How printers typically connect
Most receipt printers connect over Ethernet, USB, or Bluetooth, depending on the POS platform and terminal. Ethernet is generally the most reliable for a fixed counter setup; Bluetooth suits mobile or tight-space setups but can be more prone to dropped connections.
The cash drawer usually connects through the printer
Most cash drawers don't connect to the terminal directly — they connect through the receipt printer, which sends the signal to open the drawer. If the drawer won't open, check the printer connection first.
Assign printers to the right role
In multi-printer setups — say, a receipt printer at the counter and a separate one in the kitchen — each printer needs to be assigned correctly in the POS so tickets route where they should.
- Receipt printer for customer copies at checkout
- Kitchen printer for food and drink tickets
- Label printer for retail tags, if applicable
- Confirm each device's assigned station in settings
Test before you go live
Print a test receipt, open the drawer manually through the POS, and confirm ticket routing to any kitchen printers, all before your first real customer. This takes minutes and prevents a scramble on day one.
Common problems and quick fixes
A drawer that won't open usually means a printer connection issue. A receipt that prints garbled text usually means a paper size or driver mismatch. A printer that works once then goes offline is often a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth range issue, best solved by switching to a wired connection if possible.