Issue / Question
How to configure Zebra Bluetooth printer from a Zebra Android device?
Applicable To
Zebra Android device version 4.4 or newer. Example MC40, TC51
Zebra Link-OS printer. Example ZQ520, ZQ610.
Resolution / Answer
1. Download and install Zebra Printer Setup Utility
With Zebra’s Printer Setup Utility, configuring your Link-OS printers to optimize performance is easy – no specialized knowledge required.
To use, install the app on your Android device, tap the printer you wish to configure. Your printer and device will instantly begin communicating via Bluetooth. Then follow the simple setup wizards that walks you through how to set specific printing parameters – such as calibration, media type, ribbon, printer language and print quality – to optimize performance. If your Android device does not support Tap and Pair via NFC, the app can discover your printer via Bluetooth and network, or connect to it via USB.
Bluetooth Printers are now manageable, even in the field!
Normally, Bluetooth printers are not easily managed – particularly when they are used in the field by a mobile workforce. Zebra’s Printer Setup Utility makes Bluetooth printers manageable via the Cloud by allowing the app to retrieve files from Box or Dropbox and then transfer these files to the printers for configuration and printer OS updates. This simplifies the management of Link-OS Bluetooth printers, dramatically improving both printer ROI and the productivity of a mobile workforce.
2. Once this application is installed, you can create a text file (example using Windows Notepad) which includes the printer Set-Get-Do (SGD) commands. Example below:
! U1 setvar "power.sleep.enable" "off" ! U1 setvar "power.inactivity_timeout" "0" ! U1 setvar "power.sleep.timeout" "0" ! U1 do "device.reset" ""
3. Copy this text file unto the Android device. Example TC51.
4. Launch Zebra Printer Setup Utility
5. Pair and connect to the target Link-OS printer. Example ZQ520.
6. Select 'Available Files'
7. Browse for the SGD file
8. Tap on SEND TO PRINTER
At this point, the printer command will be sent over Bluetooth connection down to the connected printer.
