Bambu Lab Integration: LAN-Only vs. Bambu Cloud

SimplyPrint recommends using LAN mode to keep the integration working. Keep reading to learn more.

Your Bambu Lab printer can run in Cloud mode or LAN mode. SimplyPrint supports both*, but each mode has its own benefits and drawbacks. Below is a comparison to help you decide which mode best suits your needs.
* with Bambu Lab's latest firmware, while we can connect to your printer in Cloud mode, we can't start prints

Cloud Mode

With Bambu's latest firmware (v01.08.03.00) for the X1 series - soon to be coming out for the P1 and A1 series as well, Bambu Lab has shut down the ability for Cloud mode printers to interact with third-party software like SimplyPrint in some ways (we can't perform actions, such as starting a print). More on this here; Bambu Lab security firmware "Authorization Control System" update: will I still be able to use SimplyPrint?. Use an older version to keep your Cloud-Mode Bambu Lab printer working with SimplyPrint, or enable LAN Mode on your printer. More here; Bambu Lab: printer stopped working after firmware upgrade / can't start prints anymore

In Cloud mode, your printer is connected to the internet and the official Bambu Lab Cloud. This allows you to access your printer remotely, including through the Bambu Handy app.

Benefits of Cloud Mode

Faster downloads: The printer downloads print files directly via the internet, making it significantly faster than LAN mode.
Bambu Handy app access: You can continue using the Bambu Handy app to control your printer remotely. However, most users find they no longer need the app once using SimplyPrint.

Drawbacks of Cloud Mode

Since firmware version 01.08.03.00, it no longer works with third party services
Webcam works, but only over the local network: The SimplyPrint Bambu Lab client must be able to reach the printer over the local network. Click here to learn more.
Connected to Bambu Lab servers: The printer communicates with Bambu Lab’s cloud servers, which are often located in China. While this may not be an issue for most users, some prefer to keep their data within the EU.
No support for raw .gcode files: Bambu Lab printers in Cloud mode can only receive .3mf files, not raw .gcode files.

LAN Mode

In LAN mode, the printer is disconnected from Bambu Lab’s cloud and only accessible within your local network.

Benefits of LAN Mode

Full SimplyPrint support on all firmware versions: even on the latest firmware versions, you'll be able to keep using SimplyPrint and other third-party services, like OrcaSlicer, with your printer in LAN Mode, with "Developer" mode enabled
Supports raw .gcode files: Unlike Cloud mode, LAN mode allows you to send raw .gcode files directly to the printer.
No third-party cloud connection: Your printer only connects to SimplyPrint’s servers (located in the EU) and does not communicate with Bambu Lab’s cloud. This can be important for organizations with strict data policies.

Drawbacks of LAN Mode

Slower file transfers: Print files must first be downloaded to your host device (e.g., Raspberry Pi or PC running the SimplyPrint Client) and then sent to the printer using FTP, which is significantly slower than Cloud mode.
No Bambu Handy app access: You will not be able to access your printer through the Bambu Handy app while in LAN mode.

Updated on: 18/03/2025