Zebra ZD421 Thermal Printer
Posted by slatonator@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Hello, I am setting up a new Zebra ZD421 Thermal Printer. I have it connected to my PC via USB for now so I can setup WiFi connectivity. When I use the Zebra Setup Utility to configure connectivity the wizard finishes without error and shows the wifi settings on the final configuration page. However, it isn't found on the network and I cannot ping it. When I open the connectivity wizard all settings are gone like it never happened. I don't plan to use the app, I was hoping I could connect to my PC, setup and connect via WiFi. Any advice would be great!
weaponjoe@reddit
Are you maybe based in the EU? New Zebra printers for EU customers have a new setting that ethernet, WiFi and firmware settings are blocked by default until you send a ZPL file via USB with an admin password. You can create the ZPL on the zebra website. My colleague and I wasted 3 hours setting a simple ip address because of this stupid new thing.
verbs_01@reddit
Thank you! For future readers, this fixed my issue - I was getting printer errors and 'unable to open port' on the zebra utilities 'open communication with printer', even though it was installed and I could edit other options. After doing this, I restarted the software & unplugged the USB & it worked straight away
CreatiXx@reddit
After doing what exactly? Running into the same issue atm, printer receives IP address but i cannot get it to enable the webinterface
technociclos@reddit
Zebra Security Control Wizard. Follow the instructions there.
Sensitive-Falcon-500@reddit
Thanks for it! It solved our problem!!
marre_87@reddit
How do you find it? Having issues connecting to the browser interface
Logical_Salary_9930@reddit
How do y'all even configure the printer? You used to just enter a password directly to the printer, but now you gotta do everything within a stupid utility software.
Logical_Salary_9930@reddit
*Edit*
FIXED
In Zebra Setup Utilities, go to "Open Communication With Printer"
If you can't open, it means your printer doesn't have a network/connection.
Then under "untitled1", paste the code below and click on "Send to Printer" in the right corner above.
Wait for a response. After that, you should be able to reach the GUI when you enter the IP in the browser.
The code:
! U1 setvar "device.languages" "zpl"
{}{
"protect": {
"authentication": {
"username": "admin",
"password": "",
"type": "basic"
},
"operation": "setup",
"setup": {
"username": "admin",
"password": "JDsRb2G92qT6mARHsDyZ"
}
}
}
{}{
"protect": {
"authentication": {
"username": "admin",
"password": "JDsRb2G92qT6mARHsDyZ",
"type": "basic"
},
"operation": "configure-one",
"configure-one": {
"protected-mode-allowed": "no"
}
}
}
{}{
"protect": {
"authentication": {
"username": "admin",
"password": "JDsRb2G92qT6mARHsDyZ",
"type": "basic"
},
"operation": "set",
"set": {
"device.allow_firmware_downloads": "yes",
"ip.tcp.enable": "on",
"ip.lpd.enable": "off",
"ip.https.enable": "on",
"ip.ftp.enable": "off",
"ip.snmp.enable": "off",
"wlan.enable": "off",
"usb.mirror.enable": "off",
"zbi.enable": "off",
"display.password.current": "",
"ip.http.admin_password": "1234"
}
}
}
{}{
"protect": {
"authentication": {
"username": "admin",
"password": "JDsRb2G92qT6mARHsDyZ",
"type": "basic"
},
"operation": "set",
"set": {
"device.prompted_network_reset": "yes"
}
}
}
! U1 setvar "device.restore_defaults" "device. Languages"
evantom34@reddit
This printer gave me the hardest freaking time. The most recent driver package released in 2025 helped fix connectivity.
Assign it to a fixed IP or use a DHCP registration and see if that works?
AfterEagle@reddit
Does it have the wifi card installed?
ididitlasterday@reddit
I went through this with our zebra printer. The software doesn't ask or check if the wifi card (or any other add on card) is actually present. Be sure there is an antenna port and antenna on the back, if not you will need to install one.
AfterEagle@reddit
I have a ZD411 in front of me right now and the Wi-Fi card is mounted on the bottom under a small door.
the_angry_PEBCAK@reddit
I don't know if this will help, but with Dymo networked printers, the wizard will allow you to config but not save unless it has the thermal roll with the NFC chip installed in it prior to set up. Ask me how I know that.
srt8it@reddit
Make sure in the manual setup on the printer it's set to DHCP, it isn't set from the factory.
MyNameIsHuman1877@reddit
Best to give assigned IPs for these.
FrankNicklin@reddit
Presume the wizard would not go through the config if the card wasn't present in the printer.
sryan2k1@reddit
*chuckles*, first day?
_-RustyShackleford@reddit
The older app had an almost hidden save/apply button at the bottom of the screen if I'm remembering correctly. It's been a minute. They also typically require a reboot or a 'reset network' option.
neometallic@reddit
Huh, I've been fooling around with this exact printer this morning. Can you confirm that it has the wireless upgrade kit installed on the bottom?