> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.useodin.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Maintain a badge printer

> Load, clean, and troubleshoot your badge printer

Your badge printer requires routine upkeep to keep badges printing correctly. This page covers loading supplies, cleaning the printer, and resolving common issues.

## Load cards and ribbon

Watch the video below for a walkthrough of how to load blank cards and ribbon into the printer.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1wRSUq-OrpU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen />

<Tip>Running low on blank cards or ribbon? You can [order more supplies](/hardware/order-supplies) from Odin.</Tip>

## Clean the printer

If print quality degrades due to dust, sand, or dirt buildup, the printer needs to be cleaned. Heavily soiled printers may require multiple cleaning cycles.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Remove cards and ribbon">
    Remove all blank cards from the printer. Extract the ribbon and reinsert only the bottom section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the cleaning cycle">
    Open the **Toolkit** menu on the printer and navigate to the **cleaning** option. Insert the cleaning card into the designated slot, then remove it from the rear exit of the printer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reassemble and reset">
    Reinstall the ribbon fully, return the blank cards to the printer, and perform a full reset on both the console and the printer.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshoot printing issues

Before troubleshooting, check the basics: is the printer receiving power, is the ethernet cable connected, and are badges printing at all?

### Poor print quality

If badges are printing but the quality is poor, clean the printer using the steps above.

### Incorrect information on badges

If badges are printing with the wrong worker details or layout, contact [Odin support](/support/customer-support) for a configuration fix.

### Badges not printing

Check the **cloud icon** on the console. A checkmark indicates good connectivity, while a slash indicates no connection.

If connectivity is lost, inspect all wired connections, tighten any loose cables, and reboot the printer. If connectivity is confirmed but the printer still won't print, contact [Odin support](/support/customer-support) for assistance — different ribbon types require specific configuration settings.