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Connect your printers with the SimplyPrint Client

Connect your printers with the SimplyPrint Client


The SimplyPrint Client is the simplest way to connect most printers to SimplyPrint. It is a small app, made by us, that you run on a computer on the same network as your printers. It talks to them locally and bridges them to SimplyPrint, so you do not have to install anything on the printers themselves. One client can connect many printers across different brands at once.


Not every printer connects through the client. The setup guide at simplyprint.io/setup-guide shows the exact method for your specific printer. For many modern printers, including Bambu Lab, it will point you to the SimplyPrint Client; some others (for example certain Klipper or OctoPrint setups) connect a different way.


This guide explains what the client is, when you need it, and how to get set up.


What this guide covers


What the SimplyPrint Client is

The client is a bridge. Your printers stay on your local network; the client runs on a device on that same network, finds your printers, and connects them up to SimplyPrint over the internet. From then on you control them from the SimplyPrint panel and mobile app from anywhere.


A single client can connect many printers at once, including a mix of brands. You do not need one per printer.


Your printers only need to be on the same local network as the client. They do not need to be on the internet themselves - only the device running the client needs internet access to reach SimplyPrint.


When you need the client

Whether you use the client depends on your printer.


  • Bambu Lab, Ultimaker and Duet: the client is the only way in. These printers connect through the client.
  • Creality and Anycubic: the client is one option. Some of these can also connect directly on the printer with OctoPrint or Klipper, and you will see both choices during setup. The client is the simplest path and works the same across brands.
  • Klipper and OctoPrint setups: if your printer already runs Klipper (Moonraker) or OctoPrint, you can connect it directly without the client. See the relevant printer setup guides for those methods.


When in doubt, pick your brand during setup and SimplyPrint shows you the options that apply.


What you can run it on

The client runs on a real computer:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Docker
  • Raspberry Pi (and similar single-board computers)


You cannot run the client on a phone or tablet. iPhones, iPads and Android tablets cannot run the background processes the client needs. Use an actual computer as the bridge. Once it is running, you can of course use your phone or tablet to control your printers through the SimplyPrint web and mobile apps.


A Raspberry Pi is a popular choice because it is cheap, sips electricity (roughly $5 to $10 per year) and is built to run around the clock.


The device running the client must stay on. The client has to be running whenever you want to start prints, monitor remotely or use SimplyPrint features. If the device is off or asleep, SimplyPrint cannot reach your printer.


Note that an ongoing print is safe: prints run locally on the printer once the file is sent, so if the client or your internet connection drops, a print already in progress keeps going.


Setting it up

  1. In the panel, start adding a printer (the Add printer button, or Printers then add).
  2. Pick your printer brand. SimplyPrint shows you the connection options for that brand.
  3. Choose the SimplyPrint Client path, and download the client for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker or Raspberry Pi).
  4. Install and start the client on a computer that is on the same network as your printers.
  5. Follow the on-screen steps to link the client to your account and connect your printers.
  6. Your printers appear under Printers in the panel with their live status and camera.


Repeat the "add printer" step for each printer - they can all run through the same client.


Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions people ask most about the client.


What is the SimplyPrint Client?

The SimplyPrint Client is a small app, made by us, that you run on a device on your network. It talks to your printers locally and bridges them to SimplyPrint, so you do not have to install anything on the printers themselves. One client can connect many printers across different brands at once.


Which printer brands does the client support?

Bambu Lab, Creality, Anycubic, Elegoo, Ultimaker, and Duet. You pick your brand during setup and follow the connection steps for it.


Do I have to use the client, or can I connect on the printer itself?

It depends on the printer. Some brands (such as Creality and Anycubic) can also connect directly on the printer with OctoPrint or Klipper, and you will see both options. The client is the simplest path and works the same across brands. For closed printers like Bambu Lab, the client is the only way in.


Can I use my iPad, iPhone, or Android tablet as the bridge?

No. Mobile devices cannot run the background processes the client needs. Use an actual computer (Raspberry Pi, Mac, Windows, or Linux). Once the client is running, you can of course use phones and tablets to control your printers through the SimplyPrint web and mobile apps.


Does the device need to stay on all the time?

Yes. The client must be running whenever you want to start prints, monitor remotely, or use SimplyPrint features. If the device is off or asleep, SimplyPrint cannot reach your printer. A Raspberry Pi uses very little electricity (about $5-10 per year) and is built to run 24/7.


Can one client control multiple printers?

Yes. A single client can connect many printers on the same network, including a mix of brands.


Will my print stop if SimplyPrint or the client goes down?

No. Prints run locally on the printer once files are sent. If the client or your internet connection goes down, an ongoing print keeps going.


Do my printers need to be on the internet?

No. Your printers only need to be on the same local network as the client. The device running the client does need internet access to reach the SimplyPrint servers.



Updated on: 26/06/2026

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