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NOTE Zebra Support Community Site has been updated to replace obsolete industry terms with modern terminology. This article uses the term Central instead of Master and Peripheral instead of Slave.
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Overview
You can use the Zebra Setup Utilities to configure Zebra printers for Bluetooth connectivity quickly. A connectivity wizard walks you through the setup process.
Procedure:
| NOTE Download the latest Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU) to your device. Connect the printer you want to set up with Bluetooth to the PC with the ZSU installed. The following screenshots are taken from version 1.1.9.1286. |
- Go to Zebra Setup Utilities and select the required Printer.
- Click the Configure Printer Connectivity button.
| NOTE If you select a BT non-supportable printer driver, Bluetooth is not on the list. |
- Select the Bluetooth option, then click the Next button.
- There are several configurable parameters on the next screen. Perform the steps below:
- Enabled: Select the checkbox to enable Bluetooth connectivity.
- Friendly Name: This parameter sets the Friendly Name, which is part of the local name used during service discovery. The Friendly Name is a string of up to 17 characters long. If the user does not set it, it will default to the printer serial number. Changes to the Friendly Name parameter will not occur until the printer is power cycled.
- Discoverable: Select ON from the drop-down menu to set the Bluetooth discoverable mode. When this is set to ON, other devices on Bluetooth scanning can find this device.
- Authentication pin: This parameter is used to connect to the printer and only applies to Bluetooth 2.0 and below.
- Bonding: Set as On to allow the printer to save the previous connection information.
- Enable Reconnect: Select iOS Only to set connecting devices as listed for iOS Only.
- Pairing Method: Select the method you want the printer to pair.
- Bluetooth Controller Mode: Currently available for ZQ5xx, ZD4XX, printers.
You can configure the printer to use one of the following modes:
- Classic and Low Energy (also known as Bluetooth Smart Ready).
- Classic only (also known as Bluetooth Classic).
- Low Energy only (also known as Bluetooth Smart).
 | IMPORTANT!
Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) can be used only for setup and configuration. It is not suitable for printing labels. If you plan to send print jobs, ensure your printer is equipped with Bluetooth Classic. Refer to the article Bluetooth Classic vs BTLE. |
| NOTE
Bluetooth Low Energy settings: Additional options for printers supporting Bluetooth Low Energy are displayed. If the printer is configured for a Low Energy option, further configuration options shall be shown to define security mode and pairing settings.
- The Low Energy minimum security level that the printer allows can be set. Higher security levels are always allowed if requested by the central device.
- For printers with no LCD, the Low Energy Pairing Method can be set.
- The Print Number option enables passkey comparison, and the passkey is printed out.
- The Do Not Print Number option disables passkey comparison, and the printer will use the Just Works pairing method (note that with Just Works, there is a lack of security and authentication).
- The Use Printer Settings option will use the pairing method currently set in the printer. The current setting will be either Print Number or Do Not Print Number.
Bluetooth Low Energy Standard is currently used for small data bursts at shorter ranges. There are no use cases available for Bluetooth Low Energy in Zebra printers. There is also no sample code and no known programs developed for non-Zebra devices to communicate using BTLE with the Zebra printers that support it. It will allow printers to pair to other devices, but print jobs will NOT reach the printer. |
- With the information of your selection, click the Next button.
- View the commands generated by the utility on the next page. Click the Next button.
- Select the Printer option to send the new configuration to the printer directly.
- Click the Finish button to send the configuration and end the process.
- Your printer Bluetooth is now updated to your configuration. You may pair it with your devices.
Helpful Information:
