Zebra ZQ320 Plus troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: According to Zebra, a solid yellow error light means that the printer no longer detects any paper. Open the cover, load a new roll no wider than 80 mm, then close the cover until it clicks, leaving the end of the paper sticking out.

Likely cause

The Zebra guide associates the solid yellow error light with the “out of paper” state: the out-of-paper sensor, present on all versions of the ZQ320 Plus, no longer detects any media. If the cover is also open, the “cover open” state (flashing) takes priority.

Caution: Zebra points out that the edges of the tear bar are very sharp.

What to do

1. Push the release button forwards to open the paper compartment cover.
2. Place a new roll in the compartment, in the orientation shown in the illustration in the Zebra guide.
3. Check the width of the roll: 80 mm maximum, or 76.2 mm with the spacer kit (see loading paper).
4. Close the cover while pulling the end of the paper out by hand: the cover should click into place and the paper feed out on its own.

The Zebra cleaning table asks you to brush the inside of the printer regularly and keep the sensor windows free of dust.

Sources: Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Loading the Media (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Control buttons (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: This pattern indicates that the paper compartment cover is open or not properly latched. Close it firmly until it clicks; the paper should then feed out on its own.

Likely cause

Zebra links this flashing to the cover open sensor (Media Door Open), present on all versions. This state takes priority over out of paper. A cover that is not properly latched also prevents the paper from feeding and is listed among the causes of partial printing in the troubleshooting table.

What to do

1. Check that the paper compartment cover is fully closed.
2. Open it with the release button, and check that the roll is properly in place and that the end of the paper comes out of the printer.
3. Close the cover until it clicks into place: the paper feeds out on its own and the error light should go off.
4. Check that the roll is not rubbing against the sides of the compartment (see paper not feeding).

Sources: Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Control buttons (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: The printhead has exceeded its temperature limit and the printer has suspended printing. Let it cool down: according to Zebra, printing resumes on its own when the printhead drops back to 62 °C.

Likely cause

Zebra describes a thermal shutdown: the printer detects printhead overheating at 70 °C (158 °F) and stops printing, then resumes automatically at 62 °C (144 °F). The same flash pattern also indicates a faulty printhead element (Head Element Out); this state takes priority over all others.

Caution: The printhead can be very hot after prolonged printing: Zebra asks you to let it cool before doing any work on it.

What to do

1. Let the printer cool down without starting another print.
2. Wait for printing to resume automatically, which Zebra puts at 62 °C.
3. Check the receipt or label being printed: the English guide states that its data may be lost at the moment of shutdown.
4. If the light is still flashing once the printhead has cooled, check the printhead with the configuration report (entry faulty printhead dot).

The Zebra guides state that printing resumes without loss of quality; the English guide does, however, specify that the data for the label being printed may be lost at the point of shutdown.

Sources: ZQ300 Plus Series Technology (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · ZQ300 Series technology (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: First check that the paper is loaded correctly and that the printhead is closed and latched. If so, the Zebra guide states that the printer application is missing or corrupted: the program must be reloaded.

Likely cause

In the Zebra troubleshooting table, a flashing yellow error light when paper is present and the latch is closed means that no application is present or that the application is corrupted.

What to do

1. Check that the roll is in place and that the cover is closed and latched.
2. Identify the pattern: once per second means an open cover; once every 2 seconds, overheating or a faulty printhead dot.
3. If the paper and cover are in order, reload the printer program using forced download mode.

The troubleshooting table does not specify the flash pattern associated with this case.

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) · Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: First check that your version has the right sensor: only the “Retail and Distribution” ZQ320 Plus versions (indoor use) have a gap sensor and accept standard labels. The Zebra guide does not describe a calibration using the buttons; it does, however, give the rules for positioning black marks.

Likely cause

According to Zebra, the Transportation and Logistics versions (outdoor use, black housing) have out-of-paper, black bar and cover open sensors, and print receipts and linerless labels. The Retail and Distribution versions (indoor use, silver and black) add a gap sensor and accept standard labels. The black bar sensor reads the back of the paper at the centre of the roll: dark pre-printed graphics in this area interfere with detection.

Checks given by Zebra

1. Make sure the media you use matches your version: gap labels only on the Retail and Distribution versions.
2. For black mark receipts, the mark must be on the back, centred across the width of the roll, and meet the dimensions given in the guide (“Designing Labels” section).
3. On pre-printed receipts, keep a 15 mm central strip on the back clear: no graphics, text, barcodes or dark coloured areas.
4. Brush the inside of the printer and check that the sensor windows are free of dust.
5. Print a configuration report: the “Sensors” section shows the values of the front bar, black bar and gap sensors.

The ZQ310 Plus/ZQ320 Plus user guide contains no calibration procedure. It gives two different values for the black mark: at least 15 mm wide and 4.8 to 6.0 mm long in the text, 12.7 mm wide and 2.4 to 11.0 mm long in the specifications.

Sources: Introduction to the ZQ300 Plus Series (opens in a new window) · Designing Labels (opens in a new window) · Using Pre-Printed Receipt Media (opens in a new window) · ZQ300 Plus Series Cleaning (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Open the cover with the release button, place the roll in the compartment in the direction shown, then close the cover with the paper sticking out. The ZQ320 Plus accepts rolls up to 80 mm wide and 40 mm in diameter.

Zebra loading procedure

1. Push the release button forwards to open the paper compartment cover.
2. Insert the roll into the compartment, in the orientation shown in the illustration in the Zebra guide.
3. Pull the end of the paper out by hand and close the cover until it clicks: the paper then feeds out on its own.
4. For a 76.2 mm (3-inch) roll, first fit the KIT-MPM-MDSPR5-01 spacer kit: slide each spacer into the areas provided, with the lugs engaged in the side grooves of the compartment.
5. To remove a spacer, insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the top slot and pull upwards.

Zebra specifications for the ZQ320 Plus: paper 80 mm ±0.75 mm (76.2 mm with spacers), outside diameter 40 mm maximum, core 15.875 to 22.22 mm, receipts 12.5 mm minimum, print width up to 72 mm.

Sources: Loading the Media (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Media Spacers (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Specifications (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Loading the paper (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra cites two causes: a paper cover that is not properly closed, or a roll rubbing against the sides of the compartment. Close the cover until it latches and check that the roll turns freely.

Likely cause

Zebra troubleshooting table (“Media does not feed”): paper cover not closed and not latched, or paper jammed against the sides of the compartment.

What to do

1. Check that the cover is closed and latched: the error light should not be flashing once per second.
2. Open the cover and check that the roll is not pressing against the sides of the compartment.
3. Close the cover, leaving the end of the paper sticking out.
4. With linerless labels that stay stuck to the platen roller, see the linerless entry.

Source: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Switch off the printer, open the paper cover, then apply medical alcohol where the label is stuck to loosen it. Never use a sharp object.

Likely cause

The Zebra troubleshooting table covers label jams (“Label jam”): a label is sticking in the compartment or in the paper path.

Caution: Never insert sharp or pointed objects into the printer. The edges of the tear bar are very sharp and the printhead can be very hot after prolonged printing. The guide also prohibits pouring liquid directly onto the printer and letting it get into the circuits.

What to do

1. Switch off the printer, as Zebra requires before any cleaning.
2. Open the paper cover with the release button.
3. Apply medical alcohol to the area of the stuck label, then remove it.
4. Reload the paper (see loading paper).

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) · General Cleaning Instructions (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Linerless versions require closer maintenance: according to Zebra, the printhead is cleaned after every roll, and the scraper and the inside every five rolls. If the label no longer comes away from the platen roller, clean the roller with soapy water, a procedure reserved for emergencies.

Likely cause

Linerless paper is adhesive over its entire surface. Zebra states that a platen roller contaminated with oils or dirt may no longer release the paper.

Caution: Zebra presents cleaning with soapy water as an emergency procedure: it shortens the life of the platen roller, or even wears it out. Switch off the printer before cleaning.

Zebra procedure for linerless versions

1. Switch off the printer before any cleaning.
2. Printhead: clean it after every roll (method in the faded print entry).
3. Scraper (linerless versions only): clean it with the adhesive side of the paper, every five rolls or more often if needed.
4. Inside: clean it with 90% medical alcohol and a fibre-free cotton bud, every five rolls or more often.
5. Platen roller, only if there is a problem (paper no longer coming away): turn it and clean it with a fibre-free cotton bud dipped in one part liquid soap to 25 parts water, then rinse with clean water.
6. If the linerless paper still jams after this cleaning and after feeding 1 to 2 m of paper, the platen roller needs replacing.

When to call a technician: if the linerless paper still jams after cleaning the platen roller and feeding 1 to 2 m of paper, Zebra recommends replacing the roller.

Print speed of the ZQ320 Plus according to Zebra: 76.2 mm/s (3 inches/s) with linerless, compared with 101.6 mm/s (4 inches/s) with lined media.

Sources: ZQ300 Plus Series Cleaning (opens in a new window) · Specifications (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra first advises cleaning the printhead with a cleaning pen or a cotton bud soaked in 90% medical alcohol. Then check the battery and the paper quality; for labels, the “Tone” setting must be at 50.

Likely cause

The Zebra troubleshooting table (“Poor or faded print”) cites four causes: dirty printhead, damaged or flat battery, paper of insufficient quality and, for labels, a “Tone” setting other than 50.

Caution: Switch off the printer before any cleaning; the printhead can be very hot after prolonged printing. Never insert sharp or pointed objects, and beware of the very sharp edges of the tear bar. Never pour liquid directly onto the printer and only use the products in the Zebra cleaning table.

Official printhead cleaning procedure

1. Switch off the printer and let the printhead cool.
2. Open the paper cover to access the printhead.
3. Wipe a Zebra cleaning pen (not supplied) or a cotton bud soaked in 90% medical alcohol along the thin grey line on the printhead, from the centre towards the edges.
4. With lined paper, turn the platen roller and clean it with a fibre-free cotton bud or a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with medical alcohol of 90% or more.
5. Check that the battery is not damaged, then recharge or replace it if necessary.
6. Check the quality of the paper and, for labels, check that the “Tone” setting is at 50.

Frequency recommended by Zebra: printhead and platen roller every five rolls, or more often if necessary; printhead after every roll with linerless paper. The guide also recommends adjusting the print contrast and speed to the paper.

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · General Cleaning Instructions (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · ZQ300 Plus Series Cleaning (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · General cleaning instructions (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra gives three checks: paper alignment, printhead cleanliness and whether the cover is closed. Reposition the roll, clean the printhead and close the cover until it clicks.

Likely cause

Zebra troubleshooting table (“Partial or missing print”): paper misaligned, dirty printhead, or paper cover not properly closed and latched.

What to do

1. Open the cover and check the alignment of the paper in the compartment.
2. Clean the printhead following the Zebra procedure.
3. Close the cover until it locks.
4. If areas are still missing, print a configuration report: its line of interlocking “x” characters is used to check all the printhead elements.

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) · Verify the Printer Is Working (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: An error light flashing every two seconds can indicate a faulty printhead element. Print a configuration report: its line of interlocking “x” characters lets you check each printhead element.

Likely cause

Zebra associates this flashing with two states: faulty printhead element (Head Element Out) or printhead overheating (Head Over Temp). This state takes priority over cover open and out of paper.

Caution: The printhead can be very hot after prolonged printing: let it cool and switch off the printer before cleaning it.

What to do

1. If the printer has just been printing for a long time, let it cool down: it may be overheating.
2. Load journal paper (without a black mark) and print a configuration report.
3. Examine the line of interlocking “x” characters at the top of the report: Zebra prints it to check that all the printhead elements are working.
4. Clean the printhead (procedure in the faded print entry), then print the report again.

When to call a technician: if the configuration report does not print or if the problem is not solved by the Troubleshooting section, Zebra asks you to contact its technical support.

Sources: Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Verify the Printer Is Working (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Calling Technical Support (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Control buttons (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra advises replacing the battery, checking the cable to the host device and, on wireless models, re-establishing the connection. In the event of a communication error, also check that paper is loaded, the printhead is closed and the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon is lit.

Likely cause

The Zebra troubleshooting table distinguishes between “No print” (battery, cable, wireless link lost) and “Communication error” (no paper, printhead open, wireless icon off, faulty USB cable).

Caution: Switch off the printer before connecting or disconnecting a communication cable.

What to do

1. Look at the lights: if an error light is on, refer to the lookup table.
2. Replace the battery with a charged battery.
3. Over USB, check the cable to the host device and replace it if there is a communication error.
4. Over wireless, check that paper is loaded, the printhead is closed and the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth icon is lit, then re-establish the connection (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi entries).
5. Print a configuration report to check the status of the Bluetooth and wireless links.

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) · Cable Communication (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Bring the device within about 10 m and check that the printer is discoverable. You can also pair it by tapping the Print Touch icon (NFC) with a compatible smartphone.

Likely cause

According to Zebra, the Bluetooth range is about 10 m. If the printer is not discoverable, the device can only pair with it if it already knows its Bluetooth address (BDADDR) or has already been paired. The minimum security mode set on the printer also limits the pairing methods: modes 3 and 4 only accept numeric comparison.

What to do

1. Wake the printer if it is in sleep mode (press Power for less than 3 seconds); a Bluetooth-only printer also wakes up on its own when a Bluetooth connection is initiated.
2. Place the device within about 10 m of the printer.
3. Note the Bluetooth address by scanning the barcode provided on the printer, or read it on the configuration report (Bluetooth section: “Address”, “Discoverable”, “Minimum Security Mode”).
4. When pairing with numeric comparison, check that the six-digit number is the same on both devices.
5. On Android or iOS, use the Zebra Printer Setup Utility app; on Windows, Zebra Setup Utilities lets you change the Bluetooth settings, including the security mode.
6. There is no need to pair again each time you use it: the pairing is remembered (bonding enabled by default).

The ZQ320 Plus supports Bluetooth 4.0 (Classic and Low Energy) and Apple's MFi programme for iOS devices.

Sources: Bluetooth Networking Overview (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Zebra Printer Setup Utilities (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Bluetooth networking overview (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Tap the Print Touch icon, on the side of the printer, with an NFC smartphone or tablet. Zebra asks you to hold the device no more than 7.62 cm (3 inches) from the icon; any further away and the NFC link fails.

Likely cause

The printer has a built-in passive NFC tag that contains its Bluetooth address in a URL: the device reads it and starts pairing. The Zebra troubleshooting table (“No NFC connectivity”) cites too great a distance as the cause of failure.

What to do

1. Use an NFC-compatible smartphone or tablet.
2. Bring it within 7.62 cm of the Print Touch icon, on the side of the printer.
3. The device reads the Bluetooth address from the tag, then connects and pairs automatically.
4. If it fails, use standard Bluetooth pairing (entry Bluetooth).

According to Zebra, the NFC tag can also launch a Zebra or third-party app, or open a support web page.

Sources: NFC Use Cases (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · NFC applications (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: First check that your ZQ320 Plus has Wi-Fi: only the Retail and Distribution versions (indoor use) have the dual Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radio. If the Wi-Fi light keeps flashing red or yellow, the printer is failing to associate or authenticate: check its network configuration with Zebra Setup Utilities.

Likely cause

The Transportation and Logistics versions are supplied with Bluetooth only. According to Zebra, the Wi-Fi light flashes red while associating with the network and yellow during authentication; it turns solid green when the printer is associated and authenticated.

What to do

1. Check the serial number label: printers fitted with the Wi-Fi module carry the words “Wireless Network Printer”.
2. Print a configuration report: the wireless section shows the radio, the MAC address, the IP address and whether the printer is associated (“Associated”).
3. Configure or correct the network settings with Zebra Setup Utilities, the main tool for WLAN, or with Zebra Net Bridge (version 2.8 or later).
4. For detailed configuration commands, Zebra refers you to its “Wireless Configuration for 802.11n and Bluetooth Radios” guide (P1048352-001).
5. To note the WLAN address, scan the corresponding barcode under the printer.

Data received over USB produces no indication on the panel; only the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth links have an activity light.

Sources: WLAN Overview (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Introduction to the ZQ300 Plus Series (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Wireless local area network (WLAN) overview (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra says to check the baud rate of the link. To see exactly what the printer is receiving, use the communications diagnostics mode, known as DUMP mode.

Likely cause

The Zebra troubleshooting table (“Garbled print”) associates garbled print with the communication speed.

What to do (communications diagnostics)

1. Check the baud rate: its value appears on the configuration report.
2. To start the diagnostics, print the configuration report using the two-key method (entry configuration report).
3. At the end of the second diagnostic report, press the paper feed button within 3 seconds: the printer prints “Entering DUMP mode”. If you do not press it, it prints “DUMP mode not entered” and returns to normal operation.
4. Send the print from the application: the printer prints the ASCII hexadecimal codes received and their text equivalent (a full stop for non-printable characters). It also saves a “.dmp” file, which can be viewed with the Label Vista application.
5. To exit DUMP mode, switch off the printer, wait 5 seconds, then switch it back on.

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) · Communications Diagnostics (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) (official documentation).

Short answer: Hold the Power button down until the light comes on, check that the battery is installed correctly, then recharge or replace it. A new battery is supplied in sleep mode: it must be put on charge before first use.

Likely cause

Zebra cites a battery that is badly installed or flat. New batteries are shipped in sleep mode to preserve their capacity, with insulating tape over the contacts. The printer only works with genuine Zebra PowerPrecision+ batteries.

Caution: Switch off the printer before removing the battery to limit the risk of corruption. Avoid any short circuit of the terminals (burns, injury, fire); do not incinerate or dismantle the battery and do not expose it to more than 65 °C.

What to do

1. Hold the Power button down until the light comes on: all the lights come on while the button is held down.
2. Do not hold it for more than 5 seconds during start-up: this cancels the sequence and turns off all the lights.
3. Check how the battery is installed: battery clip facing the rear of the printer, front of the battery slid into the compartment, rear pushed in until it clicks.
4. On a new battery, remove the insulating tape (pull the tab under the battery) and wake it up by putting it on charge: AC-to-USB adapter with Type-C cable, or 1-slot or 3-slot charger. Charge it fully before first use.
5. Recharge or replace the battery.

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Installing/Removing Battery and Battery Tape Insulator (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Battery Safety (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Installing/removing the battery and the battery insulating tape (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Connect the AC-to-USB adapter to the printer's USB Type-C port, under the rubber cover: the Power button ring turns yellow while charging, then solid green. Zebra also offers 1-slot and 3-slot chargers and 1-bay and 5-bay cradles.

Caution: Only use chargers approved by Zebra: any other charger can damage the battery or the printer and voids the warranty. Do not place chargers where liquids or metal objects could fall into the slots.

Zebra charging procedure

1. Connect the USB cable to the AC adapter, then plug the adapter into a socket.
2. Turn the rubber cover anticlockwise to uncover the USB port.
3. Plug in the Type-C end, which fits either way round: the printer starts charging whether it is on or off. Charging takes longer if you print at the same time.
4. Spare battery: 1-slot or 3-slot charger, full charge in less than 4 hours.
5. Printer in a cradle: 1-bay cradle (about 3 h 30 min, paper compartment inaccessible) or 5-bay cradle (less than 4 hours). Move the shoulder strap out of the way before placing the printer in it.
6. Charge between 0 and 37 °C: close to 37 °C, charging may stop briefly to protect the battery, which the light indicates.
7. If all the bars on the battery light flash twice per second, the printer is running without a battery: install one.

The Zebra guide gives several charging temperature ranges: 0 to 37 °C for the chargers, 0 to 40 °C in the specifications, 0 to 45 °C in the battery overview. A vehicle adapter is also available.

Sources: Charging the Battery (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Charger Safety (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Charging the battery (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Zebra, fast red flashing (twice per second) indicates a charge fault. Check the charging temperature and the charger in use, then recharge or replace the battery.

Likely cause

The Zebra guide defines a charge fault by this pattern, whether or not the battery is in good condition. The same code appears on the 1-slot and 3-slot chargers.

Caution: Do not use an unapproved charger: it can damage the battery or the printer and voids the warranty.

What to do

1. Check that charging takes place within the temperature range given by Zebra (0 to 37 °C in the charging section); close to 37 °C, charging may be suspended.
2. Only use a charger approved by Zebra.
3. Check that the battery is a genuine Zebra PowerPrecision+ battery, correctly installed.
4. Recharge or replace the battery.

When to call a technician: if the charge fault persists after these checks, Zebra asks you to contact its technical support for any problem not solved by the Troubleshooting section.

The guide does not detail a procedure specific to charge faults: the checks above follow its charging and troubleshooting instructions.

Sources: Printer Status Indicators (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Charging the Battery (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Charging the battery (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Zebra, a solid red ring indicates an unhealthy battery, whether it is charging or charged. PowerPrecision+ batteries record their wear: replace it with a genuine Zebra battery.

Likely cause

The PowerPrecision+ battery continuously measures its condition, including the total number of cycles and when it should be taken out of service. Zebra distinguishes between batteries operating normally (yellow while charging, green once charged) and unhealthy ones (solid red in both cases).

Caution: Do not incinerate or dismantle the used battery and avoid any short circuit of its terminals: Zebra warns of a risk of burns, injury or fire.

What to do

1. Print a configuration report: the “Battery Health” and “Battery Cycle Count” lines show the battery's condition and number of cycles.
2. Replace the battery with a genuine Zebra PowerPrecision+ battery, the only one with which the printer works correctly.
3. Have the used battery recycled in line with the disposal instructions in the Zebra guide.

Zebra points out that a rechargeable battery can only take a limited number of charges before it needs replacing.

Sources: ZQ300 Plus Series Technology (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Printing a Configuration Report (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · ZQ300 Series technology (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: The first bar flashes when the charge drops below 15%. Recharge the battery or replace it with a charged battery.

Likely cause

The Zebra battery indicator has three green bars: three bars for 66% or more, two for 33% or more, one for 15% or more. Below 15%, the first bar flashes. The bars are off when the printer is switched off.

What to do

1. Put the printer on charge or install a charged battery (entry charging the battery).
2. If all the bars flash twice per second, no battery is installed.
3. A low or cold battery can also slow printing down (entry slow printing).

Sources: Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Control buttons (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Check the battery date code: after more than a year, Zebra considers that reduced battery life may be down to normal ageing. Recharge or replace it, and follow Zebra's advice for extending its service life.

Likely cause

A rechargeable battery gradually loses its ability to hold a charge and can only take a limited number of recharges.

Zebra advice for extending battery life

1. Check the battery date code, then recharge or replace it.
2. Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight or to more than 40 °C.
3. Only use a Zebra charger designed for lithium-ion batteries.
4. Adjust the print contrast and speed to the paper; use XON/XOFF software flow control if possible.
5. If all the labels carry the same text or the same logo, consider pre-printed labels.
6. Remove the battery if the printer will be left unused for a day or more and you are not doing maintenance charging; keep a spare battery available.

Sources: Troubleshooting Topics (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Extending Battery Life (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Extending battery life (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: The ZQ320 Plus goes into sleep mode after 20 minutes of inactivity; this setting is enabled by default. A press of less than 3 seconds on Power wakes it up, and the delay can be changed with Zebra Setup Utilities.

Likely cause

Zebra enables automatic sleep after 20 minutes of inactivity by default (power.sleep.enable parameter).

What to do

1. Press Power for less than 3 seconds to wake the printer. A Bluetooth-only printer also wakes up on its own when a Bluetooth connection is initiated.
2. To switch it off completely, hold the button for about 3 seconds: the error light comes on, the ring flashes, then everything goes off.
3. To change the delay, send the power.sleep.timeout parameter (in seconds) with Zebra Setup Utilities; power.sleep.enable turns sleep mode on or off.

Sources: Operator Controls (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Control buttons (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: When the battery is under strain (low voltage or cold), the printer switches to power-saving mode: it splits each line into smaller segments, which slows printing down. Recharge the battery; this mode is set with the SGD command print.cold_temp_comp.

Likely cause

According to Zebra, Power Save mode is triggered when the battery condition deteriorates because of low voltage or low temperature; it prevents the battery from shutting down at the cost of slower printing.

What to do

1. Recharge the battery or replace it with a charged battery.
2. Turn power-saving mode on or off with the SGD command print.cold_temp_comp.

The guide also describes a draft mode (media.draft_mode, off by default), optimised for receipts made up only of text, with no reversed images, solid black areas or barcodes. Maximum speed of the ZQ320 Plus according to Zebra: 101.6 mm/s with lined media, 76.2 mm/s with linerless.

Sources: Power Save Mode (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Draft Mode (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Power save mode (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra asks you to install the driver before connecting the printer over USB. If it was connected first, open Device Manager, select the printer and update its driver by pointing to the folder of the downloaded Zebra driver.

Likely cause

If it is connected before the driver is installed, the printer appears as an unspecified device in “Devices and Printers”.

Caution: Switch off the printer before connecting or disconnecting the USB cable.

What to do

1. Download the Windows driver for the ZQ320 Plus from the Zebra support page (v10 driver recommended) and run the installation before connecting anything.
2. Follow the wizard: accept the licence, choose the model shown on the printer label and the USB port offered.
3. If the printer was already connected: Device Manager, printer, update driver by browsing to the folder of the downloaded driver.
4. Connect the USB 2.0 cable (Type-C on the printer side, Type-A on the computer side) with the printer switched off; the Type-C connector fits either way round, so do not force it.
5. Zebra Setup Utilities can also add the printer (Install New Printer) and adjust its settings.

Sources: What to Do If You Forget to Install Printer Drivers First (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Installing Drivers and Connecting to a Windows-Based Computer (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Cable Communication (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · ZQ310 Plus/ZQ320 Plus Mobile Printer Support (opens in a new window) – Zebra ZQ310 Plus/ZQ320 Plus support page (official documentation).

Short answer: If the printer no longer works or its application is corrupted, Zebra provides a forced download mode, activated with the paper feed and Power buttons. The Zebra support page offers the firmware (Printer OS) and the ZDownloader utility to send it.

Zebra procedure: forced download mode

1. Hold the paper feed button down, then press Power until the power light flashes (about 1/4 of a second).
2. Release Power: the error light starts pulsing.
3. Keep the paper feed button held down until the Wi-Fi light comes on yellow then turns green, then release it.
4. The Wi-Fi light alternates yellow and green: the printer is waiting for the firmware. Send it.
5. During the download, the Wi-Fi light flashes green; it stays solid green at the end, then the printer restarts.

The sequence is the same as for the configuration report, with one difference: for the report, you release the paper feed button as soon as the Wi-Fi light comes on yellow. Version listed on the Zebra support page at the time of consultation: Printer OS v101.21.30Z (Link-OS v6.9). The guide does not describe a factory reset.

Sources: Forced Download Description and LED Behavior (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · ZQ310 Plus/ZQ320 Plus Mobile Printer Support (opens in a new window) – Zebra ZQ310 Plus/ZQ320 Plus support page · Description of forced download and LED indicator behaviour (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).

Short answer: With the printer switched off and journal paper loaded, hold the paper feed button, press Power until the light flashes, release Power, then release the paper feed button as soon as the Wi-Fi light comes on yellow. The printer prints “Building Two-Key Report”, then the report.

Two-key method (Zebra procedure)

1. Switch off the printer and load journal paper, with no black mark on the back.
2. Hold the paper feed button down.
3. Without releasing it, hold Power until the power light flashes (about 1/4 of a second), then release Power: the error light pulses.
4. Keep holding the paper feed button until the Wi-Fi light comes on yellow, then release it: the Wi-Fi light goes off and the error light stops pulsing.
5. The printer prints the Zebra logo and “Building Two-Key Report”, then the report: a line of interlocking “x” characters to test the printhead, software version, model, serial number, baud rate, Bluetooth and wireless settings, battery status.

When to call a technician: if the configuration report does not print, or for a problem not covered in the Troubleshooting section, Zebra asks you to contact its technical support, giving the model, the serial number and the 15-digit product configuration code (PCC).

The serial number and PCC code are on the label on the back of the printer; the serial number is also printed on the report.

Sources: Printing a Configuration Report (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Verify the Printer Is Working (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Calling Technical Support (opens in a new window) – ZQ310 Plus and ZQ320 Plus User Guide (P1131153-01EN) · Checking that the printer is working properly (opens in a new window) – ZQ300 Series – User Guide (P1093810-04FR) (official documentation).