Epson firmware that blocks cartridges: how to disable it

Yes, Epson can block compatible cartridges with a firmware update: the new software stops recognising any cartridge that isn't original and shows an error notice. The good news is that it's easy to avoid — you just have to not update and turn off automatic updates. Here we explain how.

What exactly does the Epson firmware update do?

Firmware is the printer's internal program. When Epson releases an update, it sometimes includes a control that checks the chip on each cartridge. If it detects one that isn't Epson, it rejects it and stops printing, even if the cartridge is full and was working perfectly the day before.

It doesn't happen with every update or with every model, but it has occurred several times with inkjet printers across various ranges, such as EcoTank, WorkForce or Expression. The pattern is the same one we already saw with HP and its Dynamic Security: a software change that reduces your replacement options.

How do I know if the firmware has blocked my cartridges?

The clearest sign is that the printer was working with compatibles and, all of a sudden, stops recognising them right after an update. The typical Epson messages are these:

• "Cartridges not recognised" or "Cartridge not recognised".
• "The following cartridges cannot be recognised".
• "The installed cartridges are not genuine Epson".
• An exclamation mark or a crossed-out drop next to the cartridge on the screen.

If you see any of these notices with a cartridge that worked fine before, it's most likely the fault of the latest update, not the cartridge.

How do I stop the firmware from blocking my compatible cartridges?

The golden rule is simple: don't update the firmware if your printer already works fine with compatibles. When the printer or the Epson software offers you an update, decline or postpone it. No hitting "Update now" out of habit.

After that, turn off automatic updates so they don't install by themselves:

• From the printer panel: go to Settings (or Setup) > General Settings / System Administration > Firmware Update > Notification, and set it to Off.
• From the computer: open Epson Software Updater and, in Settings, untick the automatic check for firmware updates.
• When you connect the printer: if a window pops up asking you to update, choose "Remind me later" or "Do not update".

Bear in mind that the exact names of these menus change depending on the Epson model, so the route may vary from one printer to another. If you can't find the option on your device, get in touch and we'll guide you through your specific model.

Can the firmware be rolled back once it's been updated?

Here we have to be honest: Epson doesn't offer an official, straightforward way to go back to a previous version. Firmware is usually one-way, so rolling back isn't always possible. That's why the important thing is prevention rather than cure.

If it's already happened to you, there are a few routes, although they don't always work:

• Contact Epson support and ask them to restore an earlier version; sometimes they do, but there's no guarantee.
• Turn it off and on, and reinsert the cartridges: in some cases the "use anyway" option appears.
• Use compatible cartridges with an updated chip, designed to work alongside the new firmware.

We can't promise you that these steps will work in every case — it depends on the model and the specific version you have installed.

Is it legal for Epson to block cartridges that aren't its own?

Using compatible cartridges is completely legal, and doing so doesn't automatically void your warranty. In Spain, the General Law for the Defence of Consumers and Users gives you a three-year legal guarantee on products bought since 2022.

The manufacturer can only refuse to cover a fault if it proves that the compatible cartridge caused it; it can't reject the warranty "just because" you don't use original ink. European competition law also keeps an eye on practices that tie the customer to a single supplier of replacements.

Epson compatible cartridges: the alternative that saves money

A compatible cartridge costs a fraction of the original and performs just as well when it's a quality one. At Star Toner we work with compatible ink under ISO 9001 control for Epson, HP, Canon and Brother. You can see it in our compatible ink cartridge collection or among the best sellers.

And if you also use HP, these two articles will interest you: how HP firmware blocks cartridges and whether the HP Instant Ink subscription is worth it in Spain. And that saturated ink pads notice on your Epson? We explain it in what the 0x97 error means.

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