If you have had an Epson printer, perhaps you have followed some of the drama over Epson firmware updates that prevent using cheaper third-party ink cartridges. I’m starting this thread to document how to do firmware rollbacks, including information on how to acquire the old firmware, which isn’t always readily available on the internet anymore, because why would Epson maintain easy download pages for people who don’t want to pay the robber barons.
In my case, I have an Epson WF-4820 that I needed to roll back to an old firmware version. I’ve uploaded the firmware here to make sure that it is preserved for future generations. FWCJ06TL_SH13LC.exe (36.7 MB)
There are various threads on reddit and other places recommending specific firmware versions for various Epson printers. Often, these firmware versions can no longer be downloaded directly from the Epson support site. A bit of digging, however, led me to figure that that they are all still on https://ftp.epson.com/drivers/--insert firmware name here–
I tried the 3 finger reset but either it didn’t work for me or the power wouldn’t come on. Did Epson maybe put a bug in one of their updates to prevent using this 3 finger reset to work…? I had used the update perhaps 2-3 times since I’ve bought this WF-4820 two years ago. I’ve stopped updating the software after that…
After the December update the thumb in the left corner of the blue part works, but… you have to hold it for like 25 seconds. You know you are right if the printer doesn’t startup when pressing the power button for 3 to 4 seconds, then just keep holding it, of it does start up in 4 secs it’ll go to the homescreen. Good luck you all
I heard elsewhere, that you just need to cover the “?” symbol in the black part of the screen. You can see it even when the printer is off if you look at an angle. This worked for me.
The solution by @rewaren worked for me to gain access, but unfortunately the update via USB kept failing. It would say it finished, but the status light would just flash which indicated failure and never restarted. Verified when I tried a restart via cord power cycle and the crappy update was still present.
It came up as ONE of the first results. So one of the top answers for asking about “finding the file” while on Google’s search engine; after explicitly typing the EXACT file name in. (got the exact name of the file from a reddit forum of a lady that went through the same issue with my exact workforce model)
Obviously the only the reason I even looked for the exact file was because Epson got rid of it off their archived download site. Thanks again!
After many years of great printing on my Epson XP-355, it stopped offering me the option of conmtinuing to use third party ink cartridges - this has only happened in the last four weeks (month of June 2026). At last I have an understanding of what the issue is. Surely illegal by Epson to stop you from using something you purchased (printer) with no written agreement to only use their extortionate priced ink!? It would be like buying a car and having it stop working altogether because you put in the wrong brand of petrol.
I’m trying to locate old firmware for the Epson xp-355 - looks like being RJ1511 or RJ1018 and bypassing their illegal blocking of me using my own paid for printer. I really still can’t comprehend that they get away with doing it? Am I naive? Yes apparently. Any advice as I seem to have hit a brick wall. And are there any printer manufacturers that DO NOT utilise such sureptitious, underhand tactics. If I have to buy a new printer I won’t be buying Epson. But what can we buy and use whichever ink we please as company policy by thye printer manufacturer?
This is the best website I’ve found for info and explanation. Great that someone is saving old firmware that Epson would rather see die a death as they lose control of their illegal actions.
Will check out the 1st link you put up and see what happens when I try and install it via the cable link to the printer. It’s all new to me. Thanks for your help. I’ll let you know if it worked or not.
Thanks ars18 - I used your RJ1018.exe firmware on my Epson XP-355 and worked a treat - now accepts third party ink cartridges as before. Have also disabled automatic updates.
After a few tries with combination of buttons on front of printer, the ROM dialogue box came up on the screen and I then installed the previously downloaded RJ1018.exe file. At first it wouldn’t accept ink cartridges, so I removed cartridges, switched printer off and reinstallled them and all now working fine - just as before - warns you that cartridges not genuine but allows you to continue. That option was remeoved with a recent automatic update. Anyway, learnt much this week. Well recommended. Thanks again - Genius!!
