downloaded the latest firmware recovery tool from EsponAs of this writing, it was " Recovery Mode Firmware Version LQ26J8"
I started the program and began to override the firmware. Technically, I was overriding it with the same version. (But that's not the point!)
While in the middle of the firmware flashing, where it specifically says on the screen "Do Not UnPlug Your Printer"..... I disconnected power from my printer. The point of this step is to purposely put the printer into RECOVERY MODE since there is no nice and easy manual way of putting this printer in recovery mode. This was my best idea and it worked.
Now turn your printer back on and the screen should say "RECOVERY MODE". This is how you want to be.
Go here and download an older firmware recovery tool - (Originally found on this page -Epson printer firmware reset
Connect your printer via USB to your computer. This only work via USB, not WiFI or Ethernet
Run the older Firmware Recovery Tool. It should find your printer via the USB port. Click Start or Next or Whatever to get the software going.
Once the firmware is uploaded to the printer, it takes a FULL 10 MINUTES for the printer to accept the new firmware. Be patient! It will just sit there and blink for a while. The printer should eventually shut itself off.
Press the Power button to start up the printer again and VIOLA! Your cloned cartridges are accepted again with the older firmware!
Conclusion: I literally figured this out a few minutes ago just from Epson printer support take full responsibility if you brick your printer.
This guide is for the Epson Printers and should work on any model from 300 through at least LQ830, and likely many others with minor adjustments in the instructions.
Connect a USB Printer cable from the back of your printer to a computer or laptop. You must use a Type A/B printer cable and plug it into the correct USB port on the printer (square) not the standard USB input port on the front. When in recovery mode, a USB connection is required to transfer the firmware to the printer, even if you already have it connected wireless.
Remove all of the ink cartridges from the printer. This will ensure that all cartridge-related errors will be reset after applying the alternate firmware.
Power off the printer. As soon as the printer is completely shut down, perform the following key combination until the firmware update screen appears in white text [if the printer instead boots to its regular screen or IPL mode with red text, you may have to look-up or experiment to find the proper recovery mode combination for your printer model]:
For many series from XP-300 to XP-630: Press and hold the STOP button, LEFT ARROW button, HOME button and POWER button simultaneously
For the XP-440 to XP-446 and XP-640 to XP-646: Press and hold the STOP button, LEFT ARROW button, DOWN ARROW button and POWER button simultaneously (thanks to Ken for the combo)
For the XP-800 to XP-830 and similar single button models: Press and hold the TOP-RIGHT corner of the TOUCH SCREEN and POWER button simultaneously.
For other models or if you can't get the above to work: Try all of the above and if you still fail to reach recovery mode, you can search for additional combo keys.
Download the older firmware onto the connected laptop or computer. For your convenience, a table containing older firmware for the most common printer models is available below. If you have a different model, it may take some research to find the desired firmware since most printer manufacturers remove obsolete firmware from their site immediately and provide no downgrade instructions. Epson's printers use a self-installing firmware updater that can be run directly from Windows or MacOS.
After launching the downloaded firmware installer, step through the wizard by following the on-screen instructions. In the case of Epson, you mostly have to click next through a few pages of disclaimers. Assuming the printer is connected to the PC with a USB cable and powered up to the recovery screen, you should see a single entry in the Model list and it should be checked. Click Start to begin the firmware downgrade, and then click Yes to confirm. The prior firmware will be transferred to the printer, where it will begin flashing automatically. This process can take several minutes, but when it is completed the on-screen display will indicate that it has finished.
Once the downgrade is complete, press OK or unplug the printer to power it off. Then power it on again. When prompted, insert the ink as usual and then let the printer complete the ink initialization.
This way you can easily downgrade the firmware of the Epson Printer.