Zebra TC53e and TC58e setup guide: from box to first scan

This guide takes a new Zebra TC53e or TC58e from the box to a working scanner: cards and battery in, first charge, setup wizard, Wi-Fi or mobile data, a scan test and updates. Zebra covers both models in one user guide, so every step applies to both unless it says TC58e only.

Before you start

Check the box

The box holds the touch computer, a PowerPrecision+ lithium-ion battery (4,680 mAh) and a regulatory guide. Check everything for transport damage and keep the packaging for storage or returns. Contact us if anything is missing or damaged.

Before first use, peel the protective shipping film off the display, the scan window and the camera window. A film left on the scan window makes scanning unreliable.

Zebra's configuration list shows our TC53e and TC58e with 6 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and the SE4720 2D imager.

Choose how you will charge

The device charges through its USB-C port or in a cradle. Zebra lists these charging accessories:

Cradles come with a power supply; the mains cord is sold separately. For the cable, Zebra lists the USB power supply PWR-WUA5V12W0EU for the EU.

Insert the cards and the battery

The microSD and SIM cards sit under the battery behind an access door, so fit them first. Both are optional, and the TC53e has no SIM slot.

Nano SIM card (TC58e only)

1. Lift the access door in the battery compartment.
2. Slide the SIM card holder to the unlock position and lift the holder door.
3. Place the nano SIM in the holder with the contacts facing down.
4. Close the holder door and slide it to the lock position.

microSD card (optional)

1. Lift the access door if it is not open yet.
2. Slide the microSD card holder to the Open position and lift the holder door.
3. Slide the card into the holding tabs on each side of the door.
4. Close the holder and slide it to the Lock position.

When the cards are in, refit the access door and press it firmly into place. The door must be seated correctly, or the device loses its water and dust sealing.

Battery

1. Insert the battery bottom edge first into the battery compartment on the back.
2. Press it down until it snaps into place.

To change the battery later, hold Power until the menu appears and touch Power Off. Press the two latches down and, holding them down, push them in towards the centre until the battery releases. Don't use tools.

Charge the battery fully

Charge before first use, at room temperature and ideally with the device in sleep mode. Put the device in a cradle, or connect the USB-C cable and its power supply. The device switches on and the Charging/Notification LED starts blinking amber. A full charge shows solid green.

From empty, a standard battery reaches about 90 % in roughly 2 hours and 100 % in about 3 hours. Zebra says a full charge lasts about 14 hours, depending on use.

If the LED stays off in a cradle, see TC53e/TC58e troubleshooting.

Switch on and run the setup wizard

If the device is off, press and hold Power to switch it on. A new device starts the Android setup wizard, which asks for basic settings such as language and network. Follow the on-screen steps; they depend on the Android version and the configuration.

When the Home screen appears, swipe down from the status bar with two fingers and touch the settings icon. Under Settings › About phone you find the Android version, the security patch level and the build number. The serial number is under Settings › About phone › Model.

Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data

1. Open Settings › Network & internet › Internet and turn on the Wi-Fi switch.
2. Touch your network in the list, enter the password and touch Connect.
3. If the network is hidden, scroll to the bottom, touch Add network, enter the Network name, choose the Security type, enter the password and touch Save.

For WPA/WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise networks you also choose the EAP method and a CA certificate, so install the certificates first or ask your IT team. By default the device uses DHCP and no proxy. Both models support Wi-Fi 6E, so they can also use a 6 GHz network.

Activate an eSIM (TC58e only)

Get the activation code or QR code from your operator first. Airplane mode must be off, the device needs an internet connection and you need a screen lock (PIN, pattern or password).

1. Open Settings › Network & internet › Mobile Networks.
2. Touch + next to SIMs if a nano SIM is already fitted, or touch SIMs if there is none.
3. Choose SCAN or MANUAL CODE ENTRY and touch OK in the confirmation dialog.
4. Scan the QR code, or type the activation code and touch Next.
5. When the device asks whether to use the network, touch ACTIVATE, then Done.

Data roaming is off by default. Many operators' access point names (APN) are preset; if mobile data doesn't work, compare Settings › Network & internet › Mobile network › Access Point Names with your operator's details. An erased eSIM cannot be used again.

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, 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 SE4720 shows a red aiming dot; the SE55 shows a green dash-dot-dash line.
4. Keep the barcode inside the aiming pattern. On a good read the Data Capture LED lights and the device beeps.
5. Release the button. The data appears in the field.

You can also test with the DWDemo app. 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, generally every month. The TC53e and TC58e launched with Android 13. Zebra currently offers Android 13, 14 and 15 for both and lists Android 18 as the final supported version.

• Check the security patch level under Settings › System › System update.
• Zebra documents an Automatic System Update switch behind the gear icon on that screen. Turning it on enrols the device in Zebra-managed updates and removes an earlier enterprise update enrolment, so leave it to your IT team on managed devices.

Larger fleets are usually updated centrally with Zebra StageNow or an EMM system. Downloads are on the Zebra TC53e and TC58e support pages.

Still choosing between the two models? Read TC53e vs TC58e, or see all TC53e guides.