You tried to reset your Epson waste ink counter and it did not work. The tool connected to the printer, but the reset failed or the counter did not change. If this sounds familiar, there is a good chance a firmware update is the reason.
This is one of the most frustrating issues Epson printer owners face, and it has become more common in recent years. Here is what is happening, which printers are affected, and what you can do about it.
What Epson Firmware Updates Do to Resets
Epson periodically releases firmware updates for its printers. These updates are presented as “improvements” — better performance, bug fixes, security patches. And some of them genuinely do improve the printer.
However, certain firmware updates also change the way the printer’s EEPROM (the chip where the waste ink counter is stored) communicates with external tools. Specifically, they can:
- Change the SNMP community strings that tools use to communicate with the printer
- Encrypt or obfuscate EEPROM addresses so counter values cannot be written externally
- Add authentication checks that reject unauthorized write commands
- Relocate counter values to different memory addresses
The result: a reset tool that worked before the update no longer works after it. The printer has been deliberately locked down to prevent third-party counter resets.
Epson frames this as a security feature. Critics — and right-to-repair advocates — see it as another layer of planned obsolescence, designed to force consumers into using Epson’s own expensive servicing or buying a new printer.
How to Check If Your Firmware Is Blocking the Reset
Before assuming firmware is the problem, run a diagnostic first. Here is how:
Step 1: Download PrintFix
If you have not already, download PrintFix and install it. The diagnostic is free.
Step 2: Scan your printer
Open PrintFix and let it detect your printer on the network. Select your printer to view detailed information.
Step 3: Check the diagnostic results
PrintFix will report:
- Your printer model and serial number
- Current firmware version
- Whether the firmware is compatible with reset operations
- Your current waste ink counter level (if readable)
If the firmware is blocking the reset, PrintFix will clearly indicate this in the diagnostic report. You will not be asked to purchase a key that will not work — the app tells you upfront.
Step 4: Check your firmware version manually
You can also check the firmware version directly on the printer:
- From the printer display: Go to Settings > Printer Information > Firmware Version (menu path varies by model)
- From a computer: Open your browser, type your printer’s IP address, and check the status page
- From Epson’s software: Epson Printer Finder or Epson iPrint sometimes display firmware information
Write down the version number. This helps if you need to research your specific situation.
Which Models Are Commonly Affected?
Firmware lockdowns have affected printers across Epson’s range, but some models and regions are hit harder than others. Here are the most commonly reported:
EcoTank series
- L3250 / L3251 — Firmware updates from late 2025 onward on some regional variants
- L3210 / L3215 — Select firmware versions block SNMP writes
- ET-2800 / ET-2803 — Some US-market firmware versions affected
- ET-4700 / ET-4800 — Intermittent reports of blocked resets after updates
Expression series
- XP-2200 / XP-2205 — Recent firmware versions in EU markets
- XP-3150 / XP-4150 — Some versions block counter access
- XP-4200 / XP-4205 — Reports from 2025 onward
WorkForce series
- WF-2830 / WF-2850 — Firmware-blocked in some regions
- WF-2930 / WF-2960 — Newer firmware versions affected
Important: This list is not exhaustive and changes as Epson releases new firmware. The most reliable way to check is to run PrintFix’s free diagnostic, which maintains an up-to-date database of known firmware statuses. You can also check our supported printers page and filter by firmware compatibility.
What Are Your Options If Firmware Has Blocked the Reset?
If your printer’s firmware is blocking the reset, here is what you can realistically do:
Option 1: Check if PrintFix supports your firmware version
PrintFix’s team continuously works on compatibility updates. Some firmware blocks have been addressed in later versions of the tool. Make sure you are running the latest version of PrintFix, and check the diagnostic report — it will tell you the current compatibility status.
Option 2: Contact Epson for an official reset
If third-party tools are blocked, Epson’s own service centers can still reset the counter (since they have access to the manufacturer tools). This is more expensive — typically $80-$150 — but it remains an option. See our cost comparison for details.
Option 3: Use a USB-based reset (some models)
Some printers that block WiFi-based SNMP resets may still accept resets via a direct USB connection. This depends on the specific firmware version and model. PrintFix will indicate if USB reset is available for your printer.
Option 4: Wait for a compatibility update
If your model is newly blocked, it may be added to PrintFix’s supported list in a future update. The team works on new firmware compatibility regularly.
Can You Downgrade the Firmware?
This is the first question most people ask, and unfortunately the answer is usually no.
Most modern Epson printers do not allow firmware downgrades. The update process includes a version check that rejects any firmware older than what is currently installed. This is by design — Epson does not want users reverting to firmware that allows third-party resets.
There are occasional exceptions. Some older models (pre-2023) and some regional variants may accept older firmware packages through manual installation. However, this is model-specific, risky, and not something we can broadly recommend. Attempting a firmware downgrade with an incompatible package can brick the printer.
How to Prevent This From Happening
If your printer currently works and you have not been blocked by firmware, here is the single most important thing you can do:
Disable automatic firmware updates NOW
Most Epson printers are set to update firmware automatically by default. You can disable this:
On the printer itself:
- Go to Settings (or Setup)
- Find Firmware Update or System Administration
- Set automatic updates to Off (or set Notification to “notify only” without auto-install)
Through the Epson app:
- Open Epson Smart Panel or Epson iPrint
- Go to Printer Settings
- Disable automatic firmware updates
Through the web interface:
- Type your printer’s IP address into your browser
- Navigate to Administration or Network Settings
- Disable firmware auto-update
Through your router (advanced): Some users block their printer’s access to Epson’s update servers at the router level. This is the most thorough approach but requires some network knowledge.
Disabling auto-updates does not affect your printer’s functionality. It simply prevents Epson from pushing changes to your printer without your explicit consent — which is a reasonable thing to want regardless of the waste ink counter issue.
What About Future Printers?
The trend is clear: Epson is progressively locking down newer models against third-party resets. This is part of a broader pattern in the printer industry of restricting consumer repair options.
However, the counter-trend is also strong. Right-to-repair legislation in the EU, United States, and other jurisdictions is pushing back against these practices. The EU Right to Repair Directive (2024/1799) explicitly protects consumers’ right to repair their own devices, and locking out third-party tools may face legal challenges in the future.
In the meantime, the best defense is to stay informed, keep auto-updates off, and check compatibility before any firmware change.
Check Your Printer Now
Not sure if your printer is affected? Find out in 30 seconds:
- Download PrintFix — it is free
- Run the diagnostic on your printer
- See your firmware status and counter level instantly
If your printer is compatible, you can reset the counter right away. If firmware is blocking, PrintFix will tell you clearly so you can plan your next steps.
Check Your Printer’s Compatibility or Download PrintFix to run a free diagnostic.