Compatible printers
EtiquetaChef prints to Bluetooth Classic thermal printers that speak one of the protocols below. It is not "any printer": check here whether yours fits the workflow before subscribing.
Supported protocols
Printing happens through the Android app, which generates commands in one of these four thermal protocols:
- TSPL (recommended)
- CPCL
- ESC/POS
- ZPL
Recommended protocol
For most thermal label printers, TSPL is the protocol we recommend as the EtiquetaChef default. If your printer supports TSPL, prefer that mode — it tends to give the most consistent result.
Connection
The link is over Bluetooth Classic (SPP profile), straight from an Android phone or tablet — no Wi-Fi network and no server. Printers that only do Bluetooth LE, only USB or only Wi-Fi are not compatible today.
Brands that usually work
We have seen models from these brands working well. The brand alone is no guarantee — what matters is the protocol and Bluetooth Classic:
- Brother
- Zebra
- Elgin
- Argox
- Bixolon
- Epson
How to confirm your printer
Before buying or subscribing, check the printer datasheet for:
- support for TSPL, CPCL, ESC/POS or ZPL;
- Bluetooth Classic (SPP), not just Bluetooth LE;
- the label size you use.
What is not supported
To avoid surprises:
- printing from iPhone/iOS or the web dashboard — printing is Android-only;
- printers without any of the four protocols above;
- connection exclusively over USB cable or Wi-Fi.
Not sure? Check with our technical team to find the most suitable printer.