What to Do When an Epson Firmware Update Disables Your Printer- Chipless Firmware, Ink Monitoring, and Workarounds

Customer Question:

Epson pushed a firmware update that disabled my printer. Now it doesn’t recognize my cartridges, and I can’t tell when I’m running out of ink. Is it possible to roll back the firmware, or is there a better solution? I saw your video and heard that the printer might continue printing even without ink—is that true?

Answer:

The Problem: Epson Firmware Updates & Cartridge Lockouts

Epson is known for periodically pushing firmware updates that intentionally block third-party or aftermarket cartridges. This is especially problematic for users who rely on refillable cartridges, continuous ink systems (CIS), or chipless firmware. After an update, you may suddenly find that your previously working setup no longer functions, and the printer throws cartridge recognition errors.

Understanding Chipless Firmware:

You mentioned chipless printers—this is a key concept. When a printer is running chipless firmware, it no longer reads or requires chip data from the ink cartridges. As a result:

• The printer will continue to print regardless of the cartridge chip status.

• Ink level monitoring is disabled, so the printer won’t notify you when you're running low or out of ink.

• If you let the printer run out of ink, it can cause severe printhead damage, especially with pigment or dye inks that dry quickly.

Yes, you are correct—the printer will continue printing even if there’s no ink left. That’s the tradeoff with chipless firmware.

What You Can Do:

Option 1: Use Transparent Epson-Compatible Cartridges

One popular workaround is to install transparent refillable Epson cartridges. This allows you to monitor the ink level visually. You can find many models available online, or you can create your own.

We’ve shared tutorials on this topic on our channel. Just search for “transparent Epson cartridge BCH” or check the video you already found here:
▶ How to Monitor Ink in Chipless Epson Printers
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyGS7BnJozo)

Option 2: Set Up a Continuous Ink Supply System (CIS)

A more advanced setup involves a Continuous Ink Supply System, which feeds ink to the printer via external tanks. These systems typically have visible ink levels, making monitoring easy even without chip data.

Option 3: Firmware Rollback (Not Always Possible)

While rolling back firmware might sound appealing, it’s not always reliable or safe. Some newer Epson models lock the bootloader, preventing downgrades. In other cases, rolling back might work temporarily, only to be overwritten by a future auto-update. We generally recommend chipless firmware over rollback for long-term consistency—just be mindful of the ink level visibility issue.

One important note: Printer modification and firmware flashing can void warranties and should only be attempted by users comfortable with the risks. If you're unsure, it's better to stick with transparent cartridges or a CIS setup.

As a reminder: Printer repair and modification often require hands-on inspection and care. Because of this, we don’t offer remote troubleshooting or detailed one-on-one repair support. However, we do provide in-person repair services through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, repairs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times can span a few weeks. We’re happy to help with full printer diagnostics or individual part repairs. That said, we know our service may not fit every budget. We highly encourage self-guided repair through online research. Visit our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search bar next to the "About" tab to find topics by model or symptom. With nearly a decade of content, it’s the most efficient way to get help.

Thanks again for reaching out, and we appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies as your go-to resource for printer repairs and upgrades!