Skip to main content

Zebra label printer troubleshooting

This guide is designed to help you quickly solve common issues with your Zebra label printer. For best results, print this document and keep it near your printer for easy access.

Printer won't turn on

  1. Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the printer and the power outlet.

  2. Confirm that the power outlet is working by plugging in another device.

  3. Press the power button firmly. If the printer still doesn’t turn on, try holding the button for a few seconds.

  4. Follow the printer reset (#1) steps in the following picture to perform a factory reset.


Printer is not printing

  1. Ensure the paper roll or label roll is properly loaded into the printer.

  2. Verify the labels are not jammed and the roll is not empty.

  3. Make sure the printer settings in the app or software match the type of labels you are using (e.g., size).

  4. Ensure that the printer is properly connected to your device via USB or network.

  5. On the Jolt mobile app, navigate to settings > printers, and select the serial number for the printer > test print.


Printer is printing blank labels

  1. Make sure you are using the correct type of labels for your printer model.

  2. If your printer uses thermal transfer ribbons, ensure the ribbon is properly installed and not empty.

  3. Clean the printhead of any dust or debris that might cause printing issues.


Labels are misaligned

  1. Ensure that the label roll is properly aligned and that labels are loaded correctly.

  2. Verify that the label size settings in your printer’s software match the actual label size.

  3. Recalibrate the label alignment. This should resolve the issue.


Printer is jamming

  1. Open the printer and check for obstructions or debris that may cause the jam.

  2. Make sure the labels or paper are loaded correctly and are not overfilled.

  3. Clean the rollers with a soft, lint-free cloth to ensure smooth operation.


Q & A

Q: How can I drain the capacitors in my Zebra printer?

A: Unplug the power cable from the printer. Hold the power button for 30-45 seconds, then keep the printer unplugged for several minutes. Ensure the power cord is plugged into the wall outlet.

Q: How do I delete configured printers in the Jolt mobile app?

A: Open the Jolt mobile app, go to settings > printers, and delete any configured printers. Force close the Jolt mobile app and reopen to refresh.

Q: How do I forget WiFi and Bluetooth connections on my iPad?


A: Navigate to the iPad settings. For Bluetooth, tap the blue "i" icon next to the device and select forget this device. For WiFi, tap the blue "i" icon next to the network and select forget this network. Force restart the iPad by holding the lock and restart the device to refresh.

Q: How do I reset the hardware and network defaults on my Zebra printer?

A: For a hardware reset, reconnect the printer power cable but keep it off. Hold the pause and feed buttons simultaneously, then hold the power button until only the status light is on.


For a network reset, turn the printer off. Hold the pause and x buttons simultaneously, then hold the power button until only the status light is on.

Q: What should the status lights indicate after resetting?

A: The status light on the left should be solid green, and the network light on the right should be red. If the network light is not red, perform the network reset again.

Q: How do I load labels and calibrate the Zebra printer?

A: Load a roll of labels and align the sensor properly. Follow the instructions for calibrating the printer.

Q: How do I reconnect my iPad to the Zebra printer?

A: Power on the iPad and enable Bluetooth. Connect to the printer's serial number. Reconnect the iPad to the private WiFi network.

Q: How do I add a printer in the Jolt mobile app?

A: Open the Jolt mobile app, go to settings > printers, and click the blue plus sign to add a printer. Select the 50J printer number, enter the network name and password, and click save. Test print a label to ensure proper setup.

Q: What should I do if I need additional assistance?

A: Contact Jolt Support if you encounter any issues during the troubleshooting process.

Q: How do I perform a factory reset on my Zebra printer?

A: Turn off the printer. Hold the pause and feed buttons simultaneously, then press the power button. Release the power button, but keep holding the other buttons until the status indicator turns solid green. The printer will feed 3-4 blank labels if done correctly.

Did this answer your question?