Reset Epson L396 May 2026
To fix ink level display:
To fix waste ink pad error (Service Required):
To factory reset settings:
The reset Epson L396 process is not illegal nor does it permanently damage the printer if done correctly. It simply restores the counter so you can continue using a perfectly functional machine. Follow this guide carefully, always clean the pad first, and you can double or triple the life of your EcoTank printer.
Have questions or a unique error code? Leave a comment below (if on a blog) or consult an Epson service technician for hardware-level repairs.
How to Reset Epson L396 : A Comprehensive Guide to Fixing Service Errors Epson L396
printer is suddenly flashing red lights or displaying a "Service Required" message stating that the ink pads are at the end of their service life, you don't necessarily need to buy a new printer. This guide explains how to reset the internal waste ink counter to restore your printer to full working order. Understanding the "Service Required" Error Epson printers like the
have internal waste ink pads that collect excess ink during head cleaning and printing. A software counter tracks this usage and will eventually lock the printer once it reaches 100%, even if the pads aren't physically overflowing yet. Common Symptoms: Alternating flashing red lights (Ink and Paper icons).
Error messages like "The printer's ink pads are at the end of their service life". Printer refuses to start any print jobs. Method 1: Using the Epson Adjustment Program (Resetter)
This is the most common method for a complete factory-level reset of the waste ink counter.
Epson L396 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. can be reset in two primary ways: a software reset to clear the "Service Required" error (waste ink pad counter) or a hardware/panel reset to restore network and factory settings. Waste Ink Pad Counter Reset reset epson l396
When your printer shows blinking red lights and the message "The printer's ink pads are at the end of their service life," you must reset the internal counter using specialized software.
Adjustment Program (AdjProg): This is a maintenance utility specifically for the Epson L396.
Download and extract the adjustment program (often requires disabling antivirus temporarily).
Select Particular Adjustment Mode and choose Waste ink pad counter. Check the Main pad counter box, then click Initialize.
Turn the printer off and back on when prompted to complete the process.
WIC Reset Utility: A third-party alternative that supports reading and resetting waste ink counters. It often requires purchasing a one-time "Reset Key" but is generally more user-friendly and compatible with both Windows and macOS. Factory and Network Reset
If you need to clear network settings or restore the printer to its original state (e.g., to fix Wi-Fi connection issues), use the control panel buttons. Network Settings Reset: Turn off the printer. Press and hold the Network Status (Information) button.
While holding it, press and hold the Power button until the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct lights flash alternately.
Release both buttons and wait for the lights to stop flashing.
Control Panel Menu: For models with an LCD screen, navigate to Settings > Restore Default Settings > Clear All Data and Settings Microsoft Q&A. When to Reset Recommended Action "Service Required" / 2 Red Blinking Lights To fix ink level display:
Use the Adjustment Program or WIC Reset to clear the ink pad counter YouTube. Cannot Connect to Wi-Fi
Perform a Network Settings Reset using the button combination YouTube. Incorrect Print Settings
Restore Factory Defaults via the printer driver settings on your computer YouTube.
Note: Resetting the waste ink counter is a temporary software fix. Epson recommends physically replacing the waste ink pads to prevent actual ink overflow and potential damage to your printer.
Are you seeing a specific error code on your screen, or are the ink and paper lights flashing?
To reset your Epson L396, you typically need to address one of three issues: a "Service Required" message (waste ink pad counter), network settings, or a general hardware reset. 1. Resetting the Waste Ink Pad Counter
When you see the "Service Required" message or the ink and paper lights are flashing alternately, the printer's internal counter has reached its limit.
Adjustment Program (Resetter): This is a specific maintenance utility.
Connect the printer via USB (not Wi-Fi) and ensure it is turned on.
Open the Adjustment Program and click Select to choose the L396 model and its USB port. To fix waste ink pad error (Service Required):
Enter Particular Adjustment Mode and select Waste ink pad counter.
Check the "Main pad counter" box, click Check to see current levels, then click Initialize to reset them to zero.
Turn the printer off and back on when prompted to complete the process.
WIC Reset Utility: An alternative third-party tool that requires a "Reset Key" (often a paid service) but offers a more streamlined interface for both Windows and Mac. 2. Resetting Wi-Fi Settings
If you cannot connect to your network or need to pair with a new device: Turn off the printer.
Press and hold the Network Status (i) button and the Power button simultaneously for about 4–5 seconds.
Release the buttons when the network lights begin to flash. Once the lights stop flashing and turn off, the Wi-Fi settings are reset. 3. General Hardware Reset For minor glitches or to clear the print queue: How to Reset Ink Pad Epson L382, Epson L386 Printer?
The Epson L396 tracks ink usage via software. After physically refilling a tank, you must tell the printer you have refilled it.
Steps:
If the printer still shows low ink, repeat the process but hold the button for 10 seconds.
You’ve successfully reset the Epson L396. But the ink pad is still filling up. Here’s how to avoid needing another reset for 1–2 years.