Zebra ZD621 DT

Set Up Guide

Set the printer up in two stages. Connect it and load the name badge stock first, then configure the media, calibration and network settings.

There are two ways to configure it. Use the printer's own touchscreen, further down this section, or reach the printer from a browser on the same network, under Setup via the Browser.

Connect the Printer and Load Badge Stock

Zebra ZD621 Direct Thermal Setup Guide

In the box: 1 printer, 1 Ethernet cable, 1 power adapter (2 parts), 2 alcohol pads and 1 red protective box.

Step 1

Connect the power adapter (D) to the power cable (B) from the box.

Plug end (A) into the printer and end (C) into a power outlet.

Zebra ZD621 power setup with the printer end A, power cable B, wall outlet end C and power adapter D labelled

Step 2

Plug an Ethernet cable from the router's LAN port into the Ethernet port on the back of the printer.

For Wi-Fi, carry on to Connect to Wi-Fi.

Back of the Zebra ZD621 with an Ethernet cable going into the Ethernet port

Load the Name Badge Stock and Power On

Step 1

Open the printer by pulling the two yellow latches, one on each side.

Feed the name badge stock from the back, through the yellow media guides, and out through the cutter.

Leave a little of the stock sticking out of the front.

Zebra ZD621 with red arrows showing the yellow latches being pulled to open the lid

Step 2

Turn the yellow roller inside to set the guide width, so the stock is snug but not too tight.

The black marks face down, and the arrow points to the front of the printer.

Video: youtu.be/ZIPE-6GoOmI shows the name badge stock setup.

Two open Zebra ZD621 printers, one with fanfold name badge stock fed from behind and one with a roll loaded

Step 3

Press the lid down until you hear a light snap, so it is fully closed.

The screen shows Printer Paused. Leave it paused, and tap under the warning on the screen.

Step 4

Press the Power button to the left of the printer's display.

The printer takes up to 20 seconds to start, then the screen shows Printer Ready.

Connect to Wi-Fi

Step 1

On the screen, select Wizards, then Connection.

Video: youtu.be/jyUU8vFkGoI shows the Wi-Fi setup.

Step 2

Select Wi-Fi and tap the check mark.

Step 3

Tap the check mark to accept the default ports, 6101 and 9100.

Step 4

Set IP Protocol to All or DHCP.

Use Permanent only when the venue or third-party software asks for it.

Step 5

Leave Wi-Fi Country Code at Not selected.

Step 6

Set Wi-Fi Security to WPA PSK for a Choose 2 Rent router, cellular router or mobile hotspot.

Step 7

Tap Pre-shared Key and enter the router's password.

Tap the check mark, then tap it again.

Tip: your rental router's password is in the Important Documents folder.

Step 8

Set Wi-Fi Band to All and tap the check mark.

Step 9

Enter your router's ESSID, for example www.choose2rent.com(001).

Step 10

The Bluetooth wizard comes next. Tap the check mark to skip any questions you do not need.

Step 11

Tap End Wizard, then wait a few minutes for the printer to join the Wi-Fi.

Step 12

Go back to the home screen.

Step 13

Next, set the name badge settings on the printer screen.

Continue with the Zebra ZD621 Setup via the Printer Screen guide.

Still stuck?

Contact Choose 2 Rent Support at choose2rent.com/help or call +1 (800) 622-6484 ext. 3 (USA).

Setup via the Printer Screen

Zebra ZD621 Setup via the Printer Screen

Everything on this page is done on the printer's own touchscreen. Set the media and paper first, calibrate second, then set the printer behaviour and network.

Media and Paper Settings

Step 1

To let the printer detect a specific type of badge paper, change its Media Type.

Select the Menu button, then the Printer icon. Select Print Quality to show the list of configurations, then choose Media Type.

Continuous for rolls with no physical separation between pages. Gap/Notch for paper with physical or translucent separations. Mark for paper with black markings on the underside as a page break.

ZD621 Print Quality menu with Media Type set to Mark outlined in orange and the Menu button outlined in redZD621 Media Type options listing Auto Detect, Continuous, Gap/Notch and Mark

Step 2

Once the media type is set, verify the sensor type matches.

Go to the Printer icon in the Menu and select Sensor Type from the Sensors list. Choose Reflective for Mark, or Transmissive for Gap/Notch.

ZD621 Sensors menu with Sensor Type set to Reflective outlined in greenZD621 Sensor Type options with Reflective selected and Transmissive below it

Step 3

The Zebra printers default to 4.25 inch width, which is 830 dots. For the best centre alignment, set the label width to match the paper.

Go to Menu > Printer icon > Print Quality > Label Width and enter the value in dots. 203 dots is 1 inch, so set 812 for 4 inch wide paper.

ZD621 Print Quality menu with Label Width (Dots) showing 830 outlined in orangeZD621 Label Width keypad with 812 entered

Cutter and Tear-Off Position

Step 4

When testing or calibrating, disable the cutter first to preserve the paper supply.

Select Menu, the Printer icon, then Image Adjust. Choose Media Handling and switch between Tear Off (cutter disabled) and Cutter (cutter enabled).

ZD621 Image Adjust menu with Media Handling set to Cutter outlined in orangeZD621 Collection Method options listing Tear Off, Peel Off, Rewind and Cutter

Step 5

If the name badge needs the cut position moved, change it in the printer's settings.

Go to Menu > Printer icon > Image Adjust > Tear Line Offset. A negative value moves the cut position up and a positive value moves it down. Adjust in steps of 10.

ZD621 Image Adjust menu with Tear Line Offset outlined in orangeZD621 Tear Line Offset screen showing 0 on a slider running from minus 120 to 120

Advanced Calibration

Step 1

If the printer is having trouble calibrating, go through the Menu to the Printer icon, select the Sensors tab and choose Manual Calibration.

The screen moves to the Manual Calibration steps.

Badge paper must be preloaded into the printer before you begin.

ZD621 Sensors menu with Manual Calibration outlined in orangeZD621 Manual Calibration start screen with the Start Calibration button

Step 2

You can also reach the Advanced Calibration screen with the buttons.

Press and hold the Pause button. After a few seconds the lights above the screen start flashing orange. Once they blink, press Pause again to enter Advanced Calibration mode.

ZD621 button panel with the status lights above the screen flashing orange

Advanced Calibration: Open and Position the Paper

Step 3

Open the top of the printer by pulling the sliders on both sides towards the front, then lift.

Press Next.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen showing Open the cover with a Next buttonZD621 opened from the top with the yellow release slider circled in red

Step 4

Verify the sensor sits where it can properly scan the badge paper.

It is usually set in the middle of the printer. If the badge paper has punch-out holes, move the sensor horizontally to a position between the lanyard slots. Press Next.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen showing Locate the Media Sensor beside a close-up of the green sensor in the paper path

Advanced Calibration: Secure the Paper

Step 5

Move the badge paper so the page break sits directly on top of the sensor.

The page break is usually a black bar, or a translucent gap between pages. Make sure the sensor is directly underneath and able to detect it. Press Next.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen showing Remove Label from BackingBadge paper pulled through the open ZD621 with the sensor position circled in red

Step 6

Make sure the badge paper is secured underneath the yellow latches.

The side latches can be extended or retracted by moving the wheel, which keeps the paper firm and prevents calibration issues. Press Next.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen showing Close the coverBadge paper seated under the yellow side latches inside the open ZD621Open ZD621 paper path with arrows showing the yellow latches moving in and out

Advanced Calibration: Close Up and Calibrate

Step 7

Once the paper is secured, firmly close the top of the printer and move to the next step.

ZD621 closed from the top ready to continue calibration

Step 8

The printer now begins calibrating to the black mark on the badge paper.

There is a wait of a few seconds before you can move on.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen prompting to press the Calibrate buttonZD621 screen showing Calibrating in progress

Advanced Calibration: Calibrate to the Mark

Step 9

The next step is opening the printer from the top again.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen showing Open the cover with a Next button

Step 10

Move the paper towards the cutter, between the yellow latches.

Make sure the bottom of the paper is completely blank where the sensor sits.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen showing Move labels over the sensorBlank section of badge paper positioned over the sensor between the yellow latches

Advanced Calibration: Finish and Test

Step 11

Once the badge paper is securely in the sensor's view, close the printer and press Calibrate to finish.

ZD621 closed with the Manual Calibration screen showing the Calibrate button

Step 12

The printer calibrates to the badge paper again over a few seconds.

When it completes successfully you see a screen with a green checkmark, along with the square light at the top left of the printer.

ZD621 screen showing Manual Calibration Complete with a green checkmark and the status light lit

Step 13

After calibration is complete, un-pause the printer and press Feed to test it.

Once confirmed, roll the paper back into the printer and turn the cutter back on. You can now send a test print through your event app to verify it is working.

ZD621 button panel with the Feed button outlined in red

Printer Behaviour and Network

Step 1

If the printer goes into calibration when it is powered up, or when it is opened and closed, and this interferes with your setup, change these two actions.

Go to Menu > Gear icon > Settings and select Power Up Action or Head Close Action.

ZD621 Settings menu with Head Close Action and Power Up Action outlined in orange

Step 2

Choose No Motion for Power Up Action and Feed for Head Close Action. The printer then does not change or print anything without user input.

ZD621 Head Close Action options with Feed selectedZD621 Power Up Action options with No Motion selected

Wired or Wireless, Which Takes Priority

Step 1

The printer has both wired and wireless connections. Both can be active at once, but one takes priority.

To change the priority go to Menu > Connections icon > Networks > Primary Network and choose Wired (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi.

Afterwards select Reset Network to load the updated settings, and power cycle the printer once the reset completes.

ZD621 Networks menu with Primary Network set to Wired outlined in orangeZD621 Primary Network options with Wired selected and Wi-Fi below it

Resetting the Network

Step 1

If a network reset is needed on its own, go to Menu > Connections icon > Networks > Reset Network.

Once the reset completes, power cycle the printer.

ZD621 Networks menu with Reset Network outlined in redZD621 Reset Network confirmation asking to confirm the network reset

Static IP and Restoring Defaults

Step 1 (optional)

To set a static IP, select the Menu button and go to the Connections icon.

Select the Wired list and choose Wired IP Protocol. Scroll down and choose Permanent. You can also select Wired IP Address to set the IP manually.

Once the settings are saved, power cycle the printer to load the new static IP.

ZD621 Wired connection menu with Wired IP Protocol and Wired IP Address outlined in orangeZD621 Wired IP Protocol options with Permanent selectedZD621 Wired IP Address keypad for entering the address manually

Step 2

To restore the printer to its factory settings, go to the Settings tab from the Menu and open the Settings list.

Scroll to Restore Defaults and choose which configuration to restore, usually Restore Printer.

ZD621 System settings menu with Restore Defaults outlined in purpleZD621 System menu scrolled to show Restore DefaultsZD621 Restore Defaults options listing Restore Printer, Restore Network and Restore Last Saved

Still stuck?

If the printer still will not calibrate or stay on the network, contact Choose 2 Rent Support with the job number and the printer number, and we'll sort it out with you.

Download this Guide

Zebra-ZD621-Direct-Thermal-Setup-Guide

Zebra-Name-Badge-Paper-Specification

Zebra-ZD621-Setup-via-the-Printer-Screen

Zebra-ZD621-Settings-Checklist

Zebra-ZD621-Calibration-Troubleshooting

Zebra-Setup-via-the-Browser

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and What to Check

Printhead Open Alert: Red Light Is Visible (Potentially Flashing)

Possible Cause

  • Cover not closed properly.
  • Badge stock out of place.
  • Object caught between the latches or the rim of the printer head.

Resolution0 of 3 done

To successfully close the printer head

  1. Open the Printer Head by pulling both Yellow Latches.
  2. Gently bring the Printer Head down and apply light pressure until you hear the release latches click. The light will turn green.

Watch the video: Proper Badge Loading

When closing the Printer Head:

  1. Place the Badge Stock correctly through the Yellow guides in a straight manner.
  2. Gently bring the Printer Head down and apply light pressure until you hear the latches click.

Applying the pressure but still not hearing the click:

  1. Open Printer Head again and remove any object obstructing the latches.
  2. Check for any damaged or broken Yellow latches.

Printing Issues: Double Badge Printing, Improper Badge Prints, Blank Printing, Not Printing/Calibrating

Possible Cause

  • Badge stock improperly placed.
  • Configuration needed.
  • Calibration needs to be performed.
  • Not receiving information from the computer or tablet.
  • Sensor needs to be positioned correctly.
  • Printer won't calibrate: "Load backing printer paused".
  • Printer won't calibrate: "Reload all continue".
  • One badge prints and then there's a printer jam and the light flashes.

Resolution0 of 5 done

Insert Badge Stock with Timing Mark face down and arrows pointing to the front. Adjust Yellow guides to avoid movement but not too tight.

Watch the video: Proper Badge Loading

Make sure the printer is set to the correct Badge Stock Specifications.

To Calibrate Printer (resets previous settings).

Verify connectivity.

Calibration Troubleshooting

ZD621 Calibration Troubleshooting

Work top to bottom. Each step fixes the most common remaining cause. Stop as soon as a test print comes out aligned.

Step 1

Verify the media settings first. Media Type should be Mark and Sensor Type should be Reflective.

A settings mismatch is the most common cause of a calibration that does not complete. Run the full ZD621 Settings Checklist before anything else.

Step 2

Check the paper. Check orientation first, always: the black mark faces down and goes in first.

Badge paper must be preloaded and seated before calibrating. While testing, set Media Handling to Tear Off so the cutter does not waste name badges.

Step 3

Run Advanced Calibration. There are two routes to the same screen.

By menu: Menu > Sensors > Manual Calibration > Start Calibration.

By button: press and hold Pause until the lights above the screen flash orange, then press Pause again.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen with the Start Calibration buttonZD621 button panel with the status lights outlined in green and the Pause button outlined in red

Step 4

During calibration, verify the sensor and the paper. Open the top and check three things.

1. The sensor sits in the middle of the printer, between the lanyard slots. If the paper has punch-out holes, slide the sensor horizontally so it reads paper, not a hole.

2. The black mark lies directly on top of the sensor.

3. The side latches sit snug against the paper.

ZD621 Manual Calibration screen showing Locate the Media Sensor beside a close-up of the green media sensor in the paper path

Test the Result, Then Escalate

Step 5

Test the result. Un-pause the printer and press Feed. The label should stop aligned on the black mark.

Send a test print from the event app. If it comes out right, roll the paper back in and turn the cutter back on. Done.

Step 6

Last resort, restore defaults. Menu > Settings > Restore Defaults > Restore Printer, or Restore Default Configuration in the browser.

Power cycle, then reconfigure every setting from the Settings Checklist and calibrate again from step 3.

ZD621 Restore Defaults screen listing Restore Printer, Restore Network and Restore Last Saved

Step 7

Still not calibrating? Contact Choose 2 Rent Support. Have the job number and the printer number ready, plus which steps you have completed.

Still stuck?

Contact Choose 2 Rent Support with the job number, the printer number, and the steps you have already worked through, and we'll sort it out with you.

Setup via the Browser

Zebra Setup via the Browser Backend

Every Zebra ZD printer has a web page you can open from any device on the same network. Find the printer's IP address, sign in, change the settings, then save the configuration so the changes survive a restart.

Find the Printer IP Address on a ZD621

Step 1

On the ZD621 home page, tap Printer Info.

Under Active IP you will find the IP address of the printer.

You need the printer's IP address before you can reach it in a browser.

ZD621 home screen with Printer Info outlined in red beside Print StatusZD621 Printer Info screen with the Active IP Wired address outlined in red

Find the IP Address on a ZD620

Step 1

On a ZD620 the IP address is shown on the home screen, always displayed.

If it reads 0.0.0.0, give it a few minutes, or follow the cable back to the router to make sure everything is properly set up.

ZD620 front panel home screen with the IP address outlined in red under Printer Ready

Find the IP Address on a Model with No Screen

Step 1

On a model with no screen, load paper and let the printer boot.

Press and hold the Feed and X buttons together for three seconds to print the status page.

Under Network configuration, find the wired section. The IP address sits next to IP ADDRESS.

ZD621 no-screen button panel with the Feed and X buttons outlined in red and purplePrinted printer status page with the wired IP address outlined in blue under Network configuration

Open the Printer Page in a Browser

Step 1

On the iPad home screen, open a new tab in Safari or Chrome.

Enter the IP address of the printer in the top search bar and press Enter.

Safari new tab on an iPad with the printer IP address typed into the address bar and outlined in red

Step 2

The Printer Home Page loads and shows the printer model and its status.

Zebra ZD621 printer home page loaded in Safari showing the status as Ready

Sign in to the Printer Page

Step 1

Click View and Modify Printer Settings.

You will be asked for this again during the session, so keep the details to hand.

Zebra printer home page with View and Modify Printer Settings outlined in red

Step 2

Type admin in the Enter Username field and 1234 in the Enter Password field, then click Submit Changes.

Printer login page with the username field outlined in blue and the password field outlined in green

Get Past the Access Screen

Step 1

On the following page click Access Granted. This IP Address now has admin access to the restricted printer pages. Please Click here to proceed.

Access Granted confirmation page with the proceed link outlined in purple

Set the Media Type to Black Mark

Step 1

Click Media Setup.

View and Modify Printer Settings page with Media Setup outlined in blue

Step 2

Select NON-CONTINUOUS in the Media Type field, MARK in the Sensor Type field, and REFLECTIVE in the Sensor Method field.

Click Submit Changes. The settings have not reached the printer yet, so save them next.

Media Setup page with the Media Type, Sensor Type and Sensor Method fields outlined and Submit Changes at the foot

Save the Configuration to the Printer

Step 1

Click View and Modify Printer Settings.

Repeat this save after every change, or the setting is lost when the printer restarts.

Media Setup page showing Changes were successfully saved temporarily, with View and Modify Printer Settings outlined in red

Step 2

Click Save Current Configuration. The settings have now been sent to the printer.

View and Modify Printer Settings page with Save Current Configuration outlined in purple

Confirm the Save

Step 3

The page confirms Current configuration saved with a green checkmark.

Click View and Modify Printer Settings again to carry on setting up.

Printer settings page showing Current configuration saved with a green checkmark

Turn the Cutter Off or On

Step 1

Click General Setup.

View and Modify Printer Settings page with General Setup outlined in blue

Step 2

Select TEAR OFF in the Print Mode field to turn the cutter off, or CUTTER to turn it on.

Click Submit Changes.

Print Mode dropdown open with Tear Off outlined in red and Cutter outlined in purple

Adjust the Tear-Off Position

Step 1

To adjust the tear-off position on a ZD620 with no screen, click General Setup.

View and Modify Printer Settings page for a ZD620 with General Setup outlined in blue

Step 2

Click Tear Off Adjustment. A negative value moves the cut position up and a positive value moves it down. Change it in increments of 10.

Click Submit Changes.

General Setup page with the Tear Off Adjust field outlined in purple

Head Close and Power Up Actions

Step 1

Click Calibration.

View and Modify Printer Settings page with Calibration outlined in red

Step 2

Select NO MOTION in the Media Power Up field and FEED in the Head Close field.

Click Submit Changes.

Calibration page with the Media Power Up and Head Close fields outlined in purple

Save the Configuration One Last Time

Step 1

Click View and Modify Printer Settings, then Save Current Configuration.

View and Modify Printer Settings page with Save Current Configuration outlined in purple

Step 2

The page confirms Current configuration saved. The settings are now on the printer.

Printer settings page showing Current configuration saved with a green checkmark

Still stuck?

If the printer page will not load, confirm the iPad is on the same network as the printer and that the IP address is current. Alternatively, contact Choose 2 Rent Support and we'll sort it out with you.

Download this Guide

Hardware and Software

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