Zebra ZP505: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the Zebra ZP505 right for you?

The ZP505 is the FedEx counterpart to the UPS ZP450, a rebadged GK420d issued to FedEx shipping accounts and now common on the second-hand market. Owners sometimes assume it is locked to FedEx software, but it is a standard Zebra printer that works with any label application once the GK420d driver is installed. Faded output usually means the darkness was lowered for FedEx stock and needs raising.

Best for: Shippers repurposing a FedEx-issued printer for general labels

Setting up the Zebra ZP505

Install the GK420d/ZP505 driver through Zebra Setup Utilities, connect by USB, and calibrate with the feed button. Raise darkness in the driver if labels look grey on non-FedEx stock. Like the ZP450, it supports both EPL and ZPL, so it works with virtually every shipping platform.

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 Zebra'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 Zebra ZP505 uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• 4x6 direct thermal labels

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