Epson ET-16150 Recovery Mode Update Firmware Error Solution

Question: This last power cut during the update defeated even my ET-16150 printer. My printer is now stuck in "Recovery Mode Update Firmware." I tried looking on the official Epson site, but none of their firmware matched my printer. Could you help me find a solution, or can I use particular resources?

Answer: Thanks for your message at BCH Technologies, and I am sorry to learn about the trouble you are facing with your printer. I realize how crucial it is to have your printer running, especially after a blackout without you planning for it. Thanks for your patience and apologies, but as much detail will likely be the only way of helping you get things fixed.

As always, visit BCH Technologies' YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies].  Your feedback is invaluable for us in creating better content and broadening our technical perspectives.

We will fix a problem with your Epson ET-16150 that gets stuck in Recovery Mode Update Firmware. Typically, a broken firmware update occurs in two scenarios thanks to things like power outages. I will explain how to do both, but it looks like you are in the latter scenario, which is much easier.

Scenario 1: Full Firmware Failure (Blank Screen) 

However, sometimes, a failed firmware update can also brick the printer so severely that it only displays a blank screen, and nothing happens. In this case, only the physical removal of the mainboard from your printer and writing firmware directly to an IC chip can be a solution. Regrettably, this takes sophisticated technical know-how and, more specifically, made tools, which often cost way more than the print is worth. This is how most people ignore the printer and never use it again.

Scenario 2: Enter a recovery mode (Apply to your case)

Fortunately, it asks you for a firmware update in your printer's Recovery Mode. If you can flash the proper firmware, this indicates that your printer is still functioning and can be recovered.

Solutions to Recovery Mode Update Firmware:

Look for the firmware: Epson might have listed recovery firmware on its official website for some models. The third-party site I use that works for me is Inkchip. A free try is to use InkChip. Go to https://inkchip.net/soft. They offer many firmware for various Epson models, which are free of cost. There is no need to buy any activation key; download your device model from here and install it on the printer according to the instructions.

WIC Utility: Another Software you can use is WIC Fix [https://www.wic.support/]. WIC  is a utility that diagnoses and resolves issues with Epson printers. It is free, but downloading or installing firmware by WIC may require a fee. It is a reputable source and can be used to fix the problem by flashing firmware back onto your printer.

Epson Support: Even if your printer is out of warranty, contacting Epson directly at 1 (800) 463-7766 could be worthwhile. Their support team is usually fantastic and often offers the correct firmware or recovery steps. Could you explain that the firmware update has been interrupted due to the power outage, and your printer is in recovery mode?

For future issues: Next, in the future, I also recommend that you turn off automatic updates on your Epson printer so that future issues don't happen again. Some firmware updates remove the ability to use cheaper third-party inks, place restrictions, and other changes that could ultimately go against your benefit. I have published an article on disabling automatic updates; you can read it on my YouTube channel.

Additional Notes:

There is a silver lining in the dark clouds of printer problems — since these issues are so hands-on and vary greatly, addressing them can be more complicated. This means we cannot help remotely in a case like this other than giving you some pointers. However, we offer on-site evaluation and repair services at our local diagnostic facility: BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Due to the high volume of service requests, we run on a first-come-first-serve system. If you decide to mail or drop off your printer at our facility, we will need a few weeks to evaluate it.

Alternatively, if you want to fix the issue yourself, we have many troubleshooting and maintenance videos on BCH Technologies' YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. The YouTube search is helpful because you can find specific videos about your model, and YouTube also recommends related stuff from other creators.

This list should change with time as we support new ideas and engage in more conversations, so thank you. So, this information will help you get out of the printer problem.