Printer not connecting

Step-by-step checklist to fix Bluetooth pairing issues.

Updated on

When the printer doesn’t show up or won’t connect, follow this list in order — each step is rarer than the previous, so stop as soon as it works.

Checklist

  1. Is the printer on and charged?

    Portable thermals often turn themselves off after 5 min of inactivity.

  2. Is Android's Bluetooth on?

    Check the top panel.

  3. Is the printer paired at the system level?

    Go to Settings → Bluetooth on Android and confirm it’s in the paired list.

  4. Reopen EtiquetaChef

    Sometimes the app needs to rediscover devices.

  5. Unpair / re-pair

    In Android Bluetooth, forget the printer and pair again.

  6. Restart Android.

    Clears any byzantine state in the Bluetooth stack.

  7. Restart the printer.

    Hold the power button for 5s.

Permissions

Starting on Android 12, EtiquetaChef needs the Nearby devices (Bluetooth) permission. Go to Settings → Apps → EtiquetaChef → Permissions and confirm.