Zebra ZT231 How To Manually Calibrate

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Step-By-Step Instructions To Manually Calibrate The Zebra ZT231

Here’s how you can perform a manual calibration on your Zebra ZT231 to ensure reliable label detection and print alignment:

Step‑by‑Step Manual Calibration

1. Initiate calibration mode
   On the control panel, press and hold PAUSE + FEED + CANCEL for about 2 seconds until the printer enters calibration mode .
2. Follow on‑screen prompts
• The display will guide you through loading media and ribbon.
• Use Start Calibration or Next to move through steps.
• If anything looks off, you can tap Cancel to stop the process .
3. Sensor scanning and adjustment
   The printer scans gaps, marks, or continuous media to set sensor thresholds and label length. This adjusts both ribbon and media sensor sensitivity .
4. Complete calibration
   Once prompts finish, press PAUSE to exit pause mode and resume printing .

Why Manual Calibration?

• Your sensor settings are re‑adjusted to match current media and ribbon characteristics.
• Helps correct common issues like skipped labels, ribbon-not-detected errors, or drifting alignment .

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Use manual calibration when:
• You switch media types or sizes.
• You’re seeing label drift, print fade, or feed errors .
• To auto‑calibrate upon power-up or closing the print‐head, go to:
• Menu → System → Settings → Power Up Action, choose CALIBRATE, then restart printer.
• Or set Head Close Action to CALIBRATE to trigger calibration each time the printhead closes .
• Print‑head pressure: After calibration, if the print is too light/heavy or uneven:
• Adjusting the pressure dials (inside/outside) helps balance the print across the label .