This article helps solve common hardware, software, and label issues that can affect the DYMO LabelWriter 450 and LabelWriter 550 label printers. If you aren't able to resolve the issue by following these steps, we recommend contacting DYMO support for assistance.

Initial troubleshooting

Many DYMO LabelWriter problems stem from issues with the labels or software. Before troubleshooting, take a moment to confirm that:

• You’re using DYMO-branded labels. The DYMO 550 and DYMO 550 Turbo use Automatic Label Recognition and only work with DYMO-manufactured labels.
• You’re using labels compatible with Retail POS. Retail POS only supports 11352 (1" x 2-1/8"), 30336 (1" x 2-1/8"), and 30373 (rat-tail) labels. You can buy DYMO labels from the Lightspeed Hardware Store.
• You’re running the latest version of DYMO’s software. Download the latest version here.
• You’ve rebooted your computer. DYMO software can sometimes run into issues with its Web Service Certificate, which Retail POS needs to print to your LabelWriter. Rebooting your computer and reopening DYMO Connect typically solves this problem.

Once you’ve ruled out these possible label and software problems, continue troubleshooting following the steps for your issue below.

DYMO LabelWriter won’t turn on

When the printer is on, the DYMO LabelWriter’s status light glows solid blue. If the light is off, there may be an issue with your power outlet or adapter.

First, confirm that you’re using the right type of power adapter:

• For the DYMO 450, 450 Turbo, and 500 you need a 24V 1.75A adapter.
• For the DYMO 550 Turbo, you need a 24V 2.5A adapter.

Then, you’ll need to check for issues with the connections between your outlet and the printer.

• Unplug the power adapter from the printer, then plug it securely back in.
• Unplug the power cable from the power adapter, then plug it securely back in.

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, unplug the power cable from the power outlet and plug it into a different outlet. This will confirm if the issue is with the printer, or with the outlet itself. If the printer works at the new outlet, then the problem is with the original outlet.

The printer’s light is flashing blue

A flashing blue light means either that there’s an issue with the labels. This could be because the printer ran out of labels, the labels aren’t loaded correctly, or that the printer can’t detect any DYMO labels.

If no labels are left on the roll, load a new roll of labels into the printer.

If there are still labels left on the roll:

1. Make sure the labels feed from the bottom of the roll
2. Check that the spool is loaded into the printer lid as far left as possible.
3. Ensure you’re using supported labels.
4. If any labels are stuck, remove the jammed labels.

If the problem persists, troubleshoot the power supply.

My DYMO LabelWriter is jammed

Physical jams can typically be resolved by using the printer’s automatic label feed, or by opening the printer and manually removing the jammed labels.

1. If labels have fed through the printer, tear them off from the rest of the roll.
2. Press the forward feed button to feed any stuck labels through.
3. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, press the reverse feed button on the inside (LabelWriter 450) or outside (LabelWriter 550) of the printer.
4. If the problem persists, push the label release lever forward and manually pull the stuck label out.

My DYMO LabelWriter isn’t feeding labels

If you’ve confirmed that the issue isn’t with the power source or a label jam, then there may be an issue with the hardware.

If connecting to your device with a USB cable, make sure the cable connects directly to your computer rather than a USB hub or similar device.

If there isn’t an issue with the connection between your device and your printer, then there may be an issue with the printer itself. Fully deactivate and then reactivate the printer to power cycle the LabelWriter:

1. Open the printer and remove the label roll.
2. Unplug the power cable and leave the printer unplugged for 60 seconds.
3. Without putting in the labels, reconnect the power cord. The printer's motor will run.
4. When the motor stops running, load the labels back in.

My printer doesn't appear as an option to print

If the DYMO LabelWriter label printer does not show up as an option when printing, you’ll need to troubleshoot the connection between the printer and your computer.

1. Check to make sure that the printer is on. If the printer won't turn on, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.
2. Make sure the DYMO printer is powered and physically connected to the computer by USB/Ethernet cable.
3. Confirm that the DYMO software is running. On Windows, it will show in the taskbar notification area. On macOS, you can confirm this by checking for the DYMO icon on the top menu bar.
4. If your device still isn’t detecting the printer, restart your computer.

Labels not printing when I click 'Print'

If you don’t receive an error message to tell you why printing failed, it could be an issue with either the printer or the software.

• Doublecheck to confirm that you’ve chosen the right printer. If you have, make sure the DYMO printer is powered on, and connected to your device via USB cable/LAN. If the printer won't turn on, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.
• Check the printer settings on your computer to make sure the printer is connected and not paused:

• Mac

  Check with the device to confirm if there are any issues with printer.

  If printing is paused, click the play button to resume the print queue.

• Windows

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select ‘Devices and Printers’.
  3. Click the DYMO printer. If the printer’s ‘Status’ is ‘Offline’, right-click it for system troubleshooting.
  4. Double-click the DYMO printer to see if there is a print queue. Select any paused documents and click ‘Resume’.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem:

• Make sure you’re running the latest version of DYMO Connect.
• Make sure the DYMO software is running.

If the problem persists, restart your computer.

Labels print multiple times or on multiple labels

This usually means the printer’s sensor is dirty. Follow DYMO’s guide to making sure your printer sensors are clean:

• DYMO LabelWriter 450
• DYMO LabelWriter 550 and LabelWriter 550 Turbo

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, confirm that you’re using supported labels.

Printed labels are blank

This issue has a few common reasons. Typically, the issue is that you’re trying to print unsupported labels, or the printer’s sensor is dirty, or there’s a problem with DYMO’s drivers.

• Make sure you’re using supported labels.
  • Retail POS supports 11352 (1" x 2-1/8"), 30336 (1" x 2-1/8"), and 30373 (rat-tail) labels.
  • DYMO only supports using official DYMO-branded labels.
• Verify the labels are loaded in the printer correctly.

Follow DYMO’s guide to make sure your printer sensors are clean:

• DYMO LabelWriter 450
• DYMO LabelWriter 550 and LabelWriter 550 Turbo

If the problem persists, download and reinstall DYMO connect.

Print quality issues

Print quality issues can have a few sources. Generally, if the quality is low, ensuring that you’re using DYMO’s official labels and that the sensor is clean will resolve the issue.

If barcodes appear blurry/dark and won't scan, you may need to change your printer’s settings.

• Mac

  To resolve this issue on a Mac, you can change the print density used by the label printer in CUPS. If you haven't activated CUPS, follow the steps in our guide to enabling CUPS on your device.

  1. Once CUPS is enabled, navigate to http://localhost:631/printers in a web browser.
  2. Select the DYMO LabelWriter printer.

     

  3. Click the Administration drop-down menu and choose Set Default Options.

     

  4. Change the Print Density to Light, then click Set Default Options.

     

  5. If prompted, enter your computer's admin username and password and click Log In.

     

  6. Refresh Retail POS and reprint your labels.

• Windows

  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Click View Devices and Printers.
  3. Right-click on the DYMO LabelWriter printer and select Printing Preferences.
  4. Click the Paper/Quality tab.

     

  5. Click Advanced.
  6. Change the Print Density to Light. Click OK.

     

  7. Refresh Retail POS and try reprinting your labels.

How do I change the roll of labels in my printer?

Always use DYMO-branded labels compatible with Retail POS. Retail POS supports 11352 (1" x 2-1/8"), 30336 (1" x 2-1/8"), and 30373 (rat-tail) labels. You can buy DYMO labels from the Lightspeed Hardware Store.

You may need to change or remove the label roll to change label size, refill the printer, or as part of regular troubleshooting.

1. Tear off any labels that have fed through the printer.
2. Press the reverse feed button on the inside (LabelWriter 450) or outside (LabelWriter 550) of the printer.
3. Lift open the top of the printer and remove the spool.
4. Pull the spool apart to separate it into two pieces.
5. Load labels onto the spool, then push the two halves of the spool back together. Don’t leave any space between the labels and the sides of the spool.
6. Load the spool into the printer's lid, as far left as possible.
7. Align the labels with the left side of the printer and insert them into the slot. Labels must feed from the bottom of the roll as shown below.
   • The LabelWriter 450 will automatically feed the labels through the printer once inserted.
   • The LabelWriter 550 must be manually fed by pressing the feed forward button.
8. Move the label guide flush against the labels.
9. Close the lid and wait for the printer's light to turn solid blue. Follow these steps to troubleshoot if the light is blinking.

Troubleshooting hasn't resolved the issue

If you’re still encountering issues after running through these troubleshooting steps, we’d recommend contacting DYMO support for further assistance.

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