Print 4x6 shipping labels from an iPhone or iPad to a Zebra printer

What you need

• An iPhone or iPad on iOS 17 or later.
• A Zebra ZD421, the 4-inch model, on the same Wi-Fi or network.
• 4x6 direct thermal labels loaded.
• A ZD410 or ZD411. They are 2-inch printers and can’t fit a 4x6 label.

Steps

1. Add the printer

   Install Backfeed and open Printers. Allow Local Network access when iOS asks; that is how Backfeed finds the printer. If the printer isn’t on your Wi-Fi yet, see setting up its Wi-Fi.

2. Set the label size

   Open the printer and set Loaded media to 4×6. Print a free test label to check it lines up.

3. Download a 4x6 PDF

   In your shipping software, choose the 4x6 or label-printer format when you create or download the label, and save the PDF to Files.

4. Open it in Backfeed and print

   In Backfeed, go to Labels and choose the PDF from Files, or open it from another app with Open in Backfeed. Check the preview, which shows exactly what the print head will burn, and tap Print.

If the label prints small

You probably downloaded a letter-size page with the label on it. Backfeed fits the whole page onto the label, so the label comes out at about half size. Go back to your shipping software and pick its 4x6 option instead.

What it costs

Adding the printer, calibrating and test labels are free. Printing your own labels needs Backfeed Local, $9.99 once, or Backfeed Cloud, from $3.99 a month with a 14-day free trial. Cloud also prints when you’re away from the printer’s network. Both work on your Mac too.

More guides

• Print to a Zebra printer from a Mac
• Set up a Zebra printer’s Wi-Fi without a PC
• Print to a Zebra printer from anywhere

Which printer to buy, and which will not work, is on the printers page. Stuck? Ask us with your model and what you print. A person will answer.