How to share a Dymo LabelWriter with other users

Applies to
Dymo LabelWriter 450 series, Dymo LabelWriter 550 series, Dymo LabelWriter 4XL, Dymo LabelWriter 5XL, Windows, macOS, Dymo Connect, and USB-connected LabelWriter printers

Last updated
May 2026

Problem

You want more than one person to use the same Dymo LabelWriter, but the printer is connected by USB to one computer.

This can be useful in an office, reception area, stock room, dispatch desk, or shared workspace. However, sharing can cause problems if the main computer is switched off, asleep, disconnected from the network, or using the wrong printer settings.

Solution

The simplest option is to connect the Dymo LabelWriter to one main computer and share it from that computer. Other users can then print to it over the local network, as long as the host computer remains powered on, awake, and connected.

Step by step instructions

Choose the main computer

Pick one computer to act as the host for the LabelWriter.

This should ideally be:

• Close to the printer.
• Used regularly.
• Connected to the network.
• Not frequently taken away.
• Less likely to be turned off during the day.

Install and test the printer locally first

Before sharing the printer, make sure it works properly on the main computer.

Check that:

• Dymo Connect is installed.
• The LabelWriter is connected directly by USB.
• The correct label size is selected.
• A test label prints successfully.
• The printer does not show as offline.

Do not set up sharing until local printing works reliably.

Share the printer in Windows

On the host Windows computer, open Settings, then Bluetooth and devices, then Printers and scanners.

Select the Dymo LabelWriter and look for printer properties or sharing options. Enable printer sharing and give the printer a clear shared name, such as Dymo LabelWriter Reception or Dymo LabelWriter Shipping.

On the other Windows computers, add the shared printer from the network printer list if available.

Share the printer on macOS

On the host Mac, open System Settings, then General, then Sharing.

Enable printer sharing if available, then select the Dymo LabelWriter as the printer to share.

On the other Macs, open System Settings, then Printers and Scanners, and add the shared printer from the network if it appears.

Keep the host computer awake

A shared USB printer depends on the host computer.

If the host computer is asleep, switched off, disconnected from Wi-Fi, or restarted during printing, other users may see the LabelWriter as offline.

For shared use:

• Keep the host computer powered on.
• Avoid sleep during working hours.
• Keep the network connection stable.
• Leave the printer connected by USB.
• Clear failed print jobs quickly.

Install Dymo software where needed

Other users may need Dymo Connect installed if they want to design labels, open templates, or use Dymo-specific features.

If they only need to print from an existing application, the shared printer may be enough. For custom labels, templates, barcodes, and Dymo layouts, install Dymo Connect on their computer too.

Test from another computer

After sharing is set up, test from a second computer.

Print one simple label first. Check that:

• The correct shared printer is selected.
• The label size is correct.
• The label prints on the right printer.
• The print queue clears after printing.
• The host computer stays awake.

Optional methods or tools

• Use Windows printer sharing for Windows-based offices.
• Use macOS printer sharing for Mac-based setups.
• Use one main computer as the dedicated LabelWriter host.
• Use a shared folder for common label templates.
• Use clear printer names so users choose the right device.
• Download Dymo software from https://www.dymo.com/support?cfid=user-guide if another user needs Dymo Connect.

Best practices or tips

• Test the LabelWriter locally before sharing it.
• Keep the host computer awake during working hours.
• Use a clear shared printer name.
• Avoid moving the printer between computers once shared.
• Keep label templates in a shared folder if several users need them.
• Check label size settings on each computer.
• Clear stuck print jobs from the host computer.
• Consider a dedicated label printing workstation for busy areas.

Sharing a Dymo LabelWriter can work well when one computer is treated as the main host and kept available for other users. The key thing to remember is that a USB LabelWriter is still physically controlled by the host computer, so that computer must stay powered on, awake, and connected.

For small offices and shared desks, this setup can be enough for address labels, file labels, visitor badges, stock labels, and shipping labels. If several users print regularly, keep the setup simple with one host computer, clear printer names, shared templates, and a quick test label whenever settings change.