This guide walks you through setting up your Zebra ZP 450 thermal printer to print UPS shipping labels from UPS.com (Internet Shipping) using your web browser. No desktop software required.

Also works with: Zebra ZP 500, ZP 505, GC420d, GK420d, GX420d, and most 4-inch Zebra direct thermal printers.

Step 1: Unbox and Connect Your Printer

Your Zebra ZP 450 package should include the printer, power supply, USB cable, and a starter roll of 4″ x 6″ direct thermal labels.

1. Connect the power supply to the round DC jack on the back of the printer. Plug into a surge-protected outlet. Wait for the green status light.
2. Load the labels: Open the top cover, place the 4×6 label roll with labels feeding from underneath (labels face up), pull the leading edge past the front, close the cover, and press Feed once.
3. Connect the USB cable from the printer to your computer.

What labels to use: The Zebra ZP 450 uses direct thermal labels (no ribbon required). For UPS shipping labels, use 4″ x 6″ direct thermal labels with a 1″ core. Available at thermalprinteroutlet.com.

Step 2: Install the UPS Zebra Printer Driver

1. Download the UPS Zebra Printer Driver using the button above, or from the UPS Thermal Printing page.
2. Run UPSZebraDriver.exe and follow the on-screen prompts.
3. When prompted, select Zebra ZP 450 as your printer model and USB as the port.

After installation, verify the printer appears in Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners (Windows 10/11) as “Zebra ZP 450” or “ZDesigner ZP 450.” Right-click and Print Test Page to confirm.

View UPS Windows Driver Installation Guide (PDF)

View UPS Mac Driver Installation Guide (PDF)

Step 3: Install the UPS Thermal Printing App

UPS requires a small helper application that connects your browser to your thermal printer.

1. Download the UPS Thermal Printing App using the button above.
2. Run ups-thermal-printing-setup.exe and follow the prompts.
3. The app runs in the background (look for its icon in the system tray). You only need to install it once.

Step 4: Allow Pop-Ups for UPS.com

UPS.com opens a pop-up window when you print a label. If pop-ups are blocked, the label will not appear.

Google Chrome

1. Click the three-dot menu (top right) > Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects.
2. Under “Allowed to send pop-ups,” click Add and enter https://www.ups.com.

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three-dot menu > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects.
2. Under “Allow,” click Add and enter https://www.ups.com.

Firefox

1. Click the menu button > Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Next to “Block pop-up windows,” click Exceptions. Enter https://www.ups.com and click Allow.

Step 5: Set Printer Preferences on UPS.com

1. Log in at UPS.com (free account).
2. Go to My UPS > My Preferences > Printing.
3. Under “Label Print Method,” select Thermal Printing — 4×6.
4. Select your Zebra printer from the list and Save.

Step 6: Print Your First Label

1. Go to Shipping > Create a Shipment on UPS.com.
2. Fill in the From, To, weight, and service fields.
3. Click Ship or Pay and Ship.
4. A pop-up window appears with your shipping label.
5. Click Print and select your Zebra ZP 450.
6. The label prints directly on a 4×6 thermal label.

Troubleshooting

Official UPS Resources

Looking to set up your printer for UPS WorldShip instead? See our companion guide: How to Set Up Your Zebra ZP 450 for UPS WorldShip

This guide is provided by Thermal Printer Outlet, your trusted source for refurbished and new Zebra thermal printers, labels, and accessories. All Zebra ZP 450 printers sold by Thermal Printer Outlet are cleaned, tested, and shipped with a starter roll of 4×6 direct thermal labels.