Reset Epson L396 May 2026

To reset an Epson L396 , you typically need to address the "Service Required" error, which occurs when the waste ink pad counter reaches its limit. You can perform a waste ink pad reset using software or a network reset using physical buttons. 1. Resetting the Waste Ink Pad Counter

This is the most common reason for a reset, indicated by the ink and paper lights blinking alternately. Software Method (Adjustment Program): Preparation : Connect your printer via

(Wi-Fi will not work for this). Disable antivirus software and Windows real-time protection, as they often flag these utilities as false positives. Select Model : Run the "Adjustment Program" as an administrator. Click and choose and the correct USB port. Maintenance Mode Particular adjustment mode Waste ink pad counter Initialize : Check the box for "Main pad counter," click to see the current status, and then click Initialize

: Turn the printer off and back on when prompted to complete the process. WIC Reset Utility : A popular alternative is the WIC Reset Utility

, which is more user-friendly but usually requires purchasing a "Reset Key". wic-reset.com 2. Resetting Network Settings reset epson l396

If you are having connectivity issues, you can reset the Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults. Epson L396: supported functions by WIC Reset Utility

To reset your Epson L396, you typically need to Waste Ink Pad Counter Adjustment Program (Resetter tool)

. This process clears the "Service Required" error that occurs when the printer's internal ink pads are theoretically full. How to Reset Waste Ink Pad Counter

This procedure requires a Windows computer and a USB connection. Download and Prepare : Obtain the Epson L396 Adjustment Program . You may need to temporarily disable antivirus software To reset an Epson L396 , you typically

or Windows Real-time Protection, as these tools are often flagged as false positives. Connect the Printer

: Ensure your printer is powered on and connected to your computer via Run the Program AdjProg.exe . If prompted, run it as an Administrator Select Printer Model from the Model Name list. Select the correct where your printer is connected, then click Enter Maintenance Mode Particular Adjustment Mode Find and select Waste Ink Pad Counter from the list and click Reset the Counter Check the box for Main Pad Counter button to see the current usage percentage. Main Pad Counter box again and click Initialize A prompt will appear; click to confirm the reset. A message will tell you to turn the printer off

Turn off the printer, then turn it back on. The "Service Required" error should be gone. Other Reset Methods Network Settings Reset

: To reset only Wi-Fi/network settings, turn the printer off, then press and hold the Network Status button Power button simultaneously until the Wi-Fi lights flash. Hard Reset (Buttons) : Some models allow a button-based reset by holding the "i" (Information) button Power button ⚠️ Important Warning

for about 5 seconds while turning the printer on, though this is primarily for newer EcoTank models. Important Maintenance Note

Resetting the software counter does not physically clean the ink pads. If they are actually full, ink may eventually leak. It is highly recommended to physically wash or replace the absorbent foam inside the printer after a reset. download link for the L396 adjustment program or instructions on how to physically replace the ink pads? How to Reset Epson L396 With Resetter


⚠️ Important Warning

3. Hard Reset (for unresponsive printer)

  1. Turn off printer.
  2. Unplug power cord and USB.
  3. Wait 2 minutes.
  4. Plug back only power, turn on.
  5. If still unresponsive, try holding Stop + Power + Color Copy for 10 seconds.

5.2 Procedure

  1. Turn off the printer.
  2. Connect printer to PC via USB. Turn printer on.
  3. Run the Epson Adjustment Program as Administrator (Windows).
  4. Select your printer model: L396.
  5. Click Select (printer will initialize).
  6. Click Particular adjustment mode.
  7. From the list, select Waste ink pad counter.
  8. Check both boxes: Main pad counter and Platen pad counter.
  9. Click Check to read current values.
  10. Click Initialization to reset counters to zero.
  11. A warning will appear. Confirm only if you have replaced or cleaned the waste ink pad.
  12. Turn printer off, wait 10 seconds, then turn on.

Part 2: Two Types of Reset – Which One Do You Need?

There is confusion online about “resetting” an Epson L396. Let’s clarify:

| Type of Reset | What it does | When to use | | --- | --- | --- | | Hard / Factory Reset | Resets settings (Wi-Fi, language, preferences) | Selling printer, fixing network issues | | Service Reset (Ink Pad) | Resets the waste ink counter | When you see “Service required” error |

For the error described above, you need a SERVICE RESET. Ignore guides telling you to hold buttons to reset the Epson L396 – that’s for network or factory settings only.


1. Reset Waste Ink Pad Counter (Most Common)

When you see “Service required” or “Parts inside your printer are at the end of their service life”, the waste ink pad counter needs resetting.