Hi all,
I’m posting partly to sanity-check my situation and partly to see whether others have experienced anything similar.
By way of context, I’ve been using 3D printers for many years and I’m very comfortable diagnosing faults and working through issues. I already own two Bambu printers, both of which have been completely reliable. In fact, the reason I now have three is that I upgraded my workflow specifically because I was so impressed with the platform.
Unfortunately, this experience has been very different.
I received a defective P1S. Support were actually quick to identify the fault and sent out a replacement control part promptly, which arrived around 12–14 days ago. Since then, however, the printer has remained unusable because the replacement part needs to be activated / bound in the system.
Despite supplying all requested information and following up through the official support channels, nothing seems to move. The ticket shows “in progress”, but in practical terms I’m now approaching 17 days without a usable machine, simply waiting for activation.
At this point, the delay itself is the problem — it’s preventing me from working. Given my otherwise very positive experience with the ecosystem, this is disappointing.
My questions are:
Has anyone else experienced long delays specifically around activation after a replacement part was supplied?
Is there any known workaround, or does this genuinely require internal action from Bambu Lab support?
I’m not looking to cause a fuss, and I’ve deliberately avoided escalating unnecessarily — but I am starting to wonder whether returning the unit is the only remaining option if activation continues to stall.
Any insight from others who’ve been through this would be appreciated.
Have you used the portal for activating a new serial. I’m assuming (from experience) you are talking about the AP board.
I now share your irritation in the slow reply. Try this if you haven’t and see what happens. About all I can offer. Maybe someone else will have something else.
Thanks Luke — yes, that’s the link I’d already found and used. It does appear to be the manual activation route for replacement serials / AP boards. Unfortunately mine still seems to be stuck pending on Bambu’s side, which is where the delay is creeping in. Appreciate you flagging it though.
I currently have a ticket open for an unrelated printer/issue but I’ve been through what your dealing with on the AP board. My support email claimed a holiday though I can’t find which.
I would reply or open a ticket on it. I don’t think it’s going to speed it up but you could push it a little just to feel better. I agree those swaps should be easy and quick.