How to Reset EPSON M205 Printer

The EPSON M205 is a solid monochrome all-in-one printer built for reliability and low running costs. It’s perfect for office documents and daily black-and-white printing. But if you’ve been using your M205 for a while, you might suddenly see a message like “Service Required” or notice that the printer just won’t print—usually with blinking lights.

Don’t worry—your printer probably isn’t broken. What’s likely happening is that your EPSON M205 needs a waste ink pad reset, and you can actually do this yourself at home.

Why Your EPSON M205 Stops Printing

Inside every EPSON printer, there’s a component called the waste ink pad. It collects excess ink during head cleaning and maintenance tasks. Over time, the printer tracks how much ink is collected there using an internal counter.
When that counter reaches a certain limit, the printer stops working to prevent possible ink spillage—even if the pad isn’t physically full yet. This is when you’ll see that common “Service Required” message.
Fortunately, this can be fixed by resetting the ink pad counter.

Signs Your EPSON M205 Needs a Reset

• The ink and power lights alternately flicker.
• The printer refuses to print or reply.
• The error notice “Ink pad is at the end of its service life” appears.
• When you attempt to print, your computer displays a “Service Required” notice.

What You’ll Need to Reset the M205

• A laptop or Windows computer
• If your printer isn’t already connected, a USB cord
• To reset the ink pad counter, use the EPSON M205 Adjustment Program.
• The reset tool must be downloaded from a reliable website using a steady internet connection.

⚠️ Note that this reset does not really replace the ink pad; it merely removes the error notice. Having the waste ink pad cleaned or replaced by a specialist is a smart idea if you’ve had your printer for a long time or have reset it several times.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reset Your EPSON M205

1. Download the Adjustment Program

Search for the EPSON M205 reset utility or Adjustment Program online. Make sure you choose a reputable site to avoid downloading anything unsafe.
Once downloaded, extract the ZIP file and locate the main file—usually named AdjProg.exe.

2. Temporarily Turn Off Your Antivirus (If Needed)

Some antivirus programs may block the tool from running. If this happens, turn off your antivirus temporarily, but be sure to turn it back on once you’re done.

3. Run the Reset Tool

• Double-click AdjProg.exe to open the program.
• Click on “Select” and choose your printer model (EPSON M205).
• Choose the correct USB port where the printer is connected.

4. Reset the Waste Ink Counter

• Click on “Particular Adjustment Mode.”
• Select “Waste Ink Pad Counter.”
• Click “Check” to see the current usage.
• Tick the box that says “Main pad counter.”
• Click “Initialize.”

Wait for the process to complete and confirm any pop-up messages.

5. Restart the Printer

After it’s finished, switch off your printer, give it a few seconds, and then turn it back on. The error notice ought to vanish along with the flickering lights.

What to Do After the Reset

• To make sure the printer is operating correctly, try a test print.
• Verify the print quality and, if necessary, run a cleaning cycle.
• Watch the printer over time; if you reset it a lot, think about replacing the pad.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your EPSON M205 doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. If you’re seeing an error related to the ink pad counter, a quick reset can get you printing again in just a few minutes.

That said, resets are a temporary fix. If you’ve reset the printer more than once, it’s smart to clean or replace the waste ink pads to prevent future problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does my EPSON M205 say “Service Required”?
A: Usually, this warning indicates that the waste ink pad counter on the printer has reached its maximum. Ink overflow inside the machine is prevented by this safety feature. This notice is typically cleared by restarting the counter.
Q2: Is resetting the M205 waste ink pad counter safe?
A: In general, it’s safe as long as you use a reliable reset tool and adhere to the instructions. It only resets the counter; keep in mind that it doesn’t clean or replace the pads themselves.
Q3: How many times can I reset the EPSON M205?
A: You can technically reset it more than once. But after a few resets, the waste ink pads could truly fill up, so you need clean or replace them eventually to prevent ink leaks.
Q4: Can I use the reset tool on a Mac?
A: No, most EPSON reset tools are only compatible with Windows. If you use a Mac, you’ll need access to a Windows PC or run Windows through a virtual machine like Parallels or Boot Camp.
Q5: Do I need internet to reset the printer?
A: You’ll need internet access to download the reset tool. Once downloaded, the actual reset process works offline on your local computer.