# Zebra Printer Management with Hexnode UEM Zebra Printer management is designed for organizations that use Zebra printers for labels, barcodes, receipts, tags, and other operational printing workflows across retail, logistics, warehousing, healthcare, manufacturing, and distributed field locations. **Note:** The Zebra Printer enrollment, label-template deployment, and firmware-update workflows support Zebra printers running Link-OS 5.0 or later. What Hexnode UEM manages on Zebra Printers ------------------------------------------ After enrollment, a Zebra Printer can be managed as a dedicated endpoint in Hexnode UEM. Administrators can configure printer behavior, deliver operational files, apply security settings, and use remote actions to recover or maintain printers. This table summarizes the Zebra Printer management capabilities available in Hexnode UEM and the administrative outcome of each capability. Zebra Printer management capabilities in Hexnode UEMManagement areaWhat administrators can doPrimary outcomeEnrollmentEnroll printers through Open Enrollment or Authenticated Enrollment.Add Zebra Printers to the Hexnode UEM portal for centralized administration.Network configurationConfigure Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Weblink settings.Connect printers to the required enterprise network environment.Printer configurationConfigure base settings, print settings, real-time clock settings, mirror configuration, and custom scripts.Standardize printer behavior across sites and printer groups.SecurityApply Zebra Printer restrictions and deploy certificates.Limit unsupported device behavior and support secure network access.Label-template deploymentDeploy supported printer label formats and templates.Deliver approved label layouts without manually connecting to each printer.Firmware maintenanceDeploy approved Zebra firmware files remotely.Maintain printer stability and standardize firmware versions.Remote recoveryReset the printer, reset network settings, restart the print server, or restart the network interface.Restore a printer or its network connectivity remotely.DiagnosticsPrint a configuration label and review Action History.Verify printer settings and investigate remote-action results.Supported Zebra Printer workflows --------------------------------- Hexnode UEM provides separate workflows for Zebra Printer enrollment, configuration, deployment, maintenance, and recovery. Use the following table to select the workflow that matches the required administrative task. This table maps common Zebra Printer administration tasks to the corresponding Hexnode UEM workflow and use case. Select a Zebra Printer workflowAdministrative taskHexnode UEM workflowWhen to use itAdd a new printer to managementZebra Printer enrollmentProvision a new, replacement, or previously unmanaged Zebra Printer.Connect a printer to an enterprise networkWi-Fi, Ethernet, or Weblink configurationConfigure a printer for the required wired or wireless network.Apply common settings to multiple printersZebra Printer policy configurationStandardize printers by site, business unit, device group, or operational use case.Copy settings from a known-good printerMirror Printer ConfigurationApply a validated configuration to similar Zebra Printer deployments.Restrict printer capabilitiesZebra Printer restrictionsPrevent unsupported settings changes or unwanted device actions.Configure secure network accessCertificate deploymentDeploy certificates required for enterprise network authentication.Deliver a label designDeploy TemplatesDeploy approved ZPL labels, receipts, tags, or barcode templates.Update printer softwareUpdate firmwareDeploy an approved firmware file for the exact printer model.Restore a misconfigured printerReset or Reset network settingsClear printer or network settings before reconfiguration.Recover from network communication issuesRestart print server and network interfaceRestore connectivity when the printer remains powered on but cannot reconnect to the network.Enroll Zebra Printers in Hexnode UEM ------------------------------------ [Zebra Printer enrollment](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-enrollment/) adds a Link-OS printer to Hexnode UEM so that administrators can apply policies and remote actions from the portal. To begin enrollment, navigate to: `Enroll > Platform-Specific > Zebra Printer > Zebra Printer Enrollment` **Result:** Hexnode UEM generates the enrollment commands required to connect the Zebra Printer to the Hexnode UEM portal. This table compares the Zebra Printer enrollment methods available in Hexnode UEM. Zebra Printer enrollment methodsEnrollment methodAuthentication requirementSupported enrollment deviceRecommended useOpen EnrollmentNo authentication credentials are required during printer enrollment.Android, iOS, or Windows device.Use for controlled provisioning workflows where a default Hexnode user can be assigned.Authenticated EnrollmentRequires Local User or Self Enrollment as Local User configuration.Windows device.Use when the organization requires authentication or a pre-shared key during enrollment. Before the Zebra Printer can communicate with Hexnode UEM, configure the printer for wired or wireless network connectivity. The printer may restart after network configuration is applied. **Result:** After the printer receives and executes the enrollment commands, the Zebra Printer appears in `Manage > Devices`. **Important:** Confirm that the Zebra Printer has working network connectivity before sending the enrollment commands file. A printer that cannot reach the Hexnode UEM portal cannot complete enrollment. Configure Zebra Printer connectivity ------------------------------------ A Zebra Printer must have a working network connection before Hexnode UEM can reliably apply policies, deploy files, update firmware, or execute remote actions. Hexnode UEM supports Zebra Printer network-management workflows for [Wi-Fi connectivity](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-wifi-connectivity-settings/), [Ethernet connectivity](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-ethernet-connection-setup/), and [Weblink configuration](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configure-weblink-on-zebra-printers/). Use network configuration policies to standardize connectivity settings across printers assigned to the same location or operational group. **Result:** Managed Zebra Printers can connect to the appropriate wired or wireless network and remain available for policy delivery and remote actions. **Caution:** Network configuration changes can temporarily disconnect a printer from Hexnode UEM. Confirm the correct network settings, authentication requirements, and certificate requirements before applying a policy to a production printer group. Configure and secure Zebra Printers ----------------------------------- Hexnode UEM provides policy-based configuration for Zebra Printers. These settings allow administrators to standardize printer behavior across a fleet instead of manually configuring individual devices at each site. - [Base print settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/print-settings-zebra/) - [Label settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-label-size-setup/) - [Real-time clock settings](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-real-time-clock-settings/) - [Mirror Printer Configuration](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/mirror-printer-configuration-zebra/) - [Custom scripts](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/printer-script-execution-zebra-link-os/) - [Device restrictions](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configure-zebra-printer-restrictions/) - [Certificate deployment](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/deploy-certificates-to-zebra-printers/) ### Mirror Printer Configuration Mirror Printer Configuration lets administrators apply a configuration based on an existing Zebra Printer setup. Use this workflow when multiple printers require the same network, print, or device settings. **Result:** Administrators can replicate a validated configuration across similar Zebra Printer deployments without manually recreating each setting. ### Deploy certificates to Zebra Printers Use certificate deployment when Zebra Printers require certificate-based authentication or access to secured enterprise resources. **Result:** The selected certificate is deployed to the targeted Zebra Printer through a Hexnode UEM policy. ### Configure Zebra Printer restrictions Use Zebra Printer restrictions to limit device behavior and prevent changes that do not align with the organization’s operational or security requirements. **Result:** The Zebra Printer receives the configured restrictions after the associated policy is applied. Deploy Zebra label formats and templates ---------------------------------------- Use the **Deploy Templates** remote action to send approved label formats or template files to managed Zebra Printers. This table lists the supported Zebra Printer label-template file formats that can be deployed through Hexnode UEM. Supported Zebra label-template file formatsFile extensionUse.zplZebra Programming Language label format or printer instruction file..nrdSupported Zebra Printer label or configuration resource file..txtText-based printer template or instruction file..lblLabel-template file..zbiZebra BASIC Interpreter file. To deploy a template, navigate to: `Manage > Devices > [Select Zebra Printer] > Actions > Deployments > Deploy Templates` 1. Select the target Zebra Printer or printers. **Result:** Hexnode UEM prepares the deployment action for the selected printers. 2. Select the template source. - **Upload file:** Upload a template file from the local device. - **Hexnode repository:** Select a template file previously uploaded under **Content** in the Hexnode UEM portal. **Result:** Hexnode UEM uses the selected file as the printer-template deployment source. 3. Review the **Delete existing files from device** option. **Result:** When enabled, an existing file with the same name and format is removed from the printer before the replacement file is deployed. 4. Click **Done**. **Result:** Hexnode UEM sends the selected label format or template to the target Zebra Printer. Verify the deployment from the **Action History** sub-tab of the device. After a successful deployment, the label format or template is available in the printer’s template list for subsequent print jobs. **Warning:** Enabling **Delete existing files from device** removes an existing printer file only when that file has the same name and format as the selected replacement file. Verify the file name and format before initiating deployment. Update Zebra Printer firmware ----------------------------- Use the **Update firmware** remote action to deploy an approved Zebra firmware file to one or more managed Zebra Printers. This table lists the technical requirements for remotely updating Zebra Printer firmware through Hexnode UEM. Zebra Printer firmware update requirementsRequirementValueSupported printer operating systemLink-OS 5.0 or later.Firmware file format.zplDevice availabilityThe printer must remain powered on and connected to the network during the update.Firmware compatibilityThe firmware file must match the exact Zebra Printer model and variant. To update firmware, navigate to: `Manage > Devices > [Select Zebra Printer] > Actions > Updates > Update firmware` 1. Select the target Zebra Printer or printers. **Result:** Hexnode UEM prepares the firmware update action for the selected printer fleet. 2. Select **Upload file** or **Hexnode repository**. **Result:** Hexnode UEM uses either a local firmware file or a previously uploaded repository file. 3. Select the compatible `.zpl` firmware file. **Result:** Hexnode UEM validates the selected firmware file for deployment. 4. Click **Done**. **Result:** Hexnode UEM sends the firmware update request to the selected Zebra Printers. After the update action completes, review the printer’s **OS Version** on the **Device Summary** page. The displayed OS Version should reflect the newly deployed firmware version. **Warning:** Do not interrupt power or network connectivity during a firmware update. A connection loss can interrupt the update and cause the action to fail. Use remote actions for Zebra Printer recovery --------------------------------------------- Remote actions help administrators recover, reconfigure, or maintain Zebra Printers without requiring physical access to the device. This table explains common Zebra Printer remote actions and when administrators should use them. Zebra Printer remote actionsRemote actionWhat it doesWhen to use itReset deviceRestores the Zebra Printer to factory settings.Use when a printer must return to its original configuration or be prepared for a new setup.Reset network settingsClears the existing printer network settings.Use when obsolete or incorrect network settings prevent connectivity.Restart print server and network interfaceRestarts the print server and wired or wireless network card.Use when the printer is powered on but cannot re-establish network communication.Update firmwareDeploys an approved firmware file.Use when the printer requires a compatible firmware update.Deploy TemplatesSends supported label formats and template files.Use when printers require updated labels, tags, receipts, or barcode formats.Print configuration labelPrints printer configuration details.Use when validating device configuration or troubleshooting printer settings. To reset a Zebra Printer, navigate to: `Manage > Devices > [Select Zebra Printer] > Actions > Reset` Select **Reset device** to restore the printer to factory settings, or select **Reset network settings** to clear the existing network settings. Click **Wipe** to send the selected reset action. **Result:** Hexnode UEM sends the selected reset action to the Zebra Printer. **Warning:** **Reset device** removes existing printer configurations and restores the printer to factory settings. Confirm that the required configuration, certificates, templates, and network settings are available for redeployment before resetting a production printer. Validate Zebra Printer management actions ----------------------------------------- Use portal-side and printer-side checks to confirm that an enrollment, policy, deployment, or remote action completed as intended. This table provides validation steps for common Zebra Printer management workflows in Hexnode UEM. Validate Zebra Printer management workflowsWorkflowPortal-side validationPrinter-side validationEnrollmentConfirm that the printer appears in **Manage > Devices**.Confirm that the printer restarts and connects to the configured network.Network configurationReview the policy or action status.Confirm that the printer receives a valid network connection.Certificate deploymentReview the policy status on the device.Confirm that the printer can authenticate to the required network or service.Template deploymentReview **Action History** for Success or Failure.Confirm that the template appears in the printer’s template list.Firmware updateReview the completed action status.Confirm that **OS Version** on the **Device Summary** page reflects the updated firmware.Factory resetReview the reset action status.Confirm that the printer returns to the expected default or network-reset state.Network restartReview **Action History**.Confirm that the printer reconnects to the network and becomes available in Hexnode UEM.Troubleshoot Zebra Printer management ------------------------------------- Use the following troubleshooting table to identify common Zebra Printer management issues and validate the resolution. This table lists common Zebra Printer management issues, probable causes, remediation actions, and validation steps. Troubleshoot Zebra Printer management issuesSymptomLikely causeRecommended actionValidationZebra Printer does not appear in Hexnode UEM after enrollmentEnrollment commands were not sent successfully, network configuration is incomplete, or the printer cannot reach the Hexnode UEM portal.Recheck the enrollment method, printer connectivity, and enrollment commands file.Confirm that the printer appears under **Manage > Devices**.Printer is offline after a network configuration changeIncorrect network settings, certificate issues, wireless configuration issues, or network-interface issues.Review the network settings and use the applicable network recovery action.Confirm that the printer reconnects and reports to Hexnode UEM.Template deployment failsUnsupported file format, incorrect file source, printer connectivity issue, or invalid file.Confirm that the file uses a supported format and retry deployment.Review **Action History** and confirm that the template appears on the printer.Firmware update failsThe printer is offline, the firmware file is not a `.zpl` file, or the file does not match the printer model.Confirm printer connectivity and select the correct firmware file.Verify the action status and confirm the printer’s **OS Version**.Printer remains misconfigured after applying a policyThe incorrect policy is associated, a required setting is missing, or the printer needs a recovery action.Review the applied policy, use Mirror Printer Configuration where appropriate, or reset the required setting.Print a configuration label and compare the printer configuration with the intended baseline.Printer cannot reconnect after a network issueThe print server or wired or wireless network interface requires a restart.Use the restart print server and network-interface action.Confirm that the printer reconnects and resumes reporting to Hexnode UEM.Related Zebra Printer workflows ------------------------------- - [Zebra Printer enrollment in Hexnode](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-enrollment/) - [Configure Zebra Printer restrictions](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configure-zebra-printer-restrictions/) - [Configure Wi-Fi connectivity settings for Zebra Printer](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-wifi-connectivity-settings/) - [Set up Ethernet network connection on Zebra Printer](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-ethernet-connection-setup/) - [How to configure Weblink on Zebra Printers?](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/configure-weblink-on-zebra-printers/) - [Deploy certificates to Zebra Printers](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/deploy-certificates-to-zebra-printers/) - [Mirror Printer Configuration for Zebra Printers](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/mirror-printer-configuration-zebra/) - [Configure Base Settings for Zebra Printers](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/print-settings-zebra/) - [Execute Custom script on Zebra Link-OS Printer](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/printer-script-execution-zebra-link-os/) - [Deploy Zebra label format or template for printers](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/deploy-zebra-label-format/) - [Updating Zebra Printer Firmware from Hexnode](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/updating-zebra-printer-firmware/) - [Perform Zebra Printer Factory Reset](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/zebra-printer-factory-reset/) - [Restart print server and network card on Zebra Printers](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/reset-print-server-and-network-card/)