Description
Problem description
Epson updates the printer’s software (firmware). After an update, the printer may no longer recognize refillable cartridges or continuous ink supply systems (CISS). That is how the manufacturer prevents the use of non-genuine consumables to protect their printers.
If auto reset chips are no longer recognized once the firmware has been updated, the most likely cause is the manufacturer’s protection.
How to fix the problem?
- Never update your printer's software when you install the printer driver. That will not make your printer work better, but the printer may no longer recognize non-genuine consumables.
- Always uncheck the box ☑️ next to the Update Printer Software option when you install the printer driver.
- If the firmware has been updated and the printer no longer recognizes the cartridges, you need to downgrade the firmware to an earlier version. To downgrade the firmware, you will need to buy a code and enter it once.
How do I downgrade the firmware version?
- Download and install the utility from this website's home page.
- Go to the Models tab and find your printer model from the list to make sure the utility supports your model. Hover the cursor on the ⓘ next to the model name. The firmware version you can downgrade to will be shown at the bottom of the pop-up window.
- On the Control tab, use the Report button to determine the current firmware version. Compare the date of the current version with the date of the version you can downgrade to shown on the Models tab. If the current version is newer, the firmware can be downgraded.
- Buy a code to change your printer's firmware on this page.
- On the Control tab, find the Firmware item and use the Change Firmware Version button.
- Follow the utility's prompts to downgrade the firmware version.
Downgrading process (video)
This is important!
- Make sure the error is not caused by damaged chips in the cartridges or the CISS, because downgrading the firmware version will not fix that problem.
- Only change the firmware version if you are sure that it needs to be done to resolve the problem. Used codes are not refundable.
- It is recommended that you back up the printer's EEPROM before changing the firmware. The utility has a feature to do that.
- The firmware change mode only supports USB connection.
- By changing the printer's firmware, you do not reset the waste ink counters and ink levels. The waste ink counter reset code can be found here.
- If an error occurs while changing the firmware, disconnect the USB cable and try again.
- For printers with a color LCD display, the text displayed during the firmware change should be in white. If the text is in red, the operation cannot be performed.
Chipless firmware
- Some Epson printers support chipless firmware. This means that, once you change the firmware, the printer will work without chips and without requesting ink level updates.
- Install the chipless firmware according to the video below, but choose the version with chips disabled from the list. The code for downgrade and for installing firmware with chips disabled is the same.
- Find out if your printer supports chipless firmware. You can check it on the compatibility page or in the utility's Models tab and see the Disable Inks column.