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Zebra Printer Management with Hexnode UEM
TL;DR
Hexnode UEM lets IT administrators centrally enroll, configure, secure, update, and troubleshoot supported Zebra Link-OS printers. Administrators can manage printer connectivity, restrictions, certificates, printer settings, label templates, firmware, and remote recovery actions from the Hexnode UEM portal without requiring physical access to every printer.
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.
| Management area | What administrators can do | Primary outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | Enroll printers through Open Enrollment or Authenticated Enrollment. | Add Zebra Printers to the Hexnode UEM portal for centralized administration. |
| Network configuration | Configure Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Weblink settings. | Connect printers to the required enterprise network environment. |
| Printer configuration | Configure base settings, print settings, real-time clock settings, mirror configuration, and custom scripts. | Standardize printer behavior across sites and printer groups. |
| Security | Apply Zebra Printer restrictions and deploy certificates. | Limit unsupported device behavior and support secure network access. |
| Label-template deployment | Deploy supported printer label formats and templates. | Deliver approved label layouts without manually connecting to each printer. |
| Firmware maintenance | Deploy approved Zebra firmware files remotely. | Maintain printer stability and standardize firmware versions. |
| Remote recovery | Reset the printer, reset network settings, restart the print server, or restart the network interface. | Restore a printer or its network connectivity remotely. |
| Diagnostics | Print 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.
| Administrative task | Hexnode UEM workflow | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Add a new printer to management | Zebra Printer enrollment | Provision a new, replacement, or previously unmanaged Zebra Printer. |
| Connect a printer to an enterprise network | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Weblink configuration | Configure a printer for the required wired or wireless network. |
| Apply common settings to multiple printers | Zebra Printer policy configuration | Standardize printers by site, business unit, device group, or operational use case. |
| Copy settings from a known-good printer | Mirror Printer Configuration | Apply a validated configuration to similar Zebra Printer deployments. |
| Restrict printer capabilities | Zebra Printer restrictions | Prevent unsupported settings changes or unwanted device actions. |
| Configure secure network access | Certificate deployment | Deploy certificates required for enterprise network authentication. |
| Deliver a label design | Deploy Templates | Deploy approved ZPL labels, receipts, tags, or barcode templates. |
| Update printer software | Update firmware | Deploy an approved firmware file for the exact printer model. |
| Restore a misconfigured printer | Reset or Reset network settings | Clear printer or network settings before reconfiguration. |
| Recover from network communication issues | Restart print server and network interface | Restore connectivity when the printer remains powered on but cannot reconnect to the network. |
Enroll Zebra Printers in Hexnode UEM
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.
| Enrollment method | Authentication requirement | Supported enrollment device | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Enrollment | No 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 Enrollment | Requires 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, Ethernet connectivity, and Weblink configuration. 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
- Label settings
- Real-time clock settings
- Mirror Printer Configuration
- Custom scripts
- Device restrictions
- Certificate deployment
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.
| File extension | Use |
|---|---|
| .zpl | Zebra Programming Language label format or printer instruction file. |
| .nrd | Supported Zebra Printer label or configuration resource file. |
| .txt | Text-based printer template or instruction file. |
| .lbl | Label-template file. |
| .zbi | Zebra BASIC Interpreter file. |
To deploy a template, navigate to:
Manage > Devices > [Select Zebra Printer] > Actions > Deployments > Deploy Templates
-
Select the target Zebra Printer or printers.
Result: Hexnode UEM prepares the deployment action for the selected printers.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Supported printer operating system | Link-OS 5.0 or later. |
| Firmware file format | .zpl |
| Device availability | The printer must remain powered on and connected to the network during the update. |
| Firmware compatibility | The 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
-
Select the target Zebra Printer or printers.
Result: Hexnode UEM prepares the firmware update action for the selected printer fleet.
-
Select Upload file or Hexnode repository.
Result: Hexnode UEM uses either a local firmware file or a previously uploaded repository file.
-
Select the compatible
.zplfirmware file.Result: Hexnode UEM validates the selected firmware file for deployment.
-
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.
| Remote action | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reset device | Restores 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 settings | Clears the existing printer network settings. | Use when obsolete or incorrect network settings prevent connectivity. |
| Restart print server and network interface | Restarts the print server and wired or wireless network card. | Use when the printer is powered on but cannot re-establish network communication. |
| Update firmware | Deploys an approved firmware file. | Use when the printer requires a compatible firmware update. |
| Deploy Templates | Sends supported label formats and template files. | Use when printers require updated labels, tags, receipts, or barcode formats. |
| Print configuration label | Prints 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.
| Workflow | Portal-side validation | Printer-side validation |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | Confirm that the printer appears in Manage > Devices. | Confirm that the printer restarts and connects to the configured network. |
| Network configuration | Review the policy or action status. | Confirm that the printer receives a valid network connection. |
| Certificate deployment | Review the policy status on the device. | Confirm that the printer can authenticate to the required network or service. |
| Template deployment | Review Action History for Success or Failure. | Confirm that the template appears in the printer’s template list. |
| Firmware update | Review the completed action status. | Confirm that OS Version on the Device Summary page reflects the updated firmware. |
| Factory reset | Review the reset action status. | Confirm that the printer returns to the expected default or network-reset state. |
| Network restart | Review 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.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Recommended action | Validation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra Printer does not appear in Hexnode UEM after enrollment | Enrollment 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 change | Incorrect 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 fails | Unsupported 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 fails | The 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 policy | The 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 issue | The 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Zebra Printers can Hexnode UEM manage?
The Zebra Printer enrollment, label-template deployment, and firmware-update workflows support Zebra Printers running Link-OS 5.0 or later.
Can Hexnode UEM enroll Zebra Printers without user authentication?
Yes. Hexnode UEM supports Open Enrollment, which allows Zebra Printers to be enrolled without authentication credentials. Administrators can use an Android, iOS, or Windows device with the Zebra Printer Setup Utility to complete the enrollment workflow.
Can Hexnode UEM configure Zebra Printer network settings?
Yes. Hexnode UEM provides Zebra Printer network-management workflows for Wi-Fi connectivity, Ethernet connectivity, and Weblink configuration.
Can Hexnode UEM deploy label templates to Zebra Printers?
Yes. Use Actions > Deployments > Deploy Templates to deploy supported .zpl, .nrd, .txt, .lbl, and .zbi template files to selected managed Zebra Printers.
Can Hexnode UEM update Zebra Printer firmware remotely?
Yes. Use Actions > Updates > Update firmware to deploy a compatible .zpl firmware file to a managed Zebra Printer running Link-OS 5.0 or later.
How do I confirm that a Zebra Printer firmware update succeeded?
After the update action completes, review the printer’s OS Version on the Device Summary page. The value should reflect the newly deployed firmware version.
Can Hexnode UEM remotely reset Zebra Printers?
Yes. Administrators can use the Reset remote action to either restore a Zebra Printer to factory settings or reset its network settings.
Can Hexnode UEM help recover a Zebra Printer that has lost network connectivity?
Yes. Depending on the issue, administrators can review network policies, reset network settings, or restart the printer’s print server and wired or wireless network interface.
