Dymo LabelManager 160: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Dymo LabelManager 160 right for you?

The LabelManager 160 is the everyday handheld label maker found in most stationery cupboards, printing D1 tape labels for files, drawers and cables. It works entirely standalone with a small keyboard and screen, so there is no software to install. The usual complaints are high battery consumption and the tape feeding blank at the start of each label, which is normal for D1 cassettes.

Best for: Home and office organisers wanting a simple handheld label maker

Setting up the Dymo LabelManager 160

Fit six AAA batteries or the optional adapter, snap a D1 cassette in until it clicks and press the cut button once to clear the lead. Use the format keys to change font size and the memory feature to store frequent labels. Replace the cassette rather than the printer if printing becomes faint.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the ink cartridges, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use Dymo's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The Dymo LabelManager 160 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• Dymo D1 tape cassettes (6, 9, 12 mm)

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications