Fixing “Wrong ID Code” During Chipless Conversion on Epson Printers: Causes and Solutions

Customer Question:
I attempted to activate a chipless conversion for my Epson printer but received a “wrong ID code” error during the online activation process. Does the printer need to be connected to WiFi for this to work? If yes, how can I connect it if the printer won’t detect the black ink cartridge?

Answer:

Why You’re Seeing the “Wrong ID Code” Error

The error you're encountering—“wrong ID code”—typically appears when the activation tool is unable to validate the printer's ID through the chipless software server. One of the most common reasons for this is that the printer isn’t connected to the Internet. Activation requires your printer to communicate with the server in real time to verify the license key and hardware ID.

Does the Printer Need to Be Online?

Yes, the printer must be connected to the internet, either through WiFi or Ethernet (if supported), during the activation process. Without this connection, the activation software cannot retrieve or confirm the hardware ID needed for key validation.

Problem: Can't Connect to WiFi Because of Missing or Undetected Ink

Many Epson printers will block WiFi setup if one or more ink cartridges are missing or not recognized—particularly the black ink cartridge, which is often required to complete the setup menu. This is a frustrating limitation, especially when performing chipless conversions or firmware modifications.

Temporary Workaround

To resolve this, temporarily install a working or recognized black cartridge—it doesn’t have to be full. The goal is to trick the printer into allowing access to the WiFi setup screen. Once WiFi is configured and the printer is successfully online, you can proceed with the chipless activation process. After activation, you can go back to using your preferred ink system setup.

Additional Tips

• Make sure your computer firewall or antivirus software isn’t blocking the chipless tool.

• If you have multiple activation attempts that failed, double-check that you're not reusing a key linked to a different printer ID.

• Restart both your printer and computer before attempting another activation.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service] via our local diagnostic facility. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It might take a few weeks before we can get your printer scheduled for drop-off. Our services cover both full printer repairs and individual part diagnostics, with step-by-step guidance. However, our pricing may not suit all budgets. That’s why we recommend exploring self-help options through online research. A great starting point is our YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. Use the search icon on the right side of the channel's menu bar to locate specific topics. With over nine years of video content, this search tool is the most effective way to find what you need—even if you’re not sure we’ve covered it yet. YouTube might also suggest other helpful resources from fellow creators.

Thank you once again for your support and patience. We're here to help however we can and appreciate your dedication to learning and problem-solving!