Troubleshooting Zebra Printer Label Printing Issues

Last updated: May 26, 2026

This article covers common issues with Zebra printers not printing labels correctly in RetailReady, including blank labels, misaligned labels, connectivity issues, and PDF printing problems.

Basic Troubleshooting

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

  1. Restart the printer completely

  2. Check that labels are loaded correctly in the printer

  3. Verify printer settings match your label size

  4. Ensure that your printer is not bouncing between different access points in the warehouse (IT team should know how to test this)

    1. This may be happening if the printer randomly stops printing mid-labeling

Calibration and Label Alignment Fixes

If labels are printing but appear misaligned or cut off, this is typically a printer calibration issue:

  1. Access your printer's IP address through a web browser

  2. Adjust the overall label height settings in the printer configuration

  3. Check horizontal/left offset driver settings are set to 0

  4. Test print alignment after each adjustment

Printer Connection and Setup Issues

If RetailReady shows "Cannot Connect to Printer" or similar errors:

Connection Troubleshooting

  1. Restart the printer and reconnect to WiFi

  2. Check that the printer shows as "Ready" in the printer utility

  3. Test the printer connection in RetailReady by going to Settings > Printers > Test Printer

  4. If the test label prints successfully, the printer connection is working

Blank Labels or Labels Not Printing

If the printer receives the print job but produces blank labels:

Basic Printer Checks

  • Verify labels are loaded correctly

  • Check for any error messages on the printer screen

  • Try holding the feed button to advance labels

  • Ensure the printer is not out of power

  • Ensure PDF printing is setup (see below for more information on PDF printing issues)

Zebra API and Wireless Connectivity Issues

If your Zebra printer is connected wirelessly and labels are not printing, this may be due to Zebra API issues that can affect wireless printing from iPads or computers.

Workaround for Wireless Issues

If you have a USB connection available, you can use a wired connection as a workaround:

  1. Download Zebra Browser Print Support

  2. Fill out the form (you’ll be automatically approved to download).

  3. Once downloaded, open the Zebra Browser Print Support app.

  4. Open the RetailReady App on your desktop.

  5. The first time you connect a wired printer, you’ll see a Zebra Browser Print popup asking for permission to communicate with your browser — select Yes.

  6. Contact Zebra support at (866) 322-5203 to confirm the printer is setup for both PDF and ZPL.

Select the printer labeled with (usb).

Screenshot 2026-03-27 at 6.29.28 PM.png

PDF Printing Setup Issues

If ZPL labels print correctly but PDF labels do not print, your printer may need PDF emulation setup. An example of this is if FBA labels do not print, as those are PDF labels.

Steps to Resolve PDF Printing

  1. Contact Zebra support at (866) 322-5203

  2. Inform them you need to print both ZPLs and PDFs via API

  3. They will help set up PDF emulation on your printer

  4. Send the PDF emulation file (.NRD file) to your printer

  5. Test PDF printing after setup is complete

Labels printing upside down

If your labels are printing upside down and you need them inverted you may need to adjust your settings:

Steps to resolve upside down printing (API connection)

  1. Connect to the affected printer using the Zebra Setup Utilities App

  2. Select Media Settings

    Screenshot 2026-05-21 at 10.55.32 AM.png

  3. Select Media Settings again!

    Screenshot 2026-05-21 at 10.56.32 AM.png

  4. Adjust the Orientation to be "Inverted" instead of "Normal"

    Screenshot 2026-05-21 at 10.58.03 AM.png

  5. Select Next

    Screenshot 2026-05-22 at 8.06.02 AM.png

  6. Select Apply

    Screenshot 2026-05-22 at 8.08.26 AM.png

  7. 2 test labels should print out -- after complete your labels should print in the proper direction!

Steps to resolve upside down printing (Wired)

  1. Open the System Dialog

    Screenshot 2026-05-22 at 8.11.32 AM.png

  2. Select more settings

    Screenshot 2026-05-22 at 8.13.14 AM.png

  3. Change the Rotation to be 180 - and select OK

    Screenshot 2026-05-22 at 8.14.39 AM.png

  4. Print your labels

FAQs

What should I do if my printer was working but suddenly stopped printing?

First, try restarting the printer completely. If labels that were queued start printing after restart, this indicates a temporary connectivity issue. Check your WiFi connection and printer status.

Why do some label types print while others don't?

Different label types (ZPL vs PDF) require different printer configurations. ZPL labels typically work out of the box, while PDF labels require additional emulation setup through Zebra support.

How can I tell if the issue is with my printer or with RetailReady?

Use the test printer function in RetailReady (Settings > Printers > Test Printer). If the test label prints successfully, the printer hardware and connection are working, and the issue is likely with specific label templates or configurations.

When should I contact Zebra support vs RetailReady support?

Contact Zebra support for hardware issues, PDF emulation setup, printer calibration problems, and connectivity issues. Contact RetailReady support for label template errors, missing label data, or issues specific to label generation within the platform.