How to Reset Waste Ink Counter on Epson Stylus Photo RX640 Printer

Question:

I have an Epson Stylus Photo RX640 inkjet printer that’s prompting for a waste ink reset. Do you provide support for this model? Also, how can I reset the waste ink counter or restore it to factory settings?

Answer:

Resetting the Waste Ink Counter on the RX640

The Epson Stylus Photo RX640, like many Epson printers, contains an internal waste ink pad that collects ink during printhead cleanings and borderless printing. Over time, the printer tracks how much ink has been absorbed and, when a threshold is reached, it triggers a warning—typically “Service Required”—to indicate the waste ink pad is supposedly full. While the actual pad may not be physically full, Epson includes this as a safeguard against ink overflow.

To reset the waste ink counter on your RX640, you can use third-party utility software such as the WIC Reset Utility provided by Inkchip. Here's how to proceed:

1. Visit WIC Reset Utility by Inkchip (https://inkchip.net/wic/).

2. Download and install the utility compatible with your operating system.

3. Connect your printer to your computer via USB and power it on.

4. The utility should detect your printer model. You’ll have the option to:

   • Read the current waste ink counter value.

   • Reset the waste ink counter using a reset key (available for purchase through the same website).

Be aware that while this resets the firmware counter, it does not physically replace or clean the waste ink pads. If the pads are genuinely saturated, continued use without replacement may cause leakage inside the printer. If you plan to keep using the RX640 long term, consider replacing the waste ink pad or installing an external waste ink tank (a mod that reroutes excess ink into a bottle).

Factory Resetting the RX640

Resetting the RX640 to factory settings (network, maintenance, print settings) can usually be done from the printer’s onboard menu. Here’s a general guide:

1. Press the Setup button.

2. Navigate to Maintenance or Reset All Settings.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to restore to default.

However, keep in mind that a factory reset does not reset the waste ink counter—you’ll still need the WIC Reset Utility for that.

Please note: Resolving printer issues often requires hands-on work. Unfortunately, we cannot offer remote support or individualized troubleshooting for repairs. However, we do offer a walk-in evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high volume, repairs are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and turnaround times may take several weeks. Our services include part-specific and full-unit repairs with clearly defined procedures. While our rates may not be the most budget-friendly, we encourage DIY repair where possible. We recommend checking our YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for helpful tutorials. Use the search bar next to “About” on our channel to locate specific content. With hundreds of videos created over the past nine years, using YouTube’s built-in search is often the fastest way to find what you need. You might also discover helpful content from other creators this way.

Thank you once again for your question and for being part of the BCH Technologies community. We’re always here to support your printing needs.