If the scan works, an application was holding the scanner open. Identify the conflicting application by opening them one by one. Application conflicts are a common cause of “scanner busy” errors.
Update Scanner Driver
An outdated scanner driver can cause scan errors. Go to Device Manager. Expand “Imaging devices” or “Scanners.” Find your Epson scanner. Right-click and select “Update driver” > “Search automatically for drivers.” If no update is found, visit the Epson website for the latest driver. After updating, restart your computer. A new driver includes fixes for common scan errors. Driver issues are a common cause of scan failures after Windows updates.
Increase Scan Resolution for Problem Documents
Very low resolution scans (50-75 DPI) can sometimes cause errors because the scanner cannot focus properly. Try scanning at 200 DPI or higher. Conversely, very high resolution scans (1200 DPI or more) can cause memory errors. Try a medium resolution like 300 DPI. Adjusting resolution can resolve scan errors that occur at certain settings. Experiment with different resolutions to find one that works.
Check for Paper Jams in the ADF
If you are using the automatic document feeder (ADF), a paper jam can cause scan errors. Open the ADF cover and check for stuck paper. Remove any paper you find. Also, clean the ADF rollers. Dirty ADF rollers can cause paper to feed incorrectly, resulting in scan errors. After clearing and cleaning, try scanning again. ADF issues are a common cause of scan errors on all-in-one printers.
Perform a Scanner Calibration
Some Epson scanners have a calibration feature. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Maintenance > Scanner Calibration. Run the calibration. The scanner will scan a white reference area to adjust its sensors. Calibration resolves scan errors caused by sensor drift. This feature is not available on all models. Check your manual. Calibration can fix persistent scan errors that survive other troubleshooting.
Reset the Scanner Using the Adjustment Program
The Epson Adjustment Program (third-party) has scanner reset functions. Download the program for your specific model. Run it as administrator. Navigate to “Scanner Reset” or “Scanner Calibration.” Follow the prompts. This can clear corrupted scanner settings. Use with caution. This is for advanced users. A scanner reset is a last resort before considering hardware failure.
Conclusion
Epson printer scan errors are resolved by checking document placement, restarting devices and software, running a test scan from the printer, reinstalling Epson Scan software, checking for conflicting applications, updating scanner drivers, adjusting scan resolution, checking the ADF for jams, performing scanner calibration, and resetting the scanner using the adjustment program. Most scan errors are caused by software issues or document placement. By systematically working through these solutions, you can successfully complete scans.