Bluetooth “cat” mini printers (GB01, GB02, MX05…)
Those pocket-sized printers that normally need a phone app can print straight from Chrome — no app, no account.
Elysano is free and reader-supported. Amazon links on this page are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, Elysano earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We link to searches rather than single listings because sellers, stock and prices change constantly — always check the listing says ESC/POS and the right paper width.
“Cat printer” is the nickname for a family of cheap Bluetooth thermal printers, many shaped like a cat or a small cube, sold under countless brands. Inside, most of them use the same Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. Their Bluetooth names usually start with GB01, GB02, GB03, GT01, MX05, MX06, MX08, MX10 or similar.
| Paper | 57 mm wide, small rolls (often 57 × 30 mm); thermal sticker rolls available |
|---|---|
| Print width | 384 dots (about 48 mm at 203 dpi) |
| Elysano setting | Set automatically to 58 mm (384 dots) when a cat printer connects |
| Connection | Bluetooth Low Energy — use the 📶 Bluetooth printer (beta) button |
| Cutter | None — tear the paper off |
How to print
- Switch the printer on and close its phone app on every phone nearby — a printer can only hold one Bluetooth connection.
- Open the app in Chrome or Edge on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS or Android.
- Press 📶 Bluetooth printer (beta) and choose the printer (GB02, MX06…) in the browser's list.
- Run a test print, then pick a photo or use the QR, barcode and label tools.
Browser support
- Works: Chrome and Edge on Windows 10/11, macOS, ChromeOS and Android.
- Linux: Web Bluetooth support depends on the Chrome version and BlueZ; it may need
chrome://flags/#enable-experimental-web-platform-features. - Doesn't work: Safari and Firefox, and every browser on iPhone and iPad (Apple does not allow Web Bluetooth).
Other mini printers
Some popular pocket printers use their own protocols — for example Phomemo, PeriPage and Paperang models. They may not print from Elysano yet. Bluetooth ESC/POS receipt printers that support BLE are handled in a separate generic mode.
Getting good prints
- Photos: use Atkinson dithering and raise brightness a little — these heads print dark.
- Text and QR codes: use Threshold. The tools pages do this automatically.
- Low battery causes faint or skipped lines. Charge the printer before long prints.