Connect a printer

Before connecting

Power the printer with the correct adapter and load thermal paper. Use a compatible receipt printer; discovery alone does not guarantee that every model, cutter or image format will work.

Printer names, connections, role assignments, paper settings and print history are saved on each POS device. They are not copied to other tills. A saved printer can remain listed when disconnected.

Connect by USB

1. On your Android POS, open Settings → Printing → Printer devices.
2. Connect the printer to the POS by USB.
3. Choose Discover printers → Scan for printers → Scan USB.
4. Select the printer and allow Android USB access when requested.
5. Name and save the printer.
6. Open its settings to assign customer copies, kitchen tickets and paper options.

Connected printers appear green. If identical devices are hard to distinguish, connect them one at a time. Saved printers are normally omitted from new discovery results. Network discovery is not yet available.

Connect by Bluetooth

Air POS supports compatible Bluetooth Classic receipt printers using the standard serial printing connection. BLE-only and proprietary Bluetooth devices are not supported by the generic connection.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on the POS and put the printer into pairing or discoverable mode.
2. Close printer utilities or disconnect other devices that may be using the printer.
3. Choose Discover printers → Scan for printers → Bluetooth.
4. Allow Nearby devices access when requested. Older Android versions may require location permission and location services.
5. Select the intended printer. Discovery can include other Bluetooth equipment, so check the device carefully.
6. Accept Android's pairing prompt if needed, then name and save the printer.
7. Assign its printing roles and check the actual paper output.

Discovery scans nearby devices for up to 15 seconds and also lists existing pairings. Pairing can time out after 60 seconds. Pairing alone does not mean the printer is connected, and a green indicator does not confirm paper output.

Air POS does not install printer firmware. Confirm that your receipt and ticket layouts work on the device before relying on it during service.

Reconnect a saved printer

Open a saved Bluetooth printer and choose Connect or Disconnect. Reconnecting retains its name, roles and paper settings. Saved printers reconnect when needed for printing, provided Bluetooth is enabled and the printer is powered on, in range and available.

If another phone, POS or utility holds the connection, disconnect it first. Air POS does not automatically repeat a failed or partial print because some content may already be on paper.

For a fresh pairing setup, remove the saved Air POS entry and forget the device in Android Bluetooth settings, then pair it again. Record the printer's assignments and paper settings first so you can restore them.

Avoid duplicate copies

USB and Bluetooth are separate saved connections. If you configure the same physical printer both ways, disable the printing assignments on one connection. Otherwise it may receive two copies.

Set up each till separately. Online order data and automatic acceptance settings are shared services, but your local printer connections are not.

Keep your local settings

Clearing app data or uninstalling can remove saved printer settings and history. Use printing diagnostics before considering either action.

Gordon can guide you through setup, but cannot see live printer connections, change local printer settings or send a print remotely. Describe the status or error shown on your POS when asking for help.