Epson ET-2720 Stuck in SCN FT Mode or White Screen: Causes and Fixes

Question:
My Epson ET-2720 printer is stuck in “SCN FT Mode,” and then the screen turns white. I’ve tried restarting it and pressing different button combinations. The only response is to press the Power and OK buttons together, which directs me to a screen where I'm asked to enter numbers, but I’m unsure what those numbers are. How can I fix this?

Answer:

When your Epson ET-2720 becomes stuck in SCN FT Mode (Screen Factory Test Mode) and shows a white screen afterward, it is typically a sign that the printer’s firmware memory chip — the EEPROM — has been corrupted. This mode is typically used in the factory for hardware testing before the printer is fully assembled. It isn’t something that should appear during everyday use, so when it does, it points to a deeper firmware or memory-related fault.

Here are possible causes and solutions:

1. Understanding the EEPROM Corruption

The EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) stores important firmware data. Corruption can happen due to failed firmware updates, power interruptions during a critical process, or hardware wear over time. Once corrupted, the printer may boot into SCN FT Mode because it cannot load the normal operating system.

2. Try Restarting in Service Mode

Some Epson printers can bypass the faulty boot process by entering Service Mode.

• Power the printer off.

• Hold specific key combinations (varies by model — commonly “Stop + Left Arrow + Down Arrow + Power”) while turning it on.

• Once in Service Mode, attempt to install Epson’s recovery firmware to overwrite the corrupted code.

3. Using WICReset or Firmware Downgrade

If Epson’s official recovery doesn’t work, WICReset software can sometimes roll back the firmware to an earlier version that still works with your printer’s hardware.

• You’ll need a Windows PC, a USB connection, and a valid firmware file.

• Follow the WICReset procedure carefully, as interruptions can worsen the corruption.

4. Binary Dump Method

For severe EEPROM corruption, you may need to physically reprogram the memory chip.

• Search for a “.bin dump” file for your exact printer model. You can sometimes find this on bchtechnologies.com (https://bchtechnologies.com) or other technical forums.

• Use an EEPROM programmer (purchased or built yourself) to write the dump directly to the chip.

• In some cases, replacing the chip entirely is more reliable.

5. Service Manual Passwords

Occasionally, Epson includes SCN FT Mode unlock passwords in their service manuals. While not always disclosed, it’s worth checking if your printer’s service documentation has one — though this alone may not solve the firmware problem.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. We’re not able to provide remote troubleshooting or direct repairs, but we do offer in-person diagnostics and repair services at our local printer repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because of high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times can be several weeks. We repair entire printers or specific parts with clear instructions for the process. While our rates may not be the most economical, you can save costs by doing self-help repairs — starting with YouTube searches, including our own BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the “About” tab to quickly find videos by topic. YouTube may also suggest other helpful videos from different channels.

Thank you again for reaching out. We appreciate your patience and your contribution to keeping the printer repair community informed.