This article provides solutions for common Zebra printer connectivity and print quality issues.
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Common issues and troubleshooting steps
Printer is feeding blank labels when powering on or after printing
Start a calibration by holding the X and the Pause button as shown here.
Printed labels contain white stripes
This is most likely caused by wrong ribbon insertion. The ribbon contains the ink that is fused onto the labels. It is rolled over the label paper. Load the ribbon like this: Zebra ZD421 Changing Ribbon
If you are reusing an existing ribbon:
- Sever the Ribbon: Cut the ribbon between the spindles.✂️
- Take out the receiving spindle
- Unroll the ribbon from the receiving spindle
- Insert the receiving and supplying pieces correctly
- Reattach the ribbon to the receiving side with some tape
- Run printer calibration
You are also able to increase the temperature or darkness option in the printer settings (to max. value 30):
- On macOS printer settings can be changed as described in https://help.distru.com/en/articles/5174454-how-to-set-up-a-zebra-printer-for-mac-os#h_2aa053100a.
- On Windows the darkness can be configured in the Zebra Setup Utilities -> Printer Settings -> Darkness
Printer is not recognized by the computer
- Follow detailed instructions at: https://www.zebra.com/content/dam/support-dam/en/documentation/unrestricted/guide/product/zd421-zd621-ug-en.pdf#page=179
Printer prints a small QR code instead of the label, when printing from the Cula browser app
Currently, we don’t have a solution for that, the workaround is to use PDF print from Windows (and not the web print integration from the Cula app).
Printer Replacement
Switch from one printer (e.g. thermal direct model) to another (e.g. thermal transfer model)
- Remove printer from system device settings
- Follow setup instructions from Setting up a Zebra Printer (except step 1 [Install QZ.io])
Printer Maintenance
Change thermal transfer cartridge
Follow page 186 ff. from https://www.zebra.com/content/dam/support-dam/en/documentation/unrestricted/guide/product/zd421-zd621-ug-en.pdf#page=186
Other Issues
My issue is not found in any of the above sections
Contact the assigned Customer Success Manager or email support@cula.tech.