How to Reset Epson Waste Ink Counter and Prevent Overflow from Ink Pads

Question:
I’m using the WIC resetter, and while it resets the counter, ink still flows into the waste ink pads. I’m worried the pads may overflow and damage the circuit board. Also, once the waste ink pad lock appears, the setup utility won’t run because the printer is locked. Are there any other ways to unlock the printer?

Answer:

You’ve raised an excellent point—resetting the counter does not stop the physical flow of waste ink into the printer’s pads. That’s why handling both the electronic reset and the physical ink collection is essential. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Resetting the Waste Ink Counter

Epson printers, including older models like the Stylus Photo RX640, have a built-in counter that locks the printer when it estimates the waste ink pads are near saturation. To reset this:

• Use software tools such as Inkchip WIC (https://inkchip.net/wic) or WICreset. Both will clear the counter and allow the printer to run again.

• We typically recommend Inkchip because it is user-friendly and cost-effective.

Important note: The WIC reset clears the electronic counter but does not remove ink from the pads themselves. Without addressing the pads or rerouting the ink, the printer risks overflowing.

2. Preventing Waste Ink Pad Overflow

Even after resetting, ink continues to flow into the absorbent waste ink pads. Over time, these pads can become saturated and leak, potentially damaging the printer’s circuitry. To avoid this:

• Install an external waste ink tank kit. Your printer’s output tube measures 2.5 mm, so both 2.5 mm kits and 4.0 mm kits are compatible when using a dual connector.

  • 2.5 mm Kit – directly matches the output tube size.

  • 4.0 mm Kit – can be used if you need extended compatibility for larger tubing setups.

• The waste ink tank is a simple container and does not include any electronic reset capability—it’s purely mechanical. It ensures the ink has a safe place to go instead of flooding the internal pads.

3. Printers with Chip-Equipped Waste Tanks

Some Epson models use waste tanks that have electronic chips. If your printer has such a design, a software reset alone will not work. In those cases:

• Identify your waste tank model.

• Purchase a dedicated physical resetter that matches that tank’s chip system.

• This allows both the physical overflow problem and the electronic lock to be addressed.

4. Unlocking After Waste Ink Lock Appears

Once the waste ink counter lock engages, the Epson setup utility generally won’t run until the reset is performed. Unfortunately, there isn’t a bypass inside Epson’s software. The only way to restore functionality is by using WIC reset software with a valid reset key or, for chip-based tanks, a physical reset tool.

Working on printers’ waste ink systems can be messy and complex, and it’s easy to run into unexpected issues. That’s why we can’t provide step-by-step remote troubleshooting or repair support. However, we do offer an in-person printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). This service runs on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to high demand, it may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer. We can repair entire printers or specific components, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we recognize that our repair rates may not be the most economical. That’s why we strongly encourage self-help through online resources. You can start by exploring our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon near the “About” tab to locate specific tutorials—we’ve built hundreds of videos over the past nine years, and YouTube’s search function (and related recommendations) often connects users with exactly what they need.

Thank you once again for reaching out to us. We truly appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies and your continued support of our community.