Epson L396 E11 Error Solution – USB Reset with WicReset Connect
If your Epson L396 shows Ink Pad Needs Service or Service required (E11), the waste ink counter likely hit its limit. Use WicReset Connect + key to reset in ~2 minutes. Keys from 6 EUR, Windows 7–11, USB.
When Epson L396 Needs Reset – Symptoms
- Printer refuses to print, LEDs flashing.
- Shows Error E11 or Service required.
- Displays warning: Ink Pad Needs Service.
Why Epson L396 stops
Epson L396 blocks operation at a set waste ink counter level. Resetting this software counter often solves the issue without changing pads.
Quick facts – Epson L396 reset
| Model | Error | Solution | OS | Reset time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson L396 | Error E11 / Ink Pad Needs Service | WicReset Connect | Windows 7–11 (USB only) | ~2 minutes |
Download reset tool & driver
No verified official Epson driver found for Epson L396. Please refer to Epson Setup Navi for compatible software.
Video tutorial
Available in many languages with narration.
Reset steps for Epson L396
- Connect Epson L396 to your PC via USB cable.
- Launch WicReset Connect and ensure the printer is detected.
- Buy a reset key, input it, and click Reset.
- Wait ~2 minutes, then turn the printer off and on again.
FAQ – Epson L396
Why “Ink Pad Needs Service” appears?
Because the waste ink counter reached its limit.
What is the waste ink counter?
A software estimate of ink absorbed during maintenance/cleaning.
Is it safe to reset?
Yes — it only clears a software counter, no hardware is modified.
Will print quality improve?
Reset restores printing, but quality depends on maintenance and ink.
Do I need internet?
Yes — to validate your reset key online.
Tips for Epson L396 reset
- Reset around ~95% to avoid full lock.
- Reduce unnecessary head cleanings.
- Use a short, high-quality USB cable for stability.
This page is dedicated to Epson L396 reset instructions using WicReset Connect.
Fix “The Ink Pad Needs Service” Error – Supported Epson Models
What you need
- WicReset Connect key (only about €6 – the cheapest option)
- Windows PC
- USB cable
Time required
About 2 minutes
Difficulty
Very easy
Works for errors
- Epson: E10, E11, E12, E91 and similar service errors
- Canon: 1700, 5800 and similar waste ink / support code errors
- Messages like “Waste ink counter full”, “Ink pad at the end of its service life”
Supported printer series
Epson: Artisan, B / BX, C / CX, D / DX, EP / EW, EcoTank (ET), K, L-series, M / ME, N / NX, P / PX / PM, Photo, R / RX, S / SC / SX, T / TX, WorkForce / WF and many other popular series.
Reset Epson ink pad service
If your Epson shows messages like “Ink pad is at the end of its service life”, “Ink pad service required” or “Waste ink pad full”, you can reset the Epson ink pad service using a WicReset Connect key. The program resets the internal waste ink counter, so the printer works again without visiting a service center.
- Fixes “Epson ink pad service” / “Service required” warnings in a few minutes.
- Works as a reset Epson ink pad service solution for most EcoTank, L-series, ET-series, XP, WF and Stylus printers.
- No hardware resetter needed – only a Windows PC, USB cable and WicReset Connect.
FAQ (short)
Q: Do I need to replace the physical ink pad?
A: In most home and office cases you only reset the waste ink counter with WicReset Connect and keep using the printer normally.
Q: Is this a one-time reset?
A: Each key resets the counter once. You can repeat the procedure in the future with another key if the message appears again.

