First Layer Not Sticking
Follow the steps. Most problems are fixed by step 1 or 2.
Clean the build plate
Wipe it with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Finger oils are the #1 reason prints don't stick.
Use 99% IPA, not 70% (that leaves residue). Wipe when cool. Do this before every print.
Run auto bed leveling
On the printer screen: Settings ? Calibration ? Auto Bed Leveling. Takes 5 minutes. Corrects Z-offset drift that builds up over time.
Adjust Z-offset during printing
Start a print. During the first layer, go to Control ? Z Offset. Adjust in 0.02mm steps.
| Lines round with gaps | Too high ? decrease Z |
| Lines transparent/paper-thin | Too low ? increase Z |
| Lines squished, opaque, touching | Correct |
Check bed temperature
Wrong bed temp = no adhesion. Verify in your slicer:
| PLA | 35–45°C |
| PETG | 70–85°C |
| ABS / ASA | 90–110°C |
| TPU | 35–45°C |
Also try reducing first layer speed to 30–50%.
Less common causes
If steps 1–4 didn't fix it, expand the topic that matches your situation:
Add a brim (5–10mm width). Reduce part cooling on the first layers. For ABS/ASA, you need an enclosure. Check for drafts.
Bed mesh is uneven. Run auto bed leveling again. Check bed mounting screws underneath.
Wash with soap and water first (remove factory film). New plates need 2–3 prints to "break in."
Cool Plate: PLA (no glue), PETG (with glue as release agent).
Textured PEI: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA.
High-temp: ABS, ASA, PC with glue.
Nothing worked?
Post your case in the community forum, photos help a lot, and we answer within a day. Or try the interactive troubleshooter.
Tools that fix this
Give the first layer a surface it can actually stick to.
When a first layer will not stick despite correct settings, this adhesive gives it the extra grip to hold.
Amazon →
A scratched or contaminated build plate ruins first layers; a fresh PEI sheet gives an even, reliable bonding surface.
Amazon →Affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
HMS codes that point here
If Bambu Handy or Bambu Studio shows one of these HMS codes, it maps to the problem on this page. Each code links to Bambu's official step-by-step fix; come back here if the official steps don't solve it.
HMS_0300-1800-0001-0006– Heatbed leveling data abnormal (check plate and nozzle tip) · official fixHMS_0300-1800-0001-0005– Z-axis motor obstructed (foreign objects in the Z slider) · official fix