How to Reset an Epson Ink Cartridge Chip

Easy ways to reset an Epson ink cartridge chip with and without a resetting tool

Co-authored by Mitch Harris and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: August 28, 2024 Fact Checked

If your Epson printer is reporting that your ink cartridge is empty after you've refilled it, you'll need to reset its chip. Even if you didn't refill the cartridge, there's usually a bit of ink left in the "empty" cartridge that you can only use if you reset the chip. This wikiHow teaches you how to reset your Epson ink cartridge chip using a cartridge chip reset tool, paperclips, or by swapping chips with another cartridge.

Quick Guide to Resetting an Epson Ink Cartridge Chip

Locate the microchip on your ink cartridge.
Insert a chip reset tool or a paperclip into the pinhole reset button above the metal strips of the chip.
Place the cartridge back into the printer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Cartridge Chip Reset Tool

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1
Get the right cartridge chip reset tool. A cartridge reset tool is a plastic device with pins that, when inserted into the pinholes on your cartridge, reset the chip inside. The pins on the reset tool must line up with your cartridge's holes, which are on the bottom or side edge. Different models' cartridges have different numbers and arrangements of pin holes. To find the right chip reset tool, search the web for "Epson cartridge chip reset tool" along with the exact model of your printer (e.g., WT-7620).
- Most cartridges have either 7 or 9 pinholes in a cluster. Compare a picture of the pins on the reset tool to the number and arrangement of pinholes on the bottom of your print cartridge before purchasing.
- If you don't see a cluster of pinholes, look for a small green microchip somewhere on the cartridge—it will either have one single pinhole just above or below it, or two round metal contacts at the top or bottom. In this case, see the Using a Paperclip method.
- "Universal" chip reset tools are NOT universal for all models—some tools marked as "Universal" have 7 pins, while others have 9.
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Each chip reset tool is uniquely shaped to accommodate ink cartridges from different Epson printer models.
The LED on the cartridge tool may blink several times to indicate that a connection is being made. This depends on the reset tool you purchased.
Once the light on the reset tool goes solid, you can disconnect the tool. Your Epson ink cartridge chip is now reset and ready for use.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Paperclip

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1
Locate the pinhole(s) or contacts on your cartridge. You can use a paper clip to reset your Epson cartridge chip if there's a single pinhole on the small green microchip on the bottom or side of the cartridge. If there are two round metal contacts at the top or bottom of the chip, you'll actually need two paperclips.
- If you have a cluster of 7 to 9 pinholes instead, see this method.
The goal is to have about an inch or so of straight-ish paperclip that you can easily insert into the contact hole (or two paperclips, if you have dual metal contacts on your cartridge).^{[1]
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Insert the end of the paperclip into the pinhole. Press down gently so the pin lies flat against the metal contact inside for a few seconds, and then remove the paperclip. This should reset your cartridge.
Lay the cartridge on a flat surface so the chip is facing upwards—you'll need both hands to use the two paperclips at the same time. Then, place the ends of the extended paperclips against the two metal contacts at the same time. After you've held metal against the contacts for a few seconds, the cartridge chip will reset.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Swapping Cartridge Chips

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1
Remove both the color and black ink cartridges from your Epson printer. If you ran out of either color or black ink and you're in a pinch, you can remove the chip from your other cartridge and insert it into the one that registers as empty. This will trick the "empty" cartridge into thinking it has as much ink as the other cartridge.
- This will only work if the chip in the other cartridge is not also out of ink.
- You can also use a chip from another matching cartridge for your model.
2
Use a single-sided razor blade to remove the chips from each cartridge. On most models, you'll do this by slipping the razor edge below the chip and gently lifting it from the cartridge.^{[2]
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Research source} On other models, you may have to trim away excess plastic from the top post of the ink cartridge that is holding the chip in place first.
- Be sure to keep track of which chip came from which cartridge—if you put the same chip back into the same cartridge, the chip will not reset.
The chips will pop back into place easily. This will trick your printer into thinking the empty cartridge is now full, based on how much ink exists in the other cartridge.
4
Place both ink cartridges back into your Epson printer. If your printer has an Ink Change button, press it after re-inserting the cartridges. If not, wait until the printer scans and recognizes the "new" ink levels, which can take about 90 seconds.^{[3]
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- If you have an Ink Change button, press it again once the printer is ready before you continue.
Now you'll be reinserting the original chips into each cartridge—this ensures that both cartridges register as having the same level of ink.
If you have an ink change button, press it again. If not, wait another 90 seconds or so for the printer to recognize the cartridges and register the ink levels. Both the black and color ink cartridges now reflect the same levels of ink, and you can get more ink out of the empty cartridge Epson had originally requested that you replace.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Will a chip resetter work on an Epson cartridge? It won't function if the ink cartridge is not genuine.

Community Answer

I have not seen a chip resetter for many current models. For example, my XP440 cannot swap chips and no resetter tool is available.

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How can I tell if my Epson has a chip resetter?

Community Answer

The printer cannot reset the chip; there is a tool which resets the chip on the cartridge.

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Question

Is there a reset chip tool for an Epson xp-440 cartridge?

Community Answer

No there are no resetter tools available and the chips will not swap either.

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Tips

Try placing new batteries in the chip reset tool if the device does not light up when pressed against your ink cartridge. When the lights on the chip reset tool fail to illuminate, either the batteries have died, or the device is not compatible with your ink cartridge chip.

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Consider purchasing refill cartridges made by other manufacturers that are compatible with your Epson printer. Some refill cartridges contain automatic reset chips that can support up to several refills before the purchase of a new cartridge is required.

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