Issue / Question
Upgrading or downgrading firmware on a Zebra Printer.
Applicable To
Zebra Printers
Resolution / Answer
Requirements
Any of the following:
- FTP capability
- Zebra Designer Driver (If you are using the ZebraDesigner Driver with your application)
- ZebraNet Bridge
- Zebra Set-Up Utility
- ZDownloader Utility
Overview
Zebra Printers accept firmware updates or upgrades using standard communications methods. The firmware files are available from the Zebra Support and Downloads. Once you locate your printer on the support site and download the appropriate firmware file, run the self-extracting executable file (vXX_XX_X.exe), which produces a ZPL firmware file. Send the ZPL file to the printer via one of the suggested methods to update the printer firmware. The goal is to send the file using a method that does not alter or corrupt the firmware content in any way. The time it takes to transmit the file to the printer varies. Allow the process to complete before taking any system or printer action.
The printer acknowledges the upgrade by performing a reset and then printing a configuration list. Assure the printer has media loaded and is ready to print when sending the new firmware file.
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NOTE It is always a good practice to record the existing printer configurations before upgrading/downgrading the printer since some values may have defaulted during the firmware loading process. For more information refer to Printing or Downloading the Configuration Settings of a Zebra ZPL Compatible Printer |
Procedure
Directions for uploading from the Windows environment:
- Download the firmware file from Zebra's website (vXX_XX_X.exe) to an appropriate working directory on your hard drive.
- Extract the vXX_XX_X.exe file to produce the ZPL file.
- Send the ZPL file to the printer via the method of your choice.
Sending the .zpl file
- FTP - Use standard FTP commands to transfer the .zpl file to the printer.
- ZebraDesigner Driver - Use the Send File feature under Tools to send the .zpl file. Refer to ZebraDesigner Driver and the Send File Feature for more information.
- Zebra Setup Utility - Use the Send File feature to communicate the .zpl file to the printer. For more information, refer to Zebra Setup Utilities: Sending Files to a Printer.
- ZebraNet Bridge - Use the Copy/Paste File feature to send the .zpl file to the printer. For more information, refer to Using ZebraNet Bridge to Upgrade Firmware.
- ZDownloader - The following link contains instructions on how to do so: Using the ZDownloader Utility from the Zebra's Website.
If the printer fails to accept the firmware, reconfirm that you are downloading the correct version. Upon verifying, you can try to put the printer into a Force Download state. This varies slightly from printer to printer based on the printer model.
Force Firmware Download Mode
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NOTE You must use ZDownloader if sending the firmware to printers in Force Firmware Download Mode. |
- ZM/RZ Series Printers: Firmware Download Failure and Force Download Mode
- ZT220 Printer: ZT220 Firmware Download Failure and Force Download Mode
- ZT230 and ZT400: ZT230 and ZT400 Firmware Download Failure and Force Download Mode
- ZT600: ZT600 Firmware Download Failure and Force Download Mode
- S4M Printer: Changing S4M Firmware Using the Force Download Mode
- Xi4 Series, 105SL Plus, or ZE500: Power on the printer by pressing and holding the Plus and Minus buttons.
- Xi3Plus, 105SL, or Pax4: Power on the printer holding the two black oval buttons located under the display.
- QLn and ZQ Series Printers: Mobile Printer Firmware Download Failure and Force Download Mode
Helpful Information:
