Set Up Your Label Printer
Meadow supports the Zebra ZD421 label printer for printing product labels, Metrc barcodes, and package labels. The label printer connects to your iPad.
Before You Buy: Choosing the Right ZD421 Model
Not all ZD421 models are compatible with iPad. The part number determines connectivity — make sure you have the right one before purchasing.
Look for the characters after ZD4A04_-D01 in your model number:
W (e.g.,
ZD4A042-D01W01EZ) — Includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Classic (MFi). Compatible with iPad. This is the recommended model.M (e.g.,
ZD4A043-D01M00EZ) — Includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) only, used for printer configuration only. Not compatible with iPad for printing.
Already have an "M" model? A wireless upgrade module may be available for your unit: Zebra P1112640-017A Wireless Upgrade Module
What You Need
Zebra ZD421 label printer (W model — see above)
iPad with Bluetooth enabled
Label rolls ("3x2” labels Roll)
Make sure you’re using the right paper for your printer. Direct thermal printers need thermal paper (no ink), while thermal transfer printers need ribbon and labels — otherwise it may not print properly.
Set Up Your Label Printer
Bluetooth Set up
Step 1: Power on the printer Turn on your ZD421 and make sure it's in pairing mode.
Step 2: Pair with your iPad
On your iPad, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Select your ZD421 from the list of available devices.
Once paired, the printer status light should indicate a successful connection.
Step 3: Confirm in Meadow
Open the Meadow POS app on your iPad.
Go to printer settings and select your ZD421.
Print a test label to confirm it's working correctly.
Important: A Bluetooth label printer should only be paired to one iPad at a time. Pairing to multiple devices can cause connection issues. If you're switching devices, unpair from the previous iPad first.
Wi-Fi Set up:
Download the “Zebra Printer Setup Utility” from the iPad App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zebra-printer-setup-utility/id1454308745
Launch the utility and allow the app to use Bluetooth.
Select “Discover Printers”.
When prompted, allow the app to search for devices over Wi-Fi.
To configure the printer, select the appropriate device using it’s serial number in the list located in the left-hand column. Note: if the printer has already connected via Bluetooth, there are two options here. The first is the established Bluetooth connection, and the second is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is used for discovery. If both options are present, BLE will not connect, so the Bluetooth option must be used.
After a few seconds, the app should connect with the printer. Select “Connectivity Settings” from the list.
Select “Wireless”.
On the “Wireless” configuration screen, use the default settings by selecting “Next”.
On the “Wireless / Client ID” configuration screen, use the default settings by selecting “Next”.
Enter the network name in the “ESSID” field, then use the default settings by selecting “Next”.
Enter the network password in “Password” field and select “Next”.
Select “Apply” to update the printer’s connectivity settings.
After a few seconds, select “Restart” when prompted to restart the printer.
Once the printer restarts, check that its “Network” indicator light is green. This indicator is located on the far-right of the indicator light row.
Check Meadow POS (ipads) open the side menu and select “Label Printers”. The Wi-Fi printer should appear in the list with a label that displays its IP address. Select it and press “Test Print” to ensure it’s working.
Note: if the printer has previously been connected via Bluetooth, both the IP and BT options will be listed. Either option should work when selected, but Wi-Fi is generally preferred since it’s typically faster and less prone to connectivity loss.
Troubleshooting
Printer not showing up in iPad Bluetooth settings
Confirm your model number includes a "W" — "M" models do not support iPad pairing.
Make sure the printer is powered on and in pairing mode.
Toggle Bluetooth off and back on on your iPad.
Restart the printer and try again.
Printer was previously paired to another iPad
Bluetooth printers connected to multiple devices can cause conflicts.
Perform a factory reset on the printer, then re-pair to your iPad.
Printer paired but not printing
Make sure the ZD421 is selected as the active printer in Meadow settings.
Check that the printer is powered on and within Bluetooth range.
Try unpairing and re-pairing the printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect the ZD421 to a Mac or PC? The ZD421 is designed for use with iPad via Bluetooth. For Mac or PC label printing, see our Zebra ZD410 setup guide.
Why isn't my ZD421 showing up in Bluetooth settings? This is most commonly a model compatibility issue. Check your part number — if it contains an "M," it does not support Bluetooth Classic and cannot pair with your iPad for printing. See the Before You Buy section above.
Can I pair the ZD421 to multiple iPads? No. Pairing to multiple devices can cause connection failures. Only pair the printer to one iPad at a time.