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Setting up SimplyPrint on Bambu Lab A1 Mini: SimplyPrint Client method

SimplyPrint Client setup for this printer. Follow the steps to connect your Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D printer to SimplyPrint.

Bambu Lab A1 Mini image
Back to Bambu Lab
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Install the client
  • 3 Connect your printer
SimplyPrint Bambu Lab

Connect your Bambu Lab printer(s) to SimplyPrint

Connecting Bambu Lab printers is currently in beta but has been tested by thousands of users for 2+ years, including large farms and universities using it in production.

SimplyPrint & Bambu Lab

We're in contact with the Bambu Lab team, and together we ensure SimplyPrint will always be able to connect to your printers, even as firmware evolves. Our partnership means you can rely on this connection for the long term.

How the client works

The SimplyPrint bridge

Since Bambu Lab printers don't allow installing third-party software directly, we use a clever solution:

  • Our SimplyPrint Client runs on a separate device on your network
  • This device acts as a "bridge" connecting your printer(s) to SimplyPrint
  • It's a wireless setup - no extra cables needed!
Important: The device running the client must remain turned on at all times to maintain the connection to your printers.

Connection modes: Cloud vs. LAN-only

Use LAN-only mode with Developer mode

For SimplyPrint to drive your Bambu Lab printer on current firmware, the printer needs to be in LAN-only mode with Developer mode enabled. This is a Bambu Lab restriction (their Authorization Control System), not a SimplyPrint one. Cloud mode is only an option for older models still on pre-2024 firmware.

Why this changed

Whichever mode you pick, both run through the SimplyPrint Client on a Pi or always-on device on your network - there's no bridge-less or account-link path.

LAN-only mode + Developer mode
The path forward
  • Full SimplyPrint functionality on current firmware
  • Required for H2D, P2 series, and any printer on recent firmware
  • Printer stays on your local network, not Bambu's cloud
  • Printer can be completely isolated from the internet
  • Bambu Handy stops working
  • Firmware updates need USB / microSD (or a brief mode switch)
SimplyPrint covers what you lose. Our mobile app replaces Bambu Handy for status, control, AMS, and webcam. Bambu Studio is available online via SimplyPrint Cloud Slicer. Firmware updates work fully offline via USB / microSD.
Cloud mode
Older firmware only
  • Still needs the SimplyPrint Client - the bridge is the only way to connect any Bambu printer, in any mode
  • Bambu Handy and Bambu Studio cloud printing keep working
  • Read-only in SimplyPrint on current firmware (status / webcam / stats only, no print start, no control)
  • Full SimplyPrint control only on pre-2024 firmware for X1 / P1 / A1
  • Not an option on H2D, P2 series, or other newer models
  • Requires connection to Bambu Cloud
Pick Cloud mode only if your printer is already on pre-ACS firmware and you want to keep using Bambu Handy. Otherwise you'd need to downgrade firmware first, and downgrading is an escape hatch rather than a long-term plan. How to downgrade firmware
Learn more about LAN vs. Cloud mode SimplyPrint security practices

Ready to proceed?

Now that you understand how the client works, let's set up your Bambu Lab printer with SimplyPrint.

Next, you'll install the SimplyPrint Client on a device, then connect your printer.

What you'll need
  • A device that will remain powered on

    Any computer or device such as a Raspberry Pi that can run the SimplyPrint client

  • Network connection

    The device must be on the same network as your printer(s)

  • Your Bambu Lab printer(s)

    Make sure it's powered on and connected to your network

  • USB stick or micro SD card in your printer

    Required for LAN-only mode - SimplyPrint transfers files via removable storage

Need help?
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Thousands complete this setup every week. Follow each step carefully - most issues come from skipping ahead.

Why some setups are tricky: Some manufacturers lock down their printers, requiring workarounds like custom firmware. If hardware is listed as required, there's no shortcut.

About support: Direct setup support is available for Enterprise & School plans. Our AI support bot can help everyone else just as effectively.

Community help: Join our Discord for community support and tips from other users.

Markdown version of this guide - paste into any AI assistant

That's it! You're all set

You're now ready to connect your printer and start using SimplyPrint.

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Common Questions

The SimplyPrint Client is a small app, made by us, that you run on a device on your network. It talks to your printers locally and bridges them to SimplyPrint, so you do not have to install anything on the printers themselves. One client can connect many printers across different brands at once.
Bambu Lab, Creality, Anycubic, Elegoo, Snapmaker, Flashforge, Dremel, Ultimaker, and Duet. You pick your brand during setup and follow the connection steps for it.
It depends on the printer. Some brands (such as Creality and Anycubic) can also connect directly on the printer with OctoPrint or Klipper, and you will see both options. The client is the simplest path and works the same across brands. For closed printers like Bambu Lab, the client is the only way in.
No. Mobile devices cannot run the background processes the client needs. Use an actual computer (Raspberry Pi, Mac, Windows, or Linux). Once the client is running, you can of course use phones and tablets to control your printers through the SimplyPrint web and mobile apps.
Yes. The client must be running whenever you want to start prints, monitor remotely, or use SimplyPrint features. If the device is off or asleep, SimplyPrint cannot reach your printer.

Tip: A Raspberry Pi uses very little electricity (about $5-10 per year) and is built to run 24/7.
Yes. A single client can connect many printers on the same network, including a mix of brands.
No. Prints run locally on the printer once files are sent. If the client or your internet connection goes down, an ongoing print keeps going.
No. Your printers only need to be on the same local network as the client. The device running the client does need internet access to reach the SimplyPrint servers.