How to Install POS Printer | Condor PH
A reliable POS printer is an essential part of your point-of-sale setup and overall POS Hardware system. It prints customer receipts, order tickets, and transaction records that keep your operations running smoothly. Whether you’re in retail, food service, or a mobile business, proper installation ensures fast, accurate, and uninterrupted printing. Incorrect setup can cause printing errors, lost time, and transaction delays. To help you avoid these issues, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the installation process—whether you’re using a USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or Serial printer—so your POS system performs efficiently from day one.

Types of POS Printers and Their Connection Options

POS printers come in several types, each suited to different environments and business sizes. The key difference lies in their connectivity method, which affects setup and integration.

USB POS Printer

Connects directly to the POS terminal or PC via USB.

  • Best for single-station setups in retail counters or kiosks.

Ethernet (LAN) POS Printer

Connects through a router for shared access across multiple workstations.

  • Ideal for restaurants, warehouses, and multi-terminal setups.

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi POS Printer

Connects wirelessly to tablets or mobile POS systems.

  • Great for food trucks, pop-up stores, or table-side ordering.

Serial (RS232) POS Printer

Uses legacy ports and is compatible with older systems.

  • Used in industries still operating legacy POS hardware.
A Person Printing a Receipt on a Mobile POS Terminal with a Built-In Thermal Printer

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a POS Printer

1. Unbox and Setup the Printer

Start by preparing your hardware properly:

  • Remove all protective packaging and materials
  • Place the printer in a stable and accessible spot near your POS terminal
  • Load thermal paper into the tray (make sure shiny side faces the print head)

2. Connect the Printer to the POS System

Follow the method suited to your printer:
USB Printers

  • Plug the printer into the USB port on your computer or POS device
  • Ensure the cable is secured and powered

Ethernet Printers

  • Connect to the router using an Ethernet cable
  • Assign a static IP address if prompted by your POS software

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Printers

  • Go to your device’s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi settings
  • Pair the printer and confirm it’s connected to the right network
  • Maintain a strong signal to avoid disconnections

Serial (RS232) Printers

  • Connect using an RS232 cable
  • Configure baud rate and COM port in system settings (typically found in your POS software)

3. Install the Printer Drivers & POS Software

For Windows

  • Download the latest driver from the printer manufacturer’s website
  • Go to Devices and Printers > Add Printer and select your model

For macOS

  • Navigate to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
  • Add your printer manually and set it as default if needed

In POS Software

  • Open the Printer Setup menu
  • Choose the correct printer model from the list
  • Set receipt size, cut settings, and default printer behavior (e.g., auto open cash drawer)

4. Test the Printer

  • Print a test receipt to check alignment and print quality
  • Restart the POS software or printer if it doesn’t respond
  • Confirm the paper feeds correctly and the cut function works (if auto cutter is available)

5. Set Up Auto Cash Drawer Integration (If Applicable)

  • If using a cash drawer, connect it to the printer using the RJ11 or RJ12 port
  • Go to POS Settings → Cash Drawer Setup
  • Enable the “Auto Open Cash Drawer” feature upon print command
A Customer Paying Cash While the Seller Prints a Receipt Using a Handheld POS Device
Issue Solution
Printer not printing Check all cables, power supply, and USB or network connection. Reboot both printer and POS terminal and confirm the correct printer is selected in system settings.
Blank receipts Make sure the thermal paper is loaded correctly, with the shiny side facing the print head. Misaligned rolls often result in blank prints.
Slow printing Go into your POS software settings and reduce the print density or adjust print speed. Ensure you’re not using outdated drivers or an unstable connection.
POS system not detecting printer Uninstall and reinstall drivers, restart the system, and check for firewall or antivirus settings blocking printer detection. Try a different USB or network port.

Conclusion

Installing your POS printer correctly is key to maintaining transaction speed, reducing errors, and improving customer satisfaction. From choosing the right connection type to configuring printer settings and integrating a cash drawer, every step matters.

For best results, always use updated printer drivers and perform test prints before going live. Whether you’re running a retail store or a busy café, reliable POS Hardware like printers can make or break your efficiency.

Explore our range of POS printers at Condor POS Solutions
—designed for performance, ease of use, and seamless integration into your point-of-sale environment.