This does not have to be the device you're browsing from right now.
You need to choose a device that can stay turned on 24/7 to keep your printer connected to SimplyPrint.
Don't have a dedicated device?
Most users get a Raspberry Pi (~$35-55) as a dedicated bridge device. It's affordable, low-power, and designed to run 24/7. You can also use any old computer, a mini-PC, NAS, or a server.
LAN-mode requirement: If using LAN-mode (recommended), the bridge device must be on the same network as your printer(s).
The device you use for the Bambu Lab integration must always be turned on,
and if it's running in LAN-mode, it must be on the same network as your printers.
Your printer must also have a USB stick or micro SD card inserted for file transfers.
Windows setup
This setup will show you how to run the SimplyPrint Bambu Lab integration
from a Windows computer.
The Windows device will connect wirelessly to your Bambu printer(s) and SimplyPrint.
LAN-mode streaming issues:
The issues are primarily related to webcam streaming for printers in
LAN-mode. If you're using Cloud mode for your printer(s), you should be fine.
We're working on improving it, but the nature of how applications work on
Windows makes it less reliable.
Your computer might warn you about the installer:
This happens sometimes with new software. Click "More info" and
then "Run anyway".
It's important be vigilant when installing software from the internet;
only install software from sources you trust and feel comfortable with.
More info here.
Some users with external anti-virus software may experience it
interferes with the application, see our troubleshooting guide for more.
When the setup is done, you should see a SimplyPrint logo in your
system tray. Click it, or go to http://localhost:8000.
The Bambu Lab Client interface will guide you through the
rest of the setup; it's easy, and you're almost there!
Click the button below for a written guide on the rest of the setup.
The device you use for the Bambu Lab integration must always be turned on,
and if it's running in LAN-mode, it must be on the same network as your printers.
Your printer must also have a USB stick or micro SD card inserted for file transfers.
MacOS setup
This setup will show you how to run the SimplyPrint Bambu Lab integration
from a MacOS computer.
The Mac computer will connect wirelessly to your Bambu printer(s) and SimplyPrint.
Hardware requirements:
"Ventura" (version 13) or newer.
Both Intel- and Apple Silicon-compatible.
4 GB RAM(minimum)
Setup:
To get started, first open a terminal window:
- Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search.
- Type Terminal and press Enter.
Allow the Bambu Lab Client to run in the background,
and open automatically on login:
Upon installing, you may get a notification
that the app is from an unidentified developer - this
is normal, and you can allow it to run in your
system preferences.
On your Mac, go to System Settings
Go to General > Login Items
Add the Bambu Lab Client to the "Open at Login" list
Scroll down, and enable the switch for the
"Allow in the Background" section for the
"simplyprint-bambu-lab" app
More in-depth guide for these steps, with images,
can be found here.
When the setup is done, you should see a SimplyPrint logo in your
menu bar. Click it, or go to http://localhost:8000.
The Bambu Lab Client interface will guide you through the
rest of the setup; it's easy, and you're almost there!
Click the button below for a written guide on the rest of the setup.
The device you use for the Bambu Lab integration must always be turned on,
and if it's running in LAN-mode, it must be on the same network as your printers.
Your printer must also have a USB stick or micro SD card inserted for file transfers.
Linux setup
This setup will show you how to run the SimplyPrint Bambu Lab integration
from a Linux computer.
The Linux-powered device will connect wirelessly to your Bambu printer(s) and SimplyPrint.
Hardware requirements:
2 GB RAM(minimum)
"systemd" support required
(most modern Linux distributions have this)
Setup:
To get started, first open a terminal window and run the following command:
Go to the Bambu Client interface:
On your computer, open up your browser and enter the URL
of the Bambu Lab Client. This is where you'll link up the printer(s).
If the client runs on your computer:
Go to http://localhost:8000
If the client runs on another device:
Go to http://<device ip>:8000
The Bambu Lab Client interface will guide you through the
rest of the setup; it's easy, and you're almost there!
Click the button below for a written guide on the rest of the setup.
The device you use for the Bambu Lab integration must always be turned on,
and if it's running in LAN-mode, it must be on the same network as your printers.
Your printer must also have a USB stick or micro SD card inserted for file transfers.
Raspberry Pi setup (Pi 3, 4 & 5)
This setup will show you how to run the SimplyPrint Bambu Lab integration
from a Raspberry Pi.
The Raspberry Pi will connect wirelessly to your Bambu printer(s) and SimplyPrint.
Works for Raspberry Pi 3, 4 & 5. Please do not try to run this on
any other Raspberry Pi models - it won't work.
Hardware requirements:
Raspberry Pi; 3B, 3B+, 4B or 5
2 GB RAM(recommended minimum - lower technically possible,
especially with just 1-2 printers)
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Setup:
Insert SD card into your computer
If your computer has a slot of the large SD card, or a micro SD card slot;
insert in this. Otherwise a USB converter is required.
Alternatively, if you can't find the SimplyPrint
Bambu Lab Client OS in the Pi Imager, you can download the image
here, and choose "Custom" in the "Choose OS" menu.
Click the "Choose storage" button and click on the inserted SD card
If you have other thumb/flash drives (USB sticks) in your computer,
it's a good idea to take these out first, so the wrong device isn't picked.
Click the "Next" button
Flashing settings
When it asks for "Use OS customisation", click "Edit settings"
Set up Raspberry Pi (SSH) login
Make sure "Enable SSH" is enabled
in the "Services" tab
Enter a Username and a Password
Set up WiFi
If your printer is in LAN-mode,
it's important that you connect the Pi to the same
network as your printer.
Enable "Configure wireless LAN"
Enter your WiFi name (SSID) and Password
Click "Yes" to confirm, and wait for the flashing to complete
Boot up the Pi
Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi, and plug it in
Wait a few minutes for the Pi to boot up
Go to the Bambu Client interface:
On your computer, open up your browser and enter the URL
of the Bambu Lab Client. This is where you'll link up the printer(s).
If the client runs on your computer:
Go to http://localhost:8000
If the client runs on another device:
Go to http://<device ip>:8000
The Bambu Lab Client interface will guide you through the
rest of the setup; it's easy, and you're almost there!
Click the button below for a written guide on the rest of the setup.
The device you use for the Bambu Lab integration must always be turned on,
and if it's running in LAN-mode, it must be on the same network as your printers.
Your printer must also have a USB stick or micro SD card inserted for file transfers.
Docker setup
This setup will guide you through running the SimplyPrint Bambu Lab integration in a
Docker container.
The containerized setup provides an easy way to deploy the integration on any system
that supports Docker.
Access the SimplyPrint Bambu Lab Client:
Open your web browser and visit:
http://localhost:8000
or if running on another device:
http://<device-ip>:8000
Use the follow contents for a Dockerfile:
ARG PYTHON_VERSION=3.13
FROM python:${PYTHON_VERSION}-slim
LABEL maintainer="SimplyPrint <[email protected]>" \
author="SimplyPrint" \
description="Use your Bambu Lab printers with SimplyPrint - to get started go to sp3d.io/bambu"
ARG PACKAGE_VERSION=""
RUN apt update \
&& apt install build-essential -y \
&& pip install simplyprint-bambu-lab${PACKAGE_VERSION} \
&& apt remove build-essential -y \
&& apt autoremove -y \
&& apt clean \
&& rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
EXPOSE 8000
VOLUME ["/root/.config/SimplyPrint"]
CMD ["simplyprint-bambu-lab"]
Then use it by building it, and using it in conjunction with
Docker, Docker Compose or similar.
docker build . -t custom-simplyprint-bambu-lab
docker run -d --name simplyprint-bambu-lab --network=host --restart=always custom-simplyprint-bambu-lab
Once running you can use it by accessing the SimplyPrint Bambu
Lab Client:
Open your web browser and visit:
http://localhost:8000
or if running on another device:
http://<device-ip>:8000
Chromebook is not recommended for running the bridge
Your Chromebook must stay turned on and awake at all times.
If it sleeps, shuts down, or you close the lid, your printer goes offline.
Better alternative: Get a Raspberry Pi (~$35-55) to run 24/7 as your bridge.
You can still use your Chromebook to access SimplyPrint - just let the Pi handle the always-on part!
Chromebook setup
Chromebooks can run our Linux-based client by enabling the Linux development environment (Crostini).
If you still want to proceed, follow the steps below.
Video guide:
Setup:
Enable Linux on your Chromebook:
Open Settings on your Chromebook
Go to Advanced → Developers
Turn on "Linux development environment"
Follow the setup wizard to install Linux (this may take a few minutes)
Open the Linux terminal:
Once Linux is installed, find and open the "Terminal" app from your app launcher.
Access the Bambu Client interface:
Open your browser and go to http://localhost:8000
The Bambu Lab Client interface will guide you through the
rest of the setup; it's easy, and you're almost there!
Click the button below for a written guide on the rest of the setup.
These devices cannot run the bridge
Unfortunately, there is no way to use an iPad, tablet, phone, or similar device as a bridge.
But you CAN use SimplyPrint on these devices!
Once your bridge is set up on a supported device (like a Raspberry Pi), you can control your printers from any device - including your iPad, Android tablet, or phone - via the SimplyPrint web app or our mobile apps.
The bridge just needs to run on a separate, always-on device. Your phone/tablet is for using SimplyPrint, not hosting the bridge.
Why can't we make it work?
These are hardware and operating system limitations beyond our control. If a workaround existed, we'd be the first to implement it!
Why these devices don't work:
Device
Why it doesn't work
iPad / iPhone
iOS doesn't allow apps to run background processes the way our bridge software needs.
Android Phone / Tablet
Android aggressively kills background processes to save battery. The bridge would stop working within minutes.
Arduino / ESP32 / Microcontrollers
These are microcontrollers, not computers. They cannot run our Python-based software.
Smart Home Hubs
Too limited and locked down. They're designed for specific smart home tasks, not running arbitrary software.
The Bambu Lab printer itself
Bambu Lab's printers have a closed ecosystem. We cannot install software on the printer - this is a manufacturer restriction.
Bambu Handy app
That's Bambu Lab's app, not ours. We have no control over it or ability to integrate with it.
Only have a tablet or phone?
You'll need to purchase an actual computer. A Raspberry Pi 4 is the most affordable option at ~$35-55.
It's small, low-power, and perfect for running 24/7 as a bridge device.
Please select one of the supported platforms from the tabs above.