How to Set Up Your Xprinter Thermal Receipt Printer

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for setting up your Xprinter thermal receipt printer for use with Tracepos on a Windows computer. Following these steps will help you connect your printer, install the necessary software, and enable key features like automatic receipt cutting.

Compatibility Notice

This guide is intended for popular USB and Ethernet/LAN Xprinter models (e.g., XP-Q80I, XP-N160II). While steps are similar for most models, always refer to the manual that came with your specific printer.

Phase 1: Physical Connection

Before your computer can see the printer, it must be physically set up correctly.

1. Connect to Power: Plug the power adapter into the printer and into a wall outlet. Turn the printer on using its power switch.
2. Insert Paper Roll: Open the printer cover, place the thermal paper roll inside (ensure it’s feeding from the bottom), and close the cover, leaving a small amount of paper sticking out.
3. Connect to Computer: Plug the square end of the USB cable into the back of the printer and the rectangular end into an available USB port on your computer.

Phase 2: Driver Installation (The Most Important Step)

A “driver” is a piece of software that allows your computer to communicate with and control your printer. This step is mandatory.

1. Download the Driver: Do not use the CD that may have come with the printer, as it can be outdated. Go to the official Xprinter website to download the latest driver for your operating system.
   • Navigate to the Xprinter support/download page.
   • Look for the driver that matches your printer model series (e.g., “80mm Printer Driver”).
2. Run the Installer: Once downloaded, find the file (e.g., XPrinter_Driver_Setup.exe) and double-click it to run the installation wizard.
3. Follow the Wizard:
   • Accept the license agreement.
   • When prompted, select your Operating System (e.g., Windows 10/11).
   • Select your printer model from the list.
   • Select the port your printer is connected to (it should show a USB port, e.g., USB001).
   • Click “Install Now”.

   

4. Complete Installation: Once the installation is finished, your printer will be added to your computer’s list of available printers.

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Phase 3: Configuring the Auto-Cutter

This setting tells the printer to automatically slice the receipt after a job is finished.

1. Open Printer Settings:
   • In Windows, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Access Properties: Find your newly installed Xprinter in the list, right-click on it, and select Printer properties.
3. • In the Properties window, click on the Device Settings tab.
   • Look for an option called Paper Cut or similar.
   • Change the setting from “No Cut” to “Cut at end of document” or a similar positive option.
   • Click Apply, then OK.Enable Cutting:

Phase 4: Printing a Test Receipt from Tracepos

Now, let’s connect Tracepos to your newly installed printer.

1. Log in to your Tracepos account.
2. Go to a completed sale or generate a sample receipt. Click the Print Receipt button.
3. Your browser’s print preview window will open. This step is crucial.
4. Configure the Print Settings:
   • Destination/Printer: Make sure your Xprinter is selected.
   • Paper Size: Select the correct size (e.g., 80mm Width or 58mm Width). Do not use “A4” or “Letter”.
   • Margins: Set to “None” or “Minimum”.
   • Headers and Footers: Uncheck this box to prevent the URL and page title from printing.

   

5. Click Print. Your receipt should now print correctly and cut automatically at the end. The browser will remember these settings for future prints.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Problem: My printer isn’t showing up in the print dialog.
  • Solution: Your driver is likely not installed correctly. Repeat Phase 2 carefully. Also, check that your USB cable is securely connected.
• Problem: The receipt doesn’t cut.
  • Solution: The auto-cutter setting was not enabled correctly. Repeat Phase 3 and ensure you clicked “Apply”.
• Problem: The printer prints random letters and symbols (gibberish).
  • Solution: You have installed the wrong driver for your printer model. Uninstall the driver from your Control Panel and go back to the Xprinter website to find the correct one.
• Problem: The receipt prints too large or has extra text at the top/bottom.
  • Solution: Your browser’s print settings are incorrect. Repeat Phase 4 and make sure Margins are set to “None” and “Headers and Footers” are turned off.