Printer Setup Overview
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Printer Setup Overview

This section provides a high-level outline of how to set up your Zebra printer which includes the hardware setup and the host system or software/driver setup.
After finding an appropriate location for the printer but BEFORE plugging in the printer to a power source⁠, download the printer drivers on the laptop or PC that you will use to set up and manage the printer.
You will need a roll of media (labels, receipt paper, tags, etc.) to set up your first test print. Go to zebra.com/supplies or contact your reseller to help you select the right media for your use.
  1. Place the printer in a safe location with access to a power source, and one where you can connect it to your PC, laptop, or mobile device using either interface cables or through wireless. See location considerations in Attaching Power.
  2. Go to zebra.com/setup to download and install the Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU) for your Windows operating system (OS). The utility includes the latest drivers, installation wizards, and various tools to assist you in managing your printer. See Installing Drivers and Connecting to a Windows-Based Computer.
    Optionally download Android, iPhone, and iPad apps that will help you manage your Zebra printer.
  3. Attach the printer and power supply to a grounded AC power source. See Attaching Power.
  4. Load the media. See Loading Roll Media.
    The printer auto-calibrates. See Media Sensing.
  5. Load transfer ribbon. See Loading Transfer Ribbon.
  6. Print a Printer Configuration Report to verify basic printer operation. See Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label.
  7. Turn printer power OFF.
  8. Choose a method to communicate with your printer using either a wired connection—USB port, optional serial port, or optional Ethernet—or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and establish the physical connection if using a cable. See Connecting your Printer to a Device and Interface Cable Requirements.
  9. Run Zebra Setup Utilities. See Running the Printer Installation Wizard.
  10. Verify printer connectivity. See Testing Communications by Printing
If you connected the printer to your host device and turned printer power on BEFORE installing the printer drivers on the host (using the Zebra Setup Utilities Installation Wizard), see What to Do If You Forget to Install Printer Drivers First.