Lost Your Epson WF-2850 Chipless Firmware Recovery Code? Here's What You Can Do

Customer Question:
I successfully activated the chipless firmware on my Epson WorkForce WF-2850 printer after subscribing and waiting about 20 hours for my activation code. Unfortunately, I accidentally closed the window before saving my recovery code. What should I do now?

Answer:

Understanding the Chipless Firmware and Recovery Code

When you activate chipless firmware (such as using the InkChip tool) on your Epson WF-2850, you are provided a recovery code immediately after activation. This code is essential if you ever need to:

• Reactivate the firmware after a printer reset

• Recover your printer from a bricked or update state

• Move your chipless license to another mainboard

Unfortunately, the system does not store this code on your behalf—not even InkChip itself can retrieve it later. The only time it's shown is during that activation window.

What If You Didn't Save the Code?

If you close the activation window without copying the recovery code, it’s permanently lost. There's no server-side backup or option to resend it. This is why every chipless firmware guide strongly urges you to copy and store your recovery code immediately in a secure location.

That said, your current activation is still valid as long as you don’t reset or update your firmware. So, here’s how to avoid needing the recovery code:

How to Avoid Needing the Recovery Code

1. Avoid firmware updates:
   Never update the printer’s firmware again, as this could disable the chipless patch.

2. Disable automatic updates:
   In the Epson printer settings, disable all firmware auto-updates both on the printer’s screen and within the Epson printer utility software on your computer.

3. Avoid factory resets or system resets:
   These actions could revert the firmware to its locked state, which would then require the recovery code.

4. Use your printer as normal:
   As long as you don’t trigger a reset or update, your chipless firmware will continue to function indefinitely.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong Later

If the printer ever gets reset or bricked and you don’t have the recovery code, you will have to purchase a new activation key and go through the process again. Unfortunately, InkChip and similar vendors do not refund or reissue lost codes for previously activated printers.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either the whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the "About" tab to find videos related to chipless firmware, recovery tips, and WF-2850 setup guides. YouTube may also recommend relevant videos from other channels that offer helpful insights.

Thank you again for supporting BCH Technologies. We hope you won’t need the recovery code, but we’re here to help you with more resources if the need arises.