How to Reset the Waste Ink Pad Counter on an Epson ET-2720: WIC Reset Safety, Legitimacy, Cost, and Replacement Options

Question:
I replaced the waste ink pad on my Epson ET-2720 after it reached capacity, but the printer still told me to contact Epson. Epson then said the reset could only be completed by an authorized dealer, and the nearest one is too far away to be practical. I found information online about using WIC Reset and buying a reset key, but I am worried the software may not be legitimate or safe, especially on a MacBook Air. Someone also tried using it on an older PC without success. I would like to know whether WIC Reset is legitimate, whether it usually works, whether I can install and use it myself, whether BCH Technologies can do the reset, and whether it makes more sense to replace the printer instead.

Answer:

What you are seeing is normal for the Epson ET-2720. Replacing the physical waste ink pad does not by itself clear the printer's internal waste ink counter. On this model, the printer keeps track of waste ink usage electronically. Once that internal counter reaches its limit, the printer will continue showing the service message even if you have already installed a new pad. In other words, there are really two parts to the repair: the physical replacement of the waste ink pad and the software reset of the waste ink counter.

There are generally two types of waste ink systems in Epson printers. One type uses a chip on the maintenance box or tank, so the printer can recognize a newly installed part automatically or with a physical reset mechanism. The other type does not rely on a replaceable chip and instead requires a software reset. The Epson ET-2720 falls into the second category. That is why software such as WIC Reset or InkChip is commonly used after the waste pad has been replaced.

For your specific questions:

1. Is WIC Reset legitimate and safe to install on a MacBook Air?
WIC Reset is widely known in the printer repair community as a tool used to reset waste ink counters on many Epson printers. In that sense, it is a real and commonly used utility. However, when it comes to whether it is completely safe to install on a specific MacBook Air, I have to be careful and honest: my knowledge is limited there, and I do not want to overstate certainty. The safest approach is to download only from the official provider and contact their support directly with your exact Mac model and macOS version before installing. That is especially important because Mac compatibility can vary depending on the operating system version, Apple security settings, and whether the software has been updated recently.

So, in practical terms, yes, it is generally regarded as a legitimate reset utility, but for Mac-specific safety and compatibility, you should confirm directly with the WIC Reset or InkChip provider before installing it.

2. Does it normally solve the counter reset issue?
Yes, in most cases, software reset is exactly what solves this problem on an ET-2720 after the waste pad has been replaced. If the only issue is that the printer's internal waste ink counter has reached its limit, then resetting that counter normally clears the service condition and allows the printer to operate again.

That said, this assumes the waste ink pad was replaced correctly and there is no additional hardware problem. If the pad is not installed correctly, or if there is an internal leak, overflow, or related issue, resetting the counter alone would not be enough. But under normal circumstances, yes, the reset is the correct next step.

3. Can I install and use it myself?
Yes, many people do this themselves, especially if they can follow directions carefully. On a Windows PC, the process is usually more straightforward. Both WIC Reset and InkChip are commonly used on PC for this kind of job.

For Mac, I need to be more cautious. I do not want to mislead you, because I do not have enough first-hand Mac-specific knowledge to walk you through that part confidently. If you use a PC, the process is usually manageable for a non-technical user as long as you follow the instructions step by step. The main tasks are typically installing the software, connecting the printer, reading the waste ink counter status, purchasing or entering the reset key, and performing the reset.

If someone already tried it on an older PC and it failed, that does not automatically mean the reset tool is illegitimate. It could be due to operating system compatibility, USB communication problems, printer driver issues, permissions, or software version mismatch. In many cases, using a newer Windows PC resolves those issues.

4. Can BCH Technologies reset the counter if I bring in the printer and Mac? What is the cost?
Yes, we can reset the counter for you, and the charge would be $50. Since the reset itself is performed on the printer side, the main issue is simply having a compatible setup available. Bringing the printer in is the important part. If you also bring the Mac, that is fine, but the most important thing is the printer itself.

5. Would it be better to buy a new printer? Can you recommend one that is easier for owners to maintain at home?
That really comes down to your preference, budget, and how much you want to continue working with the ET-2720. If the printer is otherwise in good condition, resetting the waste ink counter is usually far less expensive than replacing the printer. Since you already replaced the waste ink pad, you are already most of the way through the repair. In many cases, it makes more sense to finish the reset and keep using the machine.

If you prefer to stay with a refillable, non-cartridge style printer, Epson EcoTank models are still the category most people look at first. They are popular because of their low ink cost and tank-based system. However, no printer is truly maintenance-free, and most inkjet printers will eventually have some form of waste ink management, cleaning cycle buildup, or maintenance requirement. Some models are easier to live with than others, but there is no perfect home printer that completely avoids these issues.

If you want to compare newer options, searching for Epson EcoTank printers is a good starting point. That will give you a broad range of current models with different features and price points. In general, choosing a model with widely available parts, strong user communities, and good service documentation tends to make home ownership easier in the long run.

One more point that may help: the message you are seeing after pad replacement is usually tied to the printer's waste ink counter reaching its limit, not necessarily to a separate hardware fault code. On many Epson printers, the screen simply directs the user to contact Epson or seek service once that threshold is reached. So the fact that the message remains after pad replacement is consistent with the printer still needing the software reset.

Printer problems like this can be tricky because they are so hands-on. Because of that, we are not able to provide remote troubleshooting, repair suggestions, or repair support in a step-by-step live format. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair option through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to heavy demand, everything is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we are able to accept a printer for drop-off. Our services are set up to repair either a complete printer or specific components, with clear instructions on how to proceed. That said, we understand that our rates may not be the cheapest option, so we strongly encourage self-help through online research whenever possible. A good place to begin is YouTube, including our BCH Technologies YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar to look for videos on your exact topic. We receive many questions every day asking whether we have made a video on a specific issue, and after producing videos for so many years, the fastest method is usually to search directly on YouTube. It may also recommend useful videos from other channels that can help.

Thank you again for reaching out to us and for your support. We truly appreciate your patience, your trust, and your continued engagement with BCH Technologies.