Zebra TC501 and TC701 setup guide: from box to first scan

This guide takes a new Zebra TC501 or TC701 from the box to its first scan: cards and battery, first charge, setup wizard, Wi-Fi or 5G, a scan test and updates. The two models share the same controls, batteries and Android software, so every step applies to both unless it names one model.

Before you start

Check the box

The box holds the touch computer, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a regulatory guide. Check everything for transport damage and contact us if anything is missing. Peel the protective shipping film off the display and the camera window before first use.

Zebra lists our TC501 (TC5010-021B1A0001-A6) as a Wi-Fi-only (WLAN) configuration and our TC701 (TC701G-341E2B1A01-A6) as a 5G (WWAN) configuration. The TC501 therefore has no mobile network; it connects over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Memory, scan engine and camera options are listed on each product page.

Choose how you will charge

The device charges through its USB-C port or in a cradle. The TC501 and TC701 use different cradles, but the same batteries and the same 4-slot battery charger (CRDCUP-TC5A7A-4B).

Zebra's 5-slot kits ending in -1 include the power supply. If you fit the TC501 rugged boot, use the rugged cradle versions, whose part numbers end in -B (5-slot kits: CRD-TC5AB-…).

Fit the SIM and microSD cards

Both cards sit in a card holder under the battery. A SIM is only needed in a 5G (WWAN) model such as our TC701; the microSD card is optional. Switch the device off before you insert or remove a card.

1. Push both battery latches inward and, holding the latches, lift the battery out. Don't slide your fingers under the latches.
2. Pull the card holder out of the device.
3. TC701: place the SIM card in the holder with the contacts facing up.
4. microSD: flip the holder over, place the card with the contacts facing up, then flip the holder back.
5. Push the card holder back into the device.

Video: Zebra Technologies

Insert the battery

1. Insert the battery bottom edge first into the battery compartment on the back.
2. Press it down until both release latches click into place.

Both models support battery hot swap. Later, you can change a flat battery without switching off: remove any accessory that covers the battery, swap it and press the new one in. Zebra says Wi-Fi and mobile connections are kept for up to 30 seconds and memory for up to 60 seconds more. If the device does not come back on, press and hold Power for six seconds.

Charge the battery fully

Charge before first use, at room temperature and ideally with the device in sleep mode. Connect the cradle or the USB-C cable to power first, then insert the device or plug in the cable. The device switches on and the Charging LED starts blinking amber.

The battery charges between 5 and 40 °C. A full charge lasts about 8 to 14 hours, depending on use. A spare battery in a cradle's spare battery slot reaches 90 % in about 4 hours.

Switch on and run the setup wizard

If the device is off, press and hold Power. A new device starts the Android setup wizard, which asks for language, network and Google services. Zebra's Android 15 software then shows a Zebra Services EULA screen where you choose whether the device may share device data with Zebra.

To find the software version, swipe down from the status bar, touch the settings icon and open Settings › About phone. The Android version and build number are listed there.

Connect to Wi-Fi or 5G

1. Open Settings › Network & internet › Internet and turn on the Wi-Fi switch.
2. Touch your network, enter the password and touch Connect.
3. When the network shows "Connected", the device has an address from DHCP.

Both models support Wi-Fi 7 on 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz. If your EMM (MDM) system adds enterprise networks with PEAP, TLS or TTLS, Zebra's Android 15 release notes say the profile must include the CA certificate and the domain, or the network is not added.

Mobile data on the TC701

The TC701 takes one physical SIM and supports eSIM. Mobile data needs an active data plan. To add an eSIM, get the activation code or QR code from your operator and connect to the internet first, for example over Wi-Fi.

1. Open Settings › Network & internet › SIMs. If a SIM is already fitted, touch + Add more.
2. Choose MANUAL CODE ENTRY to type the code, or SCAN to scan the QR code.
3. Follow the prompts, then touch ACTIVATE and Done.

If data does not work, ask your operator for the correct access point name (APN) and enter it under Settings › Network & internet › SIMs, your SIM, Access Point Names.

Test the scanner

Zebra's preinstalled DataWedge service controls the scanner and types scanned data into the open app.

1. Open an app with a text field, for example a notes app or DWDemo, and touch the field.
2. Point the scan window at the top of the device at a barcode.
3. Press and hold one of the two Scan buttons on the sides. The SR500 and SR560 engines show a red aiming dot; the long-range AC670 shows a green dash-dot-dash line.
4. Keep the barcode inside the aiming pattern. On a good read the Data Capture LED lights green and the device beeps.
5. Release the button. The data appears in the field.

To add Enter after each scan, choose barcode types or set up your own app, see the DataWedge setup guide.

Keep the device updated

Zebra delivers Android updates and security patches as LifeGuard updates. The TC501 and TC701 run Android 15, and Zebra lists Android 19 as their final supported version. The installed build number is shown under Settings › About phone. On managed devices, leave updates to your IT team, who usually roll them out with StageNow or an EMM system.

Zebra's product reference guides for the TC501 and the TC701 cover every setting in detail.

Still choosing between the two models? Read TC501 vs TC701, or see all TC501 guides and TC701 guides.