Epson error E-11 / E-12: causes and how to fix
Updated 2026-06-27 · VNIT — 10 years repairing printers & laptops · Nationwide support
Your screen-equipped Epson shows error E-11 or E-12 with “Service Required” and won't print? Don't worry — it is not seriously broken. On models with a display (L3250, L3260, L5290, ET series…) these two codes report the same familiar problem: the waste ink pad counter is full. This guide explains how E-11 and E-12 differ and how to fix them correctly.
What are E-11 and E-12?
On Epson printers with an LCD or that report via Smart Panel (phone app), the waste ink pad error shows not as blinking lights but as an alphanumeric code. E-11 and E-12 both mean the waste ink pad counter is full — the same root cause as “ink pad is at the end of its service life” on screenless machines.
Before hard-locking with E-11/E-12, some machines first show an early warning like W-01/W-11 (still prints, but prepare to deal with it). Once it jumps to E-11/E-12 the printer locks printing and the counter must be reset to continue.
How do E-11 and E-12 differ?
Both are waste ink overflow, but the two codes point to two different pad counters inside the machine:
- E-11 — the main waste pad counter is full. This is the most common code.
- E-12 — the secondary / borderless (platen) pad counter is full, common on machines that print a lot of borderless photos.
When resetting, the technician must reset the matching counter (some machines need both reset). This is why using the right tool and the correct steps is what clears the error properly.
How to fix error E-11 / E-12
The fix is to reset the waste ink pad counter to 0% in software:
- Step 1 — Identify the model (L3250, L3260, L5290, L4150, ET series…).
- Step 2 — Choose the right tool. Common models that show E-11/E-12 such as L3250, L3260 — VNIT resets them directly, with no key for you to buy (doing it yourself usually needs WIC + key); older lines use Adjustment Program; some ET models need checking first.
- Step 3 — Reset the matching counter (E-11: main pad; E-12: secondary pad) and test print. Code clears, printer prints again.
- Step 4 — Check the pad if the machine has been reset many times, to prevent future overflow.
⚠️ If a different E code remains after the reset (E-01, 0x97…), that is a hardware fault, not the counter — it needs separate inspection by a technician.
Which models show E-11 / E-12?
Models with a screen or using Smart Panel often hit this: L3250, L3256, L3260, L3266, L5290, L3150, L3160, L4150, L4160, L6160/6170/6190, M2140 and many ET-series machines. For the exact reset method per machine, check the Epson reset table by model or send your model on Zalo and VNIT will check it for free.
VNIT has its own reset tool and zeroes the waste ink pad counter directly for most common Epson models — you do not need to buy a WIC key. Our technician connects via UltraViewer/TeamViewer, resets safely and advises you on the pad — From 150,000₫, with warranty. Available anywhere in Vietnam, no need to carry the printer to a shop.