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Dymo LabelWriter 4XL printer

You can use the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL printer to print shipping labels. The Dymo LabelWriter 4XL printer connects to your Windows or Mac computer by USB.

If you need help installing, setting up, or troubleshooting your Dymo printer, then contact Dymo's support.

To customize and print your barcode labels, you can use the Dymo Label software.

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Requirements for using the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer

Make sure you meet the following system requirements to use the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL printer:

  • Windows XP 32-bit
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 7
  • Mac OS v10.4 or later

Download drivers for the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer

Before you can use the Dymo printer, you need to download and install the latest drivers.

Steps:

Mac
  1. In your web browser, go to Dymo's website.
  2. Click Support > Downloads: Software, Drivers & User Guides.
  3. Under the latest Mac version, click Download.
  4. After the download is complete, open the .dmg file to install Dymo's Label Software.
  5. Follow the instructions in the installer.
  6. Plug your printer into your computer using the included USB cable, and then connect its power adapter. After you turn on the printer, your computer detects it automatically.
Windows
  1. Plug the printer to your computer using the included USB cable, and then connect its power adapter. After you turn on the printer, your computer detects it automatically and downloads the required device drivers.
  2. Optional: Confirm that your printer is installed:
    1. Open your computer's Control panel.
    2. Click Hardware and Sound.
    3. Click Devices.
    4. In the Printers & Scanners section, confirm that Dymo LabelWriter 4XL displays in the list of printers.

Load labels into the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer

Follow these steps to load labels into the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer.

Steps:

  1. Turn the printer on, and then press the label reverse feed button to eject the labels that protected the printer during shipment.
  2. Open the top cover and remove any packing material inside the label compartment.
  3. Remove the label spool from inside the cover, and then separate the spool guide from the spindle.
  4. Hold the spool spindle, and then place the label roll on the spindle so that the labels feed from underneath and that the left edge of the label roll is firmly against the side of the spool.
  5. Slide the spool guide onto the right side of the spool, and then press the guide tightly against the side of the label roll. The label roll must fit snugly against both sides of the lable spool, with no gaps.
  6. Insert the label spool into the slot in the printer cover with the labels extending from underneath the roll.
  7. Align the left edge of the label with the left edge of the label exit slot, and then insert the label into the slot. The printer automatically advances the labels, stopping at the beginning of the first label.
  8. Slide the label guide to the left until the label guide aligns with the right edge of the label, and then close the top cover.

Clean the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer

To keep your printer working properly, you need to occasionally clean the exterior and interior of the printer.

Steps:

  1. Disconnect the power cord.
  2. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the printer.
  3. Remove dirt and smudges with one of the following cleaning solutions:
    • Isopropyl alcohol
    • Diluted dishwashing detergent
    • Diluted glass cleaner
  4. Open the printer's top cover, and then use a small, soft brush or cotton swab to whisk away paper dust and other stray particles from the inside of the printer.
  5. Remove the roll of labels, and then clean under the roll.
  6. Reconnect the power cord.
  7. Optional: If you have a LabelWriter cleaning card, follow the instructions printed on cleaning card packaging. To purchase cleaning cards, go to the Dymo website.
  8. Reload the roll of labels, and then close the top cover.

Status lights for the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer

The status light visually displays the current state of the printer.

Description of status light meanings for the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer.
Status LightDescription
Solid BluePower is on and the printer is ready.
Dimmed BlueThe printer is in power saving mode.
Flashing BlueThe labels aren't loaded properly or the label roll is empty.

Troubleshoot the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer

Select the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL label printer issue, and then follow the troubleshooting steps.

Troubleshoot print quality issues

Poor print quality is usually caused by one of the following issues:

  • An old roll of labels.
  • Labels made by a manufacturer other than Dymo.
  • Labels where the thermal coating has been compromised.
  • A dirty print head.

Ensure that you use Dymo-branded labels. Avoid third-party labels because their thermal coating can have a different sensitivity than Dymo-branded labels. In addition, the perforated holes between labels from other manufacturers are often not detected by Dymo LabelWriter printers.

If print quality is faint, if small white dots appear in the printed characters, or if there are light and dark patches, then your roll of labels might be faulty. Try a different roll from a new box. If the second roll prints correctly, then the issue is with the first roll of labels.

You might also need to clean the print head.

If you continue to experience issues with broken characters or other print quality issues, then perform a printer self-test. The self-test verifies that all elements of the print head and printing mechanism are working.

Steps:

  1. With a roll of labels in the printer, press and hold the FORM-FEED button on the front of the printer for five to ten seconds. The printer begins printing vertical lines along the width of the printer. The test pattern automatically changes every 3/4 inch (19 mm).
  2. When the self-test begins, release the FORM-FEED button. 3 To stop the self-test, press and release the FORM-FEED button.

If the printer's issue isn't resolved, then contact Dymo's support.

Troubleshoot label jams

If labels are jammed in the printer, then you can clear them with the following steps.

Steps:

  1. Tear off any labels that have already fed through the printer.
  2. Press the label release lever forward, and then pull the jammed label out of the label feed slot.

If the printer's issue isn't resolved, then contact Dymo's support.

Troubleshoot labels not feeding correctly

If your labels don't feed correctly, then check the following set up requirements:

  • Your labels are loaded properly and the left edge of the label aligns with the left edge of the label feed slot.
  • You're using Dymo-branded labels. The perforated holes between the labels made by other manufacturers are frequently not detectable by Dymo printers. When the perforations aren't detected, the labels won't feed correctly.

If the printer's issue isn't resolved, then contact Dymo's support.

Troubleshoot printer not printing or not stopping printing

If your printer doesn't print or stops printing when in use, then troublshoot with the following steps:

  • Make sure that the printer receives power and that the power cable hasn't been disconnected.
  • If the status light on the front of the printer isn't lit, then check to make sure the power cable is plugged in, and that your power strip is working.
  • Make sure that the issue isn't with the outlet or power strip by plugging something else into the wall outlet and power strip.
  • Confirm that the printer feeds labels properly by pushing the form feed button when the printer is on.
  • If the labels are jammed, then the status light blinks. Refer to the Troubleshoot label jams section of this page.
  • Make sure that your USB cable hasn't come loose from the back of your printer or from your computer.
  • Make sure that your LabelWriter printer driver is installed correctly.

If the printer's issue isn't resolved, then contact Dymo's support.