Epson ET-16650U ReadyPrint Subscription Problem: Can an Open-Box Printer Be Used Without a Subscription?

Question

I purchased an Epson ET-16650U open-box on eBay, and it was advertised as new. When I tried to set it up and print, I discovered that it appears to require an Epson ReadyPrint subscription. Epson told me that I should not have been able to obtain this printer without a subscription. Is there any way I can activate or use the ET-16650U as a normal printer without subscribing to ReadyPrint?

Answer

Unfortunately, the most important detail in your situation is the "U" at the end of ET-16650U. The ET-16650U is not simply another retail version of the standard ET-16650. Epson identifies the ET-16650U as an ET-16650U for ReadyPrint, and Epson currently lists models ending in "U" under this program as subscription devices. Epson's ReadyPrint information specifically states that these printers are available through the ReadyPrint program, require an active ReadyPrint subscription, and are not intended to be purchased separately as ordinary retail printers.

That makes your situation very different from purchasing a regular Epson ET-16650.

ET-16650 vs. ET-16650U

The regular ET-16650 is a conventional EcoTank printer that you purchase and own as a normal retail product. You fill the tanks, install the appropriate Epson software, connect the printer, and use it without maintaining a ReadyPrint printer subscription.

The ET-16650U, however, was supplied as part of Epson's ReadyPrint system. Epson describes ReadyPrint as a service that provides the subscriber with the printer as part of the printing plan rather than treating that particular "U" model as a normal independently purchased retail printer. Epson also requires ReadyPrint printers to maintain an Internet connection so that their subscription status and ink usage can be monitored.

This is probably why Epson told you that you should not have been able to purchase the printer in the way that you did.

Why the ET-16650U May Refuse to Print

With a normal printer, an open-box machine may simply need initialization, ink charging, driver installation, or a factory reset.

A ReadyPrint printer adds another layer: subscription authorization.

The printer can communicate with Epson's ReadyPrint service and determine whether it is associated with an active subscription. Epson's own ET-16650U support page includes subscription-related conditions such as an inactive or suspended ReadyPrint account, inability to connect to the ReadyPrint service, and checking the printer's subscription status.

Therefore, changing computers, reinstalling the Epson driver, connecting with USB instead of Wi-Fi, resetting the network settings, or performing an ordinary factory reset is unlikely to convert an ET-16650U into a regular ET-16650. The underlying issue is not simply a computer-driver configuration. It is the status of the printer within Epson's ReadyPrint system.

Can You Just Cancel the Subscription and Continue Using It?

Unfortunately, Epson's published answer is very clear. In Epson's ReadyPrint FAQ, the company specifically addresses whether a ReadyPrint printer can still be used after cancellation. Epson's answer is no, and Epson states that the printer is supposed to be returned according to the ReadyPrint subscription agreement.

That is an important distinction because this is not simply an optional ink-delivery subscription attached to an otherwise ordinary retail printer. The ET-16650U itself is associated with the ReadyPrint program.

Can the ReadyPrint Requirement Be Removed or Bypassed?

BCH Technologies does not provide instructions, software, firmware modifications, or procedures intended to defeat or bypass Epson's ReadyPrint activation or subscription controls.

There are legal, contractual, ethical, and technical issues involved when a printer was originally supplied as part of a subscription program. Even if the ET-16650U hardware is closely related to the regular ET-16650, that does not mean converting one model into the other is simply a matter of changing a menu setting or installing different printer drivers.

I would also be cautious about firmware files, reset programs, serial-number modifications, chip modifications, or other supposed "ReadyPrint removal" solutions that you may find online. Besides the legal and contractual questions, an incorrect firmware or configuration change can leave the printer partially functional or completely unusable.

Your Best First Option: Contact the eBay Seller

Because you purchased the printer open-box on eBay and it was represented as new, I would make the seller your first point of contact.

If the listing did not clearly disclose that this was an ET-16650U ReadyPrint subscription printer, that is a very significant limitation that a buyer should understand before purchasing it.

I would document the following:

• The original eBay listing and description.

• Any statements describing the printer as "new," "open box," or fully functional.

• A photograph of the model label showing ET-16650U.

• Any subscription or activation message displayed by the printer.

• Your communication with Epson explaining that the printer is a ReadyPrint model.

• Your communication with the seller.

I would then request a return and refund, explaining that the printer cannot be used as an ordinary standalone ET-16650 because it is a ReadyPrint subscription model.

If the seller described it simply as an ET-16650 without clearly identifying the ReadyPrint limitation, I would consider that especially important information to include in your return request.

Your Second Option: Contact Epson With the Serial Number

Before giving up on the printer, it is also worthwhile to contact Epson directly and provide the complete serial number of the ET-16650U.

Ask Epson to determine the status of that specific unit. For example, Epson may be able to tell you whether it:

• Is still associated with another ReadyPrint account.

• Came from a canceled subscription.

• Was supposed to have been returned to Epson.

• Can legitimately be transferred or activated under your account.

• Is eligible to be placed onto a new ReadyPrint subscription.

• Has some other account or subscription problem preventing activation.

Whether Epson can transfer or activate that particular machine is entirely Epson's decision. I would not assume that purchasing the physical printer automatically gives the new purchaser the ability to activate it under ReadyPrint.

Epson maintains a dedicated ET-16650U ReadyPrint support page [https://epson.com/Support/Printers/All-In-Ones/ET-Series/Epson-ET-16650U-for-ReadyPrint/s/SPT_C11CH71204], which includes subscription-related support information.

If You Want a Printer Without a Subscription

If what you really want is the ET-16650 platform without any ReadyPrint subscription requirement, I would return this machine and purchase the regular ET-16650, not the ET-16650U.

That final letter makes an enormous difference in this case.

When purchasing another printer from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, liquidation companies, surplus dealers, or other secondary-market sellers, I recommend asking the seller for a photograph of the manufacturer's model-number label before buying. Do not rely only on the title of the listing.

For this particular printer family:

ET-16650 = regular retail model

ET-16650U = ReadyPrint subscription model

This simple check can prevent you from ending up in the same situation again.

Addressing printer issues can be complicated because many problems ultimately require hands-on testing and inspection. For that reason, we're not able to provide individualized remote troubleshooting, repair instructions, or ongoing remote support for printer repairs. We do offer in-person evaluation and repair through our BCH Technologies printer diagnostic and repair facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Because demand is high, service is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there may be a wait of several weeks before a printer can be scheduled for drop-off. Our services can address either an entire printer or certain individual components, with instructions provided on how to proceed. We also recognize that professional repair is not always the most economical option, so we strongly encourage self-help and online research whenever practical. A good starting point is YouTube, including the BCH Technologies YouTube channel [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. On our channel homepage, use the search icon located near the "About" section to search for the exact printer model, symptom, part, or error you're dealing with. I receive dozens of requests asking whether I've made a video about a particular subject, and after producing videos for more than nine years, it is difficult for me to remember every video individually. YouTube's channel search is usually the fastest way to find relevant material, and YouTube may also recommend helpful tutorials from other creators.

Thank you again for contacting BCH Technologies and for taking the time to explain the situation. I'm sorry that the answer is not a simple setting or reset that will turn the ET-16650U into a normal ET-16650, but I hope this helps you understand why the printer is behaving this way and gives you a clearer path forward with either Epson or the eBay seller. We sincerely appreciate your support and your engagement with BCH Technologies.