Bambu Lab A1 and A1 mini Setup Guide: Your First Day

Just got your A1 or A1 mini? Follow these steps in order and you will have your first print running in under an hour.

1. Pick a good spot

Put the printer on a sturdy, level table with space around it, because the bed moves back and forth while printing. Keep it away from AC vents, direct sun and dust. You need a normal wall socket and a Wi-Fi signal.

2. Unbox and remove the packaging

Take out all the foam, cable ties and tape, and remove any transport fixings shown in the Quick Start Guide that comes in the box. Do not skip this: a locked axis will make the calibration fail. Keep the box for a few weeks in case you need to move or return the printer.

3. Assemble and connect

• Fit the spool holder, or the AMS lite if you have the Combo, as shown in the Quick Start Guide.
• Make sure the build plate sits flat and lined up on the bed.
• Connect the power cable and switch the printer on.

4. Run the first calibration

On first start the screen walks you through setup. Let the printer run its full automatic calibration (bed leveling, vibration compensation and motor checks). It is noisy and takes a while; this is normal. Do not touch the bed while it runs.

5. Connect Wi-Fi and the app

• Install the Bambu Handy app on your phone and create a Bambu Lab account.
• Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi from the screen, then bind it to your account in the app.
• Install a firmware update if the printer offers one.
• On a computer, install Bambu Studio to slice your own models.

6. Load filament

Start with PLA or PLA+: it is the easiest material to print. Cut the filament end at an angle, feed it in, and use the load option on the screen. With an AMS lite, place up to four spools and load each one. Set the correct material type and color so the printer uses the right temperatures.

7. Your first print

Print one of the models stored on the printer, or pick a popular model on MakerWorld from the Bambu Handy app and send it to the printer. Watch the first layer: it should be flat, even and well stuck to the plate.

Tips for the first week

• Keep the build plate clean: wash it with dish soap and water and hold it by the edges.
• Store filament sealed with desiccant, especially in humid cities.
• If something goes wrong, see our guides on stringing, clogged nozzles and first-layer adhesion.

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