User Guide
P1068791-05EN
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Terms of Use
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(“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and
maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced,
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Publication Date
November 22, 2021
2
Contents
Overview............................................................................................................................................... 5
Bluetooth-Enabled Printers .............................................................................................. 5
Bluetooth FAQ’s............................................................................................................... 8
What is Bluetooth? ................................................................................................... 8
What is Bluetooth Classic (BT)?............................................................................... 8
What is Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)?........................................................................ 8
What is Bluetooth used for? ..................................................................................... 9
Is Bluetooth technology hardware or software? ....................................................... 9
What devices can communicate with Zebra’s Bluetooth printers? ........................... 9
What information can be transmitted via Bluetooth to Zebra printers?..................... 9
What is a central device and what is a peripheral device?....................................... 9
What is Link-OS?.................................................................................................... 10
What is Print DNA?................................................................................................. 10
What type of security does Bluetooth support? ...................................................... 10
Security............................................................................................................................................... 11
Minimum Security Mode................................................................................................. 11
Changing the Minimum Security Mode................................................................... 12
Bluetooth Pairing........................................................................................................... 13
Secure Simple Pairing ............................................................................................ 13
Bluetooth LE ........................................................................................................... 13
Man-In-The-Middle Protection ................................................................................ 14
Connectivity ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Connecting the Printer ................................................................................................... 15
Print a Network Configuration Label....................................................................... 15
Configuring Bluetooth Settings on Your Printer ............................................................. 17
Bluetooth Classic Discoverability ................................................................................... 17
Connecting the Printer to a Windows 10 PC.................................................................. 18
3
Contents
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................. 23
Troubleshooting Steps ................................................................................................... 23
4
Overview
Use this chapter to familiarize yourself with Bluetooth technology and the various Zebra printers that are
Bluetooth enabled.
Bluetooth-Enabled Printers
Table 1 Bluetooth-Enabled Mobile Printers
Model Wireless Options
P4T • BT 2.0 (standard)
• 802.11b/g (optional)
QLn420 • BT 2.1 (optional)
• Dual Radio (BT 3.0 + 802.11
a/b/g/n)
ZQ110 • BT 3.0 (Standard)
• 802.11b/g (optional)
ZQ320 Outdoor unit (Black)
• BT (Classic, LE 4.0)
Indoor unit (Silver/Black shown)
• Dual Radio (BT Classic, LE
ZQ510 • BT 4.0/LE + BT 3.0
• Dual Radio (BT 3.0 + 802.11
a/b/g/n)
ZQ520 • BT 4.0/LE + BT 3.0
• Dual Radio (BT 3.0 + 802.11
a/b/g/n
* Apple iOS support is available with the BT Classic option.
Android
Suppor
t
Suppor
Apple
iOS
5
Overview
Table 1 Bluetooth-Enabled Mobile Printers (Continued)
Model Wireless Options
ZD230/ZD888 • BT 4.1/LE
Apple iOS support and Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad
means that an electronic accessory has been
designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, or
iPad, respectively, and is certified by the developer
to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not
responsible for the operation of this device or its
compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Please note that the use of this accessory with iOS
devices may affect wireless performance.
NOTE: QLn printers with SKUs QNx-xxNxxMxx-xx and
QNx-xxCxxMxx-xx support Made for iPod iPhone iPad.
* Apple iOS support is available with the BT Classic option.
Android
Suppor
t
Suppor
Apple
iOS
6
Overview
Table 2 Bluetooth-Enabled Desktop and Industrial Printers
Model Wireless Options
ZD410 • Bluetooth LE (standard)
• BT 4.0 (Classic + Bluetooth LE) +
802.11a/b/g/n/ac (Optional)
ZD420
Series
• Bluetooth LE (standard)
• BT 4.0 (Classic + Bluetooth LE) +
802.11a/b/g/n/ac (optional)
ZD500
Series
• BT 2.0 Standard
• Dual Radio (BT 3.0 + 802.11
a/b/g/n) (optional)
ZD500R
Series
• BT 200 (standard)
• Dual Radio (BT 3.0 + 802.11
a/b/g/n) (optional)
ZD620
Series
• Bluetooth LE (optional)
• BT 4.0 (Classic + Bluetooth LE) +
802.11a/b/g/n/ac (optional)
Android
Support
*
*
*
Apple iOS
Support
ZE511/
• BT 4.1
ZE521
ZT400 Series:
ZT410, ZT411,
ZT420, ZT421
• BT 2.1+ EDR (standard)
• 802.11 a/b/g/n (optional)
(EDR: Enhanced Data Rate)
Apple iOS support and Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad means that
an electronic accessory has been designed to connect
specifically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad, respectively, and is certified
by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is
not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance
with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of
this accessory with iOS devices may affect wireless
performance.
* Apple iOS support is available with the BT Classic option.
7
Bluetooth FAQ’s
NOTE: Apple iOS support and Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad means that an electronic accessory has been
designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad, respectively, and is certified by the developer to
meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its
compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iOS
devices may affect wireless performance.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth technology is the global wireless standard for enabling low energy, small range, secure
connectivity for Bluetooth-enabled devices without the use of cables or wires. Bluetooth devices send and
receive data over short distances using radio transmissions.
What is Bluetooth Classic (BT)?
Bluetooth Classic is a wireless small range network technology for streaming data applications such as
voice communications. Bluetooth Classic provides a robust connection between devices such as
headsets, cars, industrial sensors, an medical sensors.
Overview
What is Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)?
Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE or Bluetooth Smart) is a wireless short range network technology
created for the healthcare, fitness, security, and home entertainment industries.
Bluetooth Low Energy is intended to provide considerably reduced power consumption compared to
Bluetooth Classic, while maintaining a similar range of communications. Bluetooth Low Energy is a low
power consumption device that operates in sleep mode most of the time and wakes up when a connection
is initiated.
NOTE: It is recommended that only configuration functions should be performed over a Bluetooth LE
connection. Printer configuration functions via Bluetooth LE can be performed using Zebra's Printer Setup
for Android.
Zebra Bluetooth Radio Range
Bluetooth technology (BT) operates in the unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band using
spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal at a nominal rate of 1600 hops/sec. The 2.4 GHz
ISM band is available and unlicensed in most countries.
Bluetooth Classic Bluetooth Low Energy
Range 100 m (328 ft) 25 m (82 ft)
Throughput 2 Mbps 100kbps
Zebra Radios and BT Specifications
The Bluetooth radio inside Zebra printers complies with BT 2.0 Specification or BT Specification 2.1
(B-radio) or the BT Specification 3.0 (C-radio, or Dual Radio) or BT specification 4.0 and supports the SPP
(Serial Port Profile). All print jobs sent to the printer will be done through the ZPS (Zebra Parser Service),
which is basically a BT emulation of an RS-232 serial communication.
The Desktop printers (ZD621 and ZD421) released in 2021 support Bluetooth Low Energy 5
(Bluetooth LE5).
8
Overview
What is Bluetooth used for?
Bluetooth capability is built into electronic devices and adapters. Bluetooth is a direct device-to-device
connection which allows the user to wirelessly share data and other information between paired devices. A
Bluetooth radio is designed to replace cables by taking the information normally carried by the cable and
transmitting it over a radio frequency to a receiving Bluetooth radio device.
Is Bluetooth technology hardware or software?
It’s a combination of both. In products that contain Bluetooth, a small computer chip containing the
Bluetooth radio is installed in the product. But it also needs software to connect to other products.
What devices can communicate with Zebra’s Bluetooth printers?
Any computer or hand-held device that has a Bluetooth radio inside and supports the SPP (Serial Port
Profile) of the Bluetooth specification can communicate with Zebra Bluetooth printers.
NOTE: Bluetooth LE-only printers can only communicate with hand-held devices supporting Bluetooth LE.
What information can be transmitted via Bluetooth to Zebra printers?
All data that can be transmitted over a serial cable can be sent over Bluetooth. The practical and intended
uses are data that has been formatted for printing of receipts, labels, and bar codes. Zebra provides a label
creation utility called ZebraDesigner to facilitate the formatting of labels or text. For more information about
ZebraDesigner, visit zebra.com/software
To view the Zebra Programming Guide, visit zebra.com/support
.
.
Independent Software Vendors
Zebra partners with Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to develop software and mobile applications for
use with Zebra printers.The Zebra ISV program is designed to provide ISVs with access to the sale,
marketing, and technical support that they will need to develop, integrate, and promote solutions in new
markets around the globe. To become a Zebra ISV Partner, please visit
zebra.com/us/en/partners/become-a-partner.html
To find an ISV Partner, please visit zebra.com/findisv.html
Zebra’s Link-OS® Multiplatform Software Development Kit (SDK) enables app creation for Desktop PCs,
smartphones, and tables, supporting hte most popular operating systems. Including demo apps with
source code, the Link-OS SDK makes creating powerful apps simple straightforward for our developer
community. Visit zebra.com/sdk
for more details and to download the SDK.
.
.
What is a central device and what is a peripheral device?
The central device refers to the device that initiates the connection with other Bluetooth devices. The
peripheral device refers to the Bluetooth device that listens for and receives the connection information
from the central device.
9
What is Link-OS?
Link-OS is Zebra’s one-of-a-kind enterprise printer operating system. Enabling advanced connectivity
capabilities, extensive device management, and advanced privacy controls, no other printer OS delivers
this level of intelligence and innovation. Printers running Link-OS are supported by our powerful Print DNA
suite of Applications, Utilities, and Developer Tools, making it simple to create robust, adaptable, and
intelligent print solutions.
What is Print DNA?
Our unique combination of innovative Applications, Utilities, and Developer Tools produces high
performing, remotely manageable printers that are easy to integrate and secure, ensuring Zebra Link-OS
printers provide a superior printing experience from the inside.
Overview
Visit zebra.com/printdna
to learn more.
What type of security does Bluetooth support?
The Bluetooth specification supports authentication and encryption. For the authentication algorithm, the
size of the key used is always 128 bits. For the encryption algorithm, the key size may vary between 1 and
16 octets (8-128 bits).
See Security on page 11 for more information.
10
Security
This section explains the various security features included in Zebra Bluetooth enabled printers.
Minimum Security Mode
Minimum Security Mode sets the minimum security mode at which the printer connects.The central device
dictates the security mode and the printer will agree to connect at a higher security. Security Mode levels
are as follows:
Table 3 Minimum Security Mode
Security
Mode 1
(default)
Security
Mode 2
Security
Mode 3
(default if
the printer
has a
display)
Security
Mode 4
If the central device is Bluetooth 2.0 or older:
Encryption
Level
Unencrypted NO PIN
Profile-level PIN
Link-level PIN
Not
Applicable
PIN MITM Description
Not
required
required
required
Not
Applicable
required
Not
required
Required All user data and
Required Printer will not
No data is
encrypted
All user data is
encrypted
Bluetooth
management
commands are
encrypted
connect to
Bluetooth 2.0
central device
If the central device
is Bluetooth 2.1 or
newer:
Secure Simple
Pairing will always
be used if both
devices ae Bluetooth
2.1 or newer. See
Bluetooth Pairing on
page 13.
If the central device
is Bluetooth LE:
Neither encryption
nor MITM protection
is required to
send/receive label
data.
Encryption, but not
MITM protection is
required to
send/receive label
data (i.e., Just Works
is allowed).
Encryption and
MITM protection are
required to
send/receive label
data (i.e., Just Works
is NOT allowed.)
11
Changing the Minimum Security Mode
You can change the Minimum Security Mode, (the mode the printer connects to the central device), in
Windows, Android or iPhone/iPad setup apps.
Security
12
Bluetooth Pairing
Secure Simple Pairing
Bluetooth 2.1 introduced Secure Simple Pairing. SSP improves the security of Bluetooth by not using a
static PIN and requires that all data be encrypted. SSP replaces the older Minimum Security Mode model
for devices with Link-OS compatible printers. SSP supports two modes:
• Numeric Comparison displays a 6-digit number on both the central device and the printer that must be
confirmed on both devices.
• Just Works requires no printer confirmation when in pairing mode.
The printers automatically decide whether to use Numeric Comparison or Just Works based on the
features of the printer and the central device. If both devices have a way of displaying a 6-digit number, the
printer will use Numeric Comparison.
The printing behavior for printers without a display is controlled by the Set/Get/Do command and its
values. See Table 4 on page 14 for more information.
Bluetooth LE
Security
Bluetooth LE supports three pairing modes:
• Numeric Comparison displays a 6-digit number on both, the central device and the printer, that must be
confirmed on both devices.
NOTE: This mode is not supported by all LE printers and/or central devices.
• Passkey, similar to Numeric Comparison, displays or prints a 6-digit number. Unlike Numeric
Comparison, this number must be typed in on the central device.
• Just Works requires no printer confirmation when in pairing mode.
13
Security
Table 4 also applies to printers using Bluetooth LE. Depending on the version(s) of LE supported by the
printer and/or central device, the 6-digit pairing code will be confirmed by the central device (Numeric
Comparison) or entered by the central device (Passkey).
Table 4 Set/Get/Do for Printers Without a Display
Set/Get/Do Command: bluetooth.non_display_numeric_comparison
Default Value:
Other Values:
print
noprint
off
Prints the
6-digit number
The 6-digit
number is not
printed
Disables
Numeric
Comparison
Man-In-The-Middle Protection
MITM (Man-In-The-Middle) refers to an attack between two devices. This MITM Protection guards against
a third party intercepting a connection between two devices. Just Works pairing mode does not support
MITM protection. Numeric Comparison and Passkey modes support MITM protection. During Numeric
Comparison and Passkey modes pairing, both devices specify if they require MITM protection. If either
device requires MITM protection, Just Works pairing mode cannot be used.
If the printer does not have an LCD, the printer will print the
6-digit number, and you must confirm the number on the
central device.
NOTE: The printed code will use 1-2 inches of media.
Printing the code is only necessary the first time the
printer pairs with each device.
The central device will display the 6-digit code, and you must
confirm it on the central device.
IMPORTANT: There is no way to know if a third party
device has established a MITM attack because the
code cannot be displayed on the printer!
Security Modes 3 and 4 will result in a pairing failure. “Just
Works” (no MTIM protection) is supported.
If one device requires MITM protection and the other device only supports Just Works pairing mode, this
may cause the pairing to fail.
The printer does not require MITM protection in Minimum Security Mode 1 and 2. The printer does require
MITM protection for Minimum Security Mode 3 and 4.
For more advanced security settings and to customize security settings with Set/Get/Do commands, refer
to the Zebra Programming Guide on zebra.com/manuals
14
.
Connectivity
Connecting the Printer
This guide assumes that you have installed the proper drivers (if necessary) on the central device and then
the device is Bluetooth compatible. A central device is any Bluetooth radio enabled device that can initiate
a connection with a Bluetooth radio enabled printer. These instructions include connecting your Bluetooth
printer to:
• Computer running Microsoft
®
• Apple iOS
• Android
devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
™
devices
Print a Network Configuration Label
Verify that your Zebra printer has the Bluetooth radio installed. You can verify this by printing a network
configuration label (see Figure 1 on page 16 and Figure 1 on page 16 for sample labels). Zebra printers
with the Internal Bluetooth option installed print a configuration label with information needed to establish
and troubleshoot printing from a network. Refer to your printer’s user guide for instructions on how to print
a configuration label.
®
Windows® desktop editions
The printer’s Bluetooth settings help identify the printer for installation, print operations, and network
connectivity.
1. Depending on the model of your printer, make sure the printer is plugged into a proper power source or
the battery is installed. If your printer uses a battery as the power source, you may need to charge the
battery before you can continue setting up your printer.
2. Load media into the printer. For more information regarding loading media into your printer, refer to
your printer’s User Guide.
3. Turn on (|) the printer. Ensure Bluetooth Discovery is turned ON by referring to the network
configuration label.
4. Print a network configuration label. For instructions, refer to your printer’s User Guide.
5. Looking at the network configuration label, ensure that Bluetooth discover mode is ON. If not, change
the setting. Refer to Configuring Bluetooth Settings on Your Printer on page 17 for instructions.
15
Connectivity
Figure 1 An example of a network configuration label (ZPL)
16
Connectivity
Configuring Bluetooth Settings on Your Printer
If your network configuration label indicated that Bluetooth discovery is OFF, enable the option and
configure other Bluetooth settings using the Printer Setup app for Windows, Android or iPhone/iPad on
zebra.com/setup
The user guides for the Printer Setup for Android and iPhone/iPad provide instructions for connecting your
mobile device and printer.
Bluetooth configuration may also be achieved by sending a number of Set/Get/Do commands. See the
PrintSecure Printer Administration Guide on zebra.com/PrintSecure
Bluetooth Set/Get/Do commands.
.
Bluetooth Classic Discoverability
The SGD command "bluetooth.discoverable" controls whether the Zebra printer will respond to inquiry
requests from a remote device. This Classic feature is called discoverable mode: if it is disabled, remote
devices are not able to easily find the printer.
for more specific details about
NOTE: Starting with Link-OS v6, the "
devices cannot see or connect to the printer.
With discoverability disabled, the printer will still make connections with a remote device that was
previously paired.
RECOMMENDATION: Only keep discoverable mode enabled while pairing to a remote device. Once
paired, discoverable mode should be disabled. Starting with Link-OS v6, a new feature was introduced to
enable limited discovery. Holding down the FEED button for 5 seconds will enable limited pairing mode.
Limited pairing mode enables discovery and pairing for 2 minutes. This enables the printer to operate
safely with discoverable mode disabled until a user with physical access to the printer activates it.
Upon entering Bluetooth Pairing Mode, the printer will provide feedback that the printer is in Pairing Mode
using one of these methods:
• On printers with a “Bluetooth” screen icon or Bluetooth LED, the printer shall flash the “Bluetooth”
screen icon or Bluetooth LED on and off every second while in pairing mode.
• On printers without a “Bluetooth” screen icon or Bluetooth LED, the printer shall flash the “Data” icon or
Data LED on and off every second while in pairing mode.
• Specifically, on the ZD220, ZD230, and ZD888 models, the 4 flash LED sequence places the printer
into Bluetooth Pairing Mode.
• Specifically, on the ZD510 model, the 5 flash LED sequence places the printer into Bluetooth Pairing
Mode.
NOTE: If the user wants to completely disable Bluetooth connectivity, including discovery and pairing, they
can disable the Bluetooth radio entirely.
bluetooth.discoverable" function is now off by default and other
17
Connectivity
Connecting the Printer to a Windows 10 PC
Your screens may vary from those shown below.
1. Open the Windows Start Menu by clicking on the Windows Start button and select Settings.
2. Click on the Devices category in the Settings window. If your PC doesn’t have Bluetooth installed. the
Bluetooth category will not be displayed in the list of device categories.
3. Click on Bluetooth & other devices.
18
Click on Add Bluetooth or other devices.
4.
Add a device dialog opens.
Connectivity
19
Connectivity
Click on Bluetooth. The system will display “discovered” bluetooth devices.
5.
The printer is identified by the serial number.
20
Connectivity
When you select the printer from the list, the printer will either print a passcode or display the passcode
6.
on its LCD screen, if it has one.
7. Compare that output with the passcode shown on the computer screen. If they match, Accept the
passcode on the printer first, then click Connect on the computer.
If the passcodes do not match, click Reject the passcode on the printer first, then click Cancel and try
pairing again.
21
Connectivity
If the pairing is successful, the printer status changes to Paired (below your printer). Click Done to exit.
8.
22
Troubleshooting
This section explains common troubleshooting procedures when connecting Bluetooth devices.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you are experiencing Bluetooth connectivity issues, first perform the following basic troubleshooting
steps that may quickly resolve your issue.
1. If your Bluetooth device uses batteries, make sure that your batteries are charged.
2. If your Bluetooth device uses a Bluetooth adapter that connects to your computer through a USB port,
try connecting the adapter to another USB port on your computer.
3. If there are multiple Bluetooth devices connected to your computer, temporarily disconnect them. They
can interfere with a Bluetooth communications.
4. Verify that the Bluetooth device that you are troubleshooting is powered on and that Bluetooth is
enabled. If your device has a wireless switch, make sure that the wireless switch is turned on. Check
your printer’s User Guide that came with your printer or on-line at zebra.com/support
wireless switch on your printer.
to locate the
IMPORTANT: Make sure your Windows computer is up to date with all the latest service packs and
drivers.
5. In Windows 10, use your Start menu to check for updates. Click the Start button, click Settings, and
then click
6. If any important updates are available for your computer, install them. To do this, click Install updates. If
you are prompted to restart your computer after all the updates are installed, restart your computer.
7. If it still does not work, go to zebra.com/support for assistance.
Update & Security.
23
zebra.com
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