Epson updates printer firmware with Epson Software Updater, and its support page has separate instructions for Windows and macOS. Download and install Epson Software Updater from Epson's support page, connect the printer by USB or the same network, open the updater, select your printer and choose the firmware update from the list, then follow the prompts and leave the printer alone until it finishes. Epson's status list has the failure case: Recovery Mode means a firmware update has failed, so connect the product with a USB cable and try updating the firmware again, and if you still get the error, contact Epson support.
Do not turn the printer off during an update. The updater also updates drivers and Epson software, including Epson Scan 2 and Event Manager. Check the firmware version before and after, and note it.
The checks in more detail
Update over a stable connection and with the printer plugged in, with the computer awake. If the updater cannot find the printer, connect by USB or restart the network. Firmware can add features such as new AirPrint and Smart Panel support, and can fix bugs, so keep it current. If a firmware update leaves an error code, check the status list. Turn the printer off and on afterwards. If the printer is still in Recovery Mode after USB retries, contact Epson.
Update when nobody needs to print and keep the printer near the router. Note the firmware version before and after, so you can tell support exactly what changed. If the update tool cannot find the printer, connect it by USB, which removes network causes. Keep the updater's log or a screenshot of the firmware version, which is what Epson support will ask for if a later update causes trouble.
Differential
Likely causes of “Epson printers firmware update will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A failed update
What separates it The screen shows Recovery Mode because an update failed
How to confirm Update again over USB, following the steps on the screen
- 2
The updater cannot see the printer
What separates it The printer is not listed because the updater cannot see it
How to confirm Connect the printer by USB, so that the updater can see it
- 3
Power lost during update
What separates it The printer is stuck because power was lost during the update
How to confirm Wait for a while, and then contact Epson if the printer stays stuck
- 4
An old updater
What separates it The update is missing because the updater is old
How to confirm Install the latest version of the updater, and try again
- 5
A weak network
What separates it The update fails because the network connection is weak
How to confirm Use USB, since a cable is steadier than a weak network connection
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The model and the firmware version of the printer
- The route that you used to update, such as the updater or the panel
- The type of connection that the printer uses
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedInstall Epson Software Updater
ReversibleInstall Epson Software Updater, which you get from Epson's support page, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Connect the printer
ReversibleConnect the printer, by USB or by network, before you start the updater, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Select the firmware update
ReversibleSelect the firmware update in the updater, and choose to install it, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Follow the prompts
ReversibleFollow the prompts, and do not touch the printer while it updates, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Retry over USB
ReversibleRetry over USB if the printer shows Recovery Mode, and follow the steps, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Note the version
ReversibleNote the version after the update, to confirm that it installed, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Restart the printer
ReversibleRestart the printer, and then test that it prints and scans properly, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Models
- All current EcoTank, WorkForce Pro and SureColor models update through the same utility.
- Recovery
- Recovery Mode applies to all listed models.
- Updating the EcoTank safely
- Download the firmware from Epson's support page for the ET-4850 or use the printer's own update option under Settings, Firmware Update, with the printer on Wi-Fi. Keep it plugged in and do not switch it off during the update. If it fails, restart the printer and the router and try again.
- After the update
- Check that printing and scanning still work and that the ink levels read correctly. If a printer rejects third-party ink after an update, that is a choice by the maker, so read the release notes first. Keep the old driver on your computer if you need to roll back.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models EcoTank ET-2800, EcoTank ET-2850, EcoTank ET-3850, EcoTank Photo ET-8550, Expression Premium XP-7100, P700, WorkForce Pro WF-4830.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Recovery Mode persists after USB retries, contact Epson
- !If the printer will not start after an update, contact Epson
- !If updates fail repeatedly, use USB, and contact Epson if it still fails
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Firmware updates in Windows and macOS.
E, W and I codes, ink pads and Recovery Mode.
Errors, Power Cleaning, Event Manager and maintenance box.
Banding fixes.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I update Epson firmware?+
You update Epson firmware with Epson Software Updater, from your computer.
Can I turn the printer off?+
No, do not turn the printer off during an update, since that can leave it stuck.
Does the updater update drivers too?+
Yes, the updater updates the drivers too, as well as the firmware.
What if the updater cannot find the printer?+
If the updater cannot find the printer, connect it by USB.
Do Windows and macOS differ?+
Epson has separate instructions for Windows and macOS, so follow the right ones.
Should I check the version?+
Yes, check the version before and after the update, to confirm it installed.
Can updates add features?+
Yes, updates can add features, and they also fix bugs.
What if it still fails?+
If it still fails, contact Epson support, and give them the model and the message.
Can an update stop my printer working?+
Rarely, but read the notes first.
Where is the update option?+
Settings, Firmware Update.