Zebra ZT231 How To Load Media With The Tear Option

Watch the video below.

Step-By-Step Instructions To Load Media With The Tear Option On The Zebra ZT231

Here’s how to correctly load media in Tear‑Off mode on the Zebra ZT231:

1. Select Tear‑Off Mode
• On the printer’s touchscreen, go to Menu → Print → Image Adjust → Media Handling.
• Choose Tear‑Off (this is the standard mode, compatible with all media types)
2. Insert the Media
• Open the media cover and disengage the printhead by rotating the printhead‑open lever
• Slide out and flip down the media supply guide, place your roll (or fan‑fold) onto the media hanger, then flip the guide back in and snug it against the media
3. Route the Media
• Slide out the outer media guide and feed the media under the dancer assembly and printhead gate, through the transmissive media sensor slot, and out the front. The material should lightly touch the back of the sensor
• Slide out and flip down the media supply guide, place your roll (or fan‑fold) onto the media hanger, then flip the guide back in and snug it against the media
4. Route the Media
• Slide out the outer media guide and feed the media under the dancer assembly and printhead gate, through the transmissive media sensor slot, and out the front. The material should lightly touch the back of the sensor
• Slide the outer guide back in snug against the media edge
• Lock Printhead & Close Cover
• Rotate the printhead‑open lever back to lock the printhead. Close the media cover
• Start Printing
• Press Pause to exit pause mode and initialize a calibration or media feed

Extra Tips for Smooth Operation

• Tear Bar Use: Tear your labels downward across the tear-off bar. This makes sure adhesive doesn’t get exposed and stick to the platen—avoid tearing it upward or arbitrarily
• Sensor Calibration: If media isn’t lining up correctly or isn’t stopping at the tear bar, calibrate the sensor from the printer menu or using Windows/Zebra Setup Utilities. This ensures proper gap/notch detection
• Clean Tear Bar & Pinch Rollers: Sticky build-up can cause tearing issues. Clean the tear‑off bar and pinch rollers with isopropyl alcohol periodically