First Time Setup Guide
From unboxing to your first successful print in under an hour.
What do I do after unboxing?
Remove all foam and tape, connect to Wi-Fi via touchscreen, update firmware. Then run Settings ? Calibration ? Full Calibration (15 minutes). Do this before your first print.
| Step | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unbox & inspect | 5 min |
| 2 | Find a spot & place printer | 5 min |
| 3 | Physical setup (remove locks) | 5 min |
| 4 | Wi-Fi + firmware update | 10 min |
| 5 | Load filament | 5 min |
| 6 | Run full calibration | 15 min |
| 7 | First print | varies |
| Model | Key note |
|---|---|
| A1 Mini | No enclosure. PLA only for most users |
| A1 | Good for PLA/PETG, AMS Lite for multicolor |
| P1P | Open frame; needs enclosure for ABS/ASA |
| P1S | Built-in enclosure; full materials support |
| X1 Carbon | Full calibration suite; run all steps |
| P2S | Larger build volume; same setup as P1S |
| H2S/H2D | High-temp capable; read the materials guide |
Every Bambu Lab printer ships with: the printer (fully assembled), power cable, build plate(s), sample filament, tool kit, USB cable (backup), and a quick start guide.
- Check the exterior for shipping damage
- Remove all protective foam and tape, check inside the print area carefully
- Look for loose components
- Verify all accessories are present
If you need to return or warranty-service the printer, you'll need the original box and foam inserts. Bambu support will ask for them.
- Stable surface: Desk or table that doesn't wobble. Vibration directly affects print quality.
- Away from drafts: No AC vents, open windows, or fans nearby. Drafts cause warping and layer separation.
- Room temperature: 15–30°C is ideal. Below 15°C causes adhesion problems with most materials.
- Ventilation: Good airflow, especially for ABS, ASA, or any material with strong fumes.
- Power: Dedicated outlet; avoid daisy-chaining power strips.
- Remove transport locks on the Y-axis (check behind the bed)
- Install the build plate magnetically
- Attach the filament spool holder
- Plug in power
- Remove transport locks securing the print head (usually foam blocks or zip ties)
- For P1S/X1C: install glass panels if not pre-installed
- Install the build plate
- Connect spool holder or AMS
- Plug in power
- Power on. The screen shows the Bambu Lab logo, then guides you through setup.
- Language: Select your language.
- Wi-Fi: Connect to your network for cloud printing and remote monitoring.
- Firmware update: If prompted, update before doing anything else. It often fixes known issues.
- Bambu Studio: Download and install on your computer. Log in with the same account. The printer should appear automatically if on the same network.
Load the included sample filament to verify everything works before loading expensive spools:
- Cut the filament end at a 45° angle for easier feeding
- For direct load: push into the extruder until resistance, then use the UI to load (Settings ? Filament ? Load)
- For AMS: insert spool, push filament into the slot, let the AMS pull it in
- Confirm filament is extruding from the nozzle before starting a print
- Settings ? Calibration ? Full Calibration (on X1/P1 series)
- This runs vibration compensation, flow calibration, and bed leveling
- Takes about 15 minutes
- On the A1/A1 Mini, run Auto Bed Leveling from the calibration menu
Use a pre-sliced test file from the included SD card or MakerWorld. The Bambu "Bunny" or "Rook" models are good test prints: sized appropriately and using settings optimised for each printer. Don't use someone else's profile for your first print; let the printer use its own defaults.
Watch the first layer carefully. Check that it's adhering well and the Z-offset looks right. If it looks off, see first layer troubleshooting.
| Foam & tape removed | ? |
| Wi-Fi connected | ? |
| Firmware updated | ? |
| Full calibration done | ? |
| Test filament loaded | ? |
| First layer checked | ? |
IPA spray, microfiber cloths, extra build plates: the basics for reliable printing.
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