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EDIT: March 10, 2018 I figured out a free method for downgrading the firmware, and now my XP-830 can once again accept 3rd party cartridges and print! Here are the instructions: 1. Connect the printer to the computer with a USB cable (USB instead of wifi connection is required) 2. Remove all ink cartridges if possible (this allows the reset of all cartridge related errors) 3. Power off the printer 4. Set the printer in Program Update Mode: Soon after the printer is completely off, PRESS & HOLD the right side of the blank touch screen AND the power button TOGETHER for about 10 seconds until the power button light up. The screen will soon show “Program Update Mode” 5. Go to the computer and download the older Epson XP-830 firmware named “NP18G3”: Search these keywords online: "Epson firmware NP18G3" and go to one of the following websites to download: - “us.driverscollection” - “epson-printerdrivers” - “latestprinterdrivers” 6. Double click the downloaded file and launch the Epson Firmware Updater. Follow the on-screen instructions. If asked to browse and locate the firmware file, it is in the same folder where you find the Epson Firmware Updater and the file name is FWF293TL.efu. 7. After clicking “Start” to begin the firmware update and “Yes” to confirm, the printer power button will flash for a few minutes and the printer screen should eventually show "Program Update Mode FINISHED”. 8. Power off the printer; unplug if necessary. 9. Turn on the printer and install the ink cartridges. Be patient while the printer prepares the ink system. 10. Turn off firmware notification: on the printer screen go to: Setup > Firmware Update > Notification > Off. Don't let Epson ask you to update the firmware again! 11. Enjoy your 3rd party ink cartridges! 12. SHARE THIS INFO !!! PS: Epson is being dishonest by informing us that it is not possible to downgrade the firmware. EDIT: Feb 9, 2018 In case anyone is taking the Epson response seriously - It is the same response to dozens of similar complaints we can find on Amazon. It ignores the facts and avoids addressing the real issues raised in the complaints. We know Epson does not want to admit their unethical business practice. No corporations would until they have no other choice. Remember the recent Volkswagen Emissions Scandal? And yes, corporations are willing to break the law for profits. And we know Epson is solely motivated by profits. So how can we consumers protect ourselves and “encourage” Epson to correct its disgraceful tactics? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Stop buying Epson products. 2. Discourage others from buying Epson products by sharing our reviews and comments all over the internet. 3. Take legal actions. Thank you for your attention. ORIGINAL POST: I have had my Epson XP-830 for almost a year, and recently it started asking me to update the firmware. I canceled this request because things were working fine and I didn’t feel the need. However that message would keep showing up repeatedly right after I turn on the printer each time. Eventually I decided to update just to get rid of that annoying message. I wish I never did. Now the printer would not recognize the 3rd-party ink cartridges that are installed, and the printer would not do anything until I replace those cartridges with what Epson wants us to use - no printing, no copying, and not even scanning. I do not have the requested cartridges and they are not available locally, so I have to order them online and wait to receive them before I can use my printer, which was working fine before this firmware update. In addition, I can no longer use all the 3rd-party cartridges that I have already purchased. I spent some time trying to downgrade the firmware or reset it to the factory setting without success. Eventually I called the Epson support and was told that this printer is designed to use Epson cartridges exclusively, and it is not possible to downgrade the firmware nor reset it to the factory setting. My only option is to replace the unrecognized cartridges with Epson cartridges. MY 3RD-PARTY INK CARTRIDGES WORKED PERFECTLY FINE BEFORE THIS FIRMWARE UPATE. Imagine car manufacturers forcing us to use only OEM replacement parts and pay their inflated prices every time we need to replace those parts. There are competitors that offer less expensive options that could work perfectly. However, these manufacturers are using tricks to eliminate those options for us so we must buy their products and pay whatever they ask. I believe that's exactly what Epson is doing. Is what Epson is doing ethical? I think not. I own my printer, and I'd like to think that I am allowed to choose the ink cartridges I want to use. Can't we consumers have the freedom to choose? Is it even legal? Doesn't the Federal law prohibit such business practices? I hope the Federal Trade Commission will investigate, and perhaps a class action lawsuit is in order. Consumers & Lawyers: Please share your reviews and comments. Epson: On the behalf of your customers I request the immediate release of a firmware update that does not prohibit the use of ink cartridges by other manufacturers. In addition, please don't do this again in the future. Thank you for your attention.