Zebra Bluetooth printer on an iPhone or iPad

The printer can be paired and still be invisible. Bluetooth Classic on Zebra's Link-OS printers is Apple MFi certified. An iOS app has to use Apple's ExternalAccessory framework and declare the protocol string com.zebra.rawport in Info.plist. Zebra's iOS API page says that without that string, the Bluetooth framework on iOS would block it.

MfiBtPrinterConnection works only with Zebra printers that have the Made for iPod/iPhone certification. The same class reference says the project needs the ExternalAccessory framework and com.zebra.rawport under supported external accessory protocols.

Plain version: only an app that went through this process can print to a Zebra over Bluetooth Classic from an iPhone or iPad. A shipping app that skipped it will not list the printer.

What it takes to ship that app#

Zebra's 2018 developer post, which we read, says Zebra reviews the app and submits it to Apple MFi. After Apple approves it, Zebra sends a PPID for each printer model. That post calls the PPID a unique 10-digit number. The app's review notes have to include it. A new printer model, a new bundle ID, a new app name, or a new protocol string means doing it again. A new version does not, if those four stay the same.

Zebra's whitelisting FAQ, also read, does not say the same thing about a version bump. It says the version number of a previously registered app must be updated. It also says a changed app name or bundle ID means you register again, and an added printer model means a new request. The FAQ calls the code a Product Plan ID (PPID) and says it goes in the Review Notes. It does not, on the pages we read, call it 10 digits. That number is from the developer post.

Registration is not required for every path. The FAQ says no for WLAN, for Bluetooth Low Energy, and for these standard Bluetooth profiles: HFP 1.6, PBAP, A2DP, AVRCP 1.4, PAN, HID, and MAP. It also says no for apps that are not distributed on the App Store or the Volume Purchase Program Store. The developer post adds Ad Hoc distribution and Enterprise in-house distribution to that list.

Printers with no Bluetooth#

A ZP450, LP2844, or GK420d has no Bluetooth. Those guides list USB, and serial or parallel on some of them. A GX420d can leave the factory with Bluetooth. Zebra's GX420d spec sheet says that option includes an LCD and replaces the parallel port. Read the configuration label. A parallel port means you do not have the Bluetooth option.

Zebra's own app#

The current Printer Platform page, which we read, is in the Printer Setup Utility for iPhone and iPad user guide. It says Printer Setup Utility supports these printers:

• Mobile: ZQ300 Plus, ZQ500, ZQ600, and ZQ600 Plus
• Desktop: ZD200, ZD400, ZD510-HC, ZD600, and ZD888
• Industrial: ZT111, ZT200, ZT400, ZT500, and ZT600
• Print engine: ZE5x1

A PDF user guide calls the same app Zebra Printer Setup Utility. That PDF says it supports printers running Link-OS 3 through Link-OS 6.7, and it lists a longer set, including iMZ, QLn, more ZQ and ZR models, ZD500, and ZE500. It also says ZD220, ZD230, and ZD888 need printer OS 89.21.16, and that the app was tested on iOS 14, 15, and 16. The PDF describes the app as setup and configuration.

GK420d, GX420d, ZP450, and LP2844 are on neither list. If your model is missing, do not assume the app can see it. Open the Printer Platform page and check.

Other ways to print#

Wi-Fi or Ethernet does not need the MFi whitelist. A USB-only printer is still not on the iPhone print menu by itself. Print shipping labels from an iPhone covers that limit. Make a USB label printer wireless is the network-option table.

Free tools for a computer are at /tools. Chrome or Edge on a computer. The setup tool speaks ZPL.

The WiFiLabel Bridge is in testing. This page does not include Bridge setup steps.

Open the free tools