How to Create a Bluetooth Printing App in Flutter with BluetoothPrint

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Programming

Are you a developer looking to create a Bluetooth thermal printer app for both iOS and Android using Flutter? Look no further! In this tutorial, we will explore how to use the BluetoothPrint plugin to simplify your printing tasks.

Understanding BluetoothPrint

BluetoothPrint is a sophisticated plugin designed to enable developers to seamlessly incorporate Bluetooth printing capabilities into their Flutter applications. Imagine you’re at a cafe, and you need to print your transaction receipt on a thermal printer. BluetoothPrint is like your trusty assistant, connecting your mobile app to the printer quickly, and efficiently managing the printing process.

Getting Started

Let’s dive into how to set up BluetoothPrint for your Flutter project:

1. Add Dependency

First, you need to add the BluetoothPrint dependency to your pubspec.yaml file:

dependencies:
  flutter:
    sdk: flutter
  bluetooth_print:

2. Add Required Permissions

Next, it’s essential to grant the necessary permissions for Bluetooth functionality:

For Android

Add the following lines to your AndroidManifest.xml:

For iOS

Add the following entries in your Info.plist:

NSBluetoothAlwaysUsageDescription
Need BLE permission
NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription
Need Location permission

Using the BluetoothPrint Plugin

Now, let’s implement the core functionalities of the BluetoothPrint plugin:

Initialization

Start by initializing the BluetoothPrint instance:

import 'package:bluetooth_print/bluetooth_print.dart';
import 'package:bluetooth_print/bluetooth_print_model.dart';

BluetoothPrint bluetoothPrint = BluetoothPrint.instance;

Scanning for Devices

Next, begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices:

bluetoothPrint.startScan(timeout: Duration(seconds: 4));

Connecting to a Device

To connect to a selected device, use:

await bluetoothPrint.connect(_device);

Disconnecting from a Device

To disconnect, simply call:

await bluetoothPrint.disconnect();

Printing Content

When it’s time to print, you’ll create a list of contents, including texts, barcodes, and images. Here’s how to do it:

List list = List();
list.add(LineText(type: LineText.TYPE_TEXT, content: "A Title", align: LineText.ALIGN_CENTER));
await bluetoothPrint.printReceipt(config, list);

Troubleshooting

Here are a few common issues you may encounter while using BluetoothPrint:

  • Error: State restoration of CBCentralManager is only allowed for applications that have specified the bluetooth-central background mode.
    • To resolve this, add the following to your Info.plist:
    • UIBackgroundModes bluetooth-central bluetooth-peripheral
  • iOS third-party library import issues. For detailed guidance, check the Stack Overflow article.

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Conclusion

With these guidelines, you’re well on your way to creating a robust Bluetooth printing application in Flutter. This tool can empower businesses and individuals alike by enabling printing on the go, whether it’s for invoices, tickets, or receipts.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Happy coding!

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