Setting up the Zebra Label Printer
Updated: Aug 28, 2022
What you will need to set up Zebra 420/421 Label Printer:
15-20 minutes
Computer with USB port and connected to your school WiFi
Be close to a power source
Backup plan, just in case things don't go perfectly: jason@circool.com
1. Unpacking the label printer and initial configuration
The following video will explain what to do when you first receive your label printer. Follow the guidelines in the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gTfqoNs628
Do not connect the label printer to your computer yet.
You can add your roll of labels if you'd like.
2. Download and install label printer drivers to a computer
Next, you will need to download drivers to your computer. You can use any Windows computer that is connected the school WiFi and has a USB port. This is mainly to get the label printer connected to your school WiFi.
Click here to download the drivers from the Zebra website. Scroll to section "Zebra Setup Utilities for Windows" and download the latest drivers.
Once downloaded, Run the downloaded utility. Say Yes if Prompt on Trusted Source.
Click Next to the Welcome Screen.
Accept terms of the license agreement. Click Next.
Click Next to the Destination Folder screen.
Click Next to the Select Program Folder.
Click Next to the Completion screen.
Allow the installation to finish
Check “I have Read the information above”. Click Next to the Important Information screen.
Check “Run Zebra Utilities Now”. Click Finish to the Completing screen.
Step 2 Done! You're done installing the drivers. Great Job!
3. Connecting the Label Printer to your WiFi
Connect the label printer to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
Turn on the label printer by pressing and holding the power button until the orange lights appear.
Wait for the light (diamond inside a square) to turn green.
Select USB.
Click Next.
Your computer system, if connected to the internet, should apply the correct drivers automatically. If not, follow the prompts for the Manual Install.
Click Finish to the below screen.
If you chose Manual Install, your screen should look like this. If not, you can skip this step.
In the large window to the right, scroll and select ZDesigner ZD421-203dpi ZPL.
Click Next to the Select Printer screen.
Click "ZDesigner ZD421" from the printers list in the large window.
Then, click on "Configure Printer Connectivity."
Select Wireless.
Click Next.
Nothing to change on this screen.
Click Next.
The wireless band is unique to your schools wireless settings. Most often the 802.11 a/b/g/n will work with most wireless network set-ups. It's a good idea to check with your IT Admin.
We suggest selecting 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) and click Next.
Select USA, Canada.
Leave Channel List blank.
Click Next.
For ESSID, type in the name of your wireless network. Make sure you match the case exactly. Hint: if your phone is connected to the school WiFi, you'll the see name/ESSID under your WiFi settings.
Again, the Security mode will be unique to your wireless network set-up. WPA-PSK/ WPA2-PSK is the most common for wireless networks.
Leave Security username and Security password blank.
Click Next.
On PSK Type, Select "String".
Type your WiFi password into the PSK Name box. Passwords are case sensitive. If you do not type it in correctly here, it will not tell you until later screens.
Click Next.
Click Next on the Advanced wireless settings screen.
Click Next on the Final Stream screen.
Click Finish on the Send data screen.
Your Printer will now reset on its own. The lights on the printer will flash orange. This could take up to 60 seconds.
Wait for the printer lights to turn green.
You should now see the right most light (WiFi) as green.
The Buttons on the Printer should look like the picture to the right:
Great. Now let's test this printer out!
4. How to Print a test label.
Insert a roll of labels into the Printer. You can find video instructions here.
From your computer, open the Zebra Set-up utilities software application if it's not open
Highlight the ZD421-203dpi ZPL Printer in the large window.
Click on “Open Printer Tools”
Select “Printer configuration label.”
Click Send.
A configuration report should print out.
We Did It!