Bambu Studio not connecting to your printer

Which problem do you have?

• The printer isn't in the list at all: start with the printer isn't listed.
• It's listed but shows "Failed to connect to the printer" or offline: see listed but offline.
• Studio says "Failed to connect to the server": see server errors.
• It worked, then stopped after a change: see after a change.

The printer isn't listed

In cloud mode (the printer bound to your Bambu Lab account), Studio lists it under My Device:

• Sign in to Bambu Studio with the account the printer is bound to, with the same region set in Studio's preferences.
• Check that the printer is still bound: if someone unbound it in Bambu Handy, bind it again.

In LAN Only mode, or for a printer that isn't signed in, Studio lists it under Other Device, and only when it can hear the printer on the local network:

• Put the Mac and the printer on the same network. Guest Wi-Fi networks, separate VLANs and some mesh or "client isolation" settings stop devices from seeing each other.
• Disconnect from any VPN on the Mac.
• Wait a minute: a printer can take 20 to 60 seconds to appear.

On your Mac, macOS asks the first time whether Bambu Studio may find devices on your local network. If you clicked Don't Allow, open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network and turn Bambu Studio on. A firewall or security app can also block it.

Listed but offline, or "Failed to connect to the printer"

This message means Studio didn't receive the printer's status within about 30 seconds.

1. On the printer's screen, check that it's connected to Wi-Fi with a reasonable signal, and that it isn't showing a network error.
2. Restart the printer, then your router if other devices are affected too.
3. In LAN Only mode, check the access code on the printer's screen and enter it again in Studio. See finding the access code and IP address.
4. Install the latest firmware once the printer is online again.

"Failed to connect to the server"

That's about Bambu Lab's cloud, not the printer: Studio can't reach Bambu's servers. Check the Mac's internet connection, VPN and firewall. In LAN Only mode, the cloud isn't needed to print on your network.

It stopped after a change

• A factory reset or a new access code: the code changes. Enter the new one from the printer's screen.
• A new router or Wi-Fi password: connect the printer to the new network on its screen.
• The printer got a new IP address: in LAN Only mode, re-add it, and consider a fixed address (a DHCP reservation in your router) so it stays the same.
• You switched LAN Only on or off: in LAN Only mode the printer moves from My Device to Other Device, and Bambu Handy stops working until you switch back. See LAN mode explained.

When other apps can't connect either

Bambu Bar, OrcaSlicer and Bambu Studio all need the same thing: the Mac and the printer on the same network, with nothing blocking the traffic between them. If the printer is unreachable, no app can fix that, so work through the network checks above first.

Once Studio sees the printer again, Bambu Bar can usually set itself up from it: it finds the printer on the network and reads the access code Studio saved. If Bambu Bar alone can't connect, see Support and getting started.