Epson “031006 / 031007” — firmware update failed (EcoTank/WF/XP) — recovery that works

Joe B.

Expert ★★★★★ 27,853 satisfied customers

Specialities: Windows 11/10, Printers, Networking, Group Policy, Print Servers

Epson 031006 / 031007 — firmware update failed on EcoTank (ET-), WorkForce (WF-), Expression (XP-): recovery mode, USB flashing, rollback

Technician

Hey! We’ll clear the Epson 031006 / 031007 firmware update failed error. These codes appear when the update aborts mid-flash or the printer reboots to the bootloader but can’t finish.
First, which model (e.g., EcoTank ET-2850, WorkForce WF-4830, Expression XP-4100) and did you update via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB? Any power or network drop?

Customer

It’s an EcoTank ET-2850. I started the update from Epson Software Updater over Wi-Fi. It stuck at ~60% and now shows “031006 firmware update failed”.

Technician

Got it. Over Wi-Fi the updater can time out, causing 031006 or 031007. The fix is to boot the printer into recovery mode, connect with a USB cable, and push the firmware again (or roll back to a stable package). We’ll also make sure the Epson Software Updater uses the right model/region.

Customer

How do I enter recovery mode? I only see the error on screen.

Technician

Step 1 — Recovery / bootloader entry
1) Power the printer off. Unplug for 30–60s.
2) Plug in, then hold the panel buttons: Stop + Power (on many ET/WF/XP). If your model has Home/Back keys, hold Home + Down + Left + Power. Keep holding until you see Firmware Update / Recovery Mode or a white boot screen.
3) Connect a USB-A to USB-B cable from PC to printer. We’ll avoid Wi-Fi for flashing.

Customer

I see “Firmware Update Mode” now and it’s idle. What do I run on the PC?

Technician

Step 2 — Reinstall firmware over USB (Windows)
• Open Epson Software Updater → select your exact model and region. If the updater can’t see the printer, install the USB driver from the same package.
• Choose Firmware Update → proceed. Keep the PC awake, disable sleep, and do not use hubs.
• If the update package offers a Recovery or Downgrade/Rollback option, choose it to clear 031006/031007 faster.
• When the progress reaches 100% and the printer reboots, wait until the panel shows Ready.

Customer

The updater reports “communication error”. The printer is still on Recovery Mode. Any workaround?

Technician

Try this:
• Use a different USB port (rear of PC), avoid extenders. Replace the cable if possible.
• Temporarily disable 3rd-party antivirus/firewall and Windows Metered connection.
• In Device Manager → Ports/USB, look for “USB Download / EPSON Firmware” and confirm there’s no yellow mark.
• Re-run the updater as Administrator. If still failing, we’ll use the standalone firmware file (manual flash) that ships with some models.

Customer

After switching ports, the update completed to 100% but the screen now shows “031007”. Did it fail again?

Technician

Not necessarily. Some models show 031007 until they finish the internal reboot.
• Leave the printer powered on for 3–5 minutes.
• If it doesn’t exit, power off, unplug 60s, then power on. Run a panel Restore Default Settings (network only) so old Wi-Fi data doesn’t block future updates.
• Print a Network Status Sheet and a Nozzle Check to confirm the firmware booted normally.

Customer

It booted! Should I attempt the same firmware again or roll back?

Technician

If the printer is stable, you can stay on the working version. If Epson recommends the new build, update again but follow these rules:
• Use USB connection for firmware; avoid Wi-Fi.
• Close other apps, keep the PC on AC power, and disable sleep.
• Ensure the package matches the exact model and region (ET/WF/XP variants differ).
• If issues return, install the prior rollback firmware provided in the updater’s history list.

Customer

What about macOS? I updated from a Mac earlier.

Technician

On macOS, use the Epson Software Updater for Mac or the model-specific firmware tool. Steps are identical: enter Recovery Mode, connect via USB, run the updater, and wait for the reboot. If the printer won’t appear on Mac, perform the flash from a Windows PC—USB drivers are sometimes more tolerant in recovery mode.

Customer

Everything’s working and prints fine now. Any tips to avoid 031006/031007 next time?

Technician

Great! Prevention: flash via USB, keep power stable, and update one device at a time. Avoid VPNs/guest Wi-Fi during updates.
Summary: To fix Epson 031006 / 031007 firmware update failed, enter recovery mode, connect via USB, reinstall or rollback firmware with Epson Software Updater, then reboot and run a nozzle check. Need hands-on help? Open the chat.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix when your Epson shows 031006/031007 “firmware update failed”: enter Recovery Mode → connect USB → run Epson Software Updater to reinstall or rollback firmware → wait for auto-reboot → print a Nozzle Check. Avoid Wi-Fi updates to prevent repeats.

FAQ

Step-by-step (Windows 11/10)

1. Enter Recovery Mode (Stop+Power or model combo). Connect a direct USB cable.
2. Run Epson Software Updater as Admin; pick your exact model/region.
3. Select Firmware Update → if available choose Recovery or Rollback.
4. Wait for automatic reboot; then reinstall the Epson printer driver if needed.

Note for macOS (Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey)

1. Enter Recovery Mode and connect via USB.
2. Run the Epson Mac updater; keep the Mac awake and on AC power.
3. After reboot, add the printer in System Settings → Printers & Scanners and test print.

Sources

• Epson — Software Updater & Firmware
• Epson Official Support — Drivers & Downloads
• Apple — Printing/Scanning on Mac

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