Retail POS is designed, built, and tested to be used on multiple setups and operating systems, including multiple browsers, and supports numerous peripheral hardware. With the help of this guide, you can confirm which hardware is supported when using Retail POS on desktop or iPad.

Purchasing hardware

You can purchase supported hardware directly from Lightspeed. Our online stores are customized for each region and stock items that have been tested and verified by Lightspeed. If you choose to buy your hardware elsewhere, it's recommended to purchase the supported models listed in this article.

These are the Lightspeed stores for different regions:

• Australia and New Zealand
• Europe
• UK
• North America

Lightspeed only provides support for the hardware listed in this article. If your hardware isn't included in our list of supported hardware, contact the hardware manufacturer for setup and configuration instructions.

Understanding operating systems and devices

You can use Retail POS and compatible hardware on a range of devices, including computers, iPads, and mobile devices:

• Desktop

  : A computer running Mac or Windows operating system, often used for Retail POS administrative tasks.

• iPad

  : Apple tablet, often used for Retail POS registers and tasks that require movability around a space.

• Mobile device : An internet-enabled phone, often used to run Retail POS apps.

Retail POS is compatible with Apple's macOS and iOS, and Microsoft's Windows operating systems. Retail POS requires the use of up-to-date web browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Your iPad must be running iOS 14.5 or higher to continue receiving updates in the App Store and the Retail (R) app must be version 3.15.10 or higher for stability.

For optimal performance and security, stay up-to-date with the latest available version of your operating system, web browser, and apps.

Understanding connection types

Depending on your business needs, you can hook up different types of hardware to your devices according to the compatible connection types:

• W/LAN

  : Wired (Ethernet/LAN cable) or wireless connection (WLAN), known for reliability and speed.

• USB

  : Wired connection (USB cable), connects to one device at a time.

• Wi-Fi

  : Wireless connection with extended range, prone to disconnections.

• Bluetooth

  : Wireless connection with limited range, prone to interference.

Some hardware may only be available in certain regions. In the following sections, these devices will be marked with a country tag, like

USA

Barcode scanners

Retail POS supports the following barcode scanners:

Receipt printers

Retail POS supports the below receipt printers (via Lightspeed Hub for desktop):

AirPrint printers

From the Retail POS app, you can print receipts and reports to any full-page desktop printer that's compatible with AirPrint. For a list of AirPrint printers, see Apple Support.

Cash drawers

Label printers

Retail POS supports the below label printers (via Lightspeed Hub for desktop):

Payment terminals and card swipers

Lightspeed Payments or third-party payment processors will provide you with encrypted card readers and/or payment terminals compatible with their services.

Retail POS supports the following payment terminals and card swipers:

Other payment terminals and card swipers

• Verifone P400+

  Desktop

  iPad

  LAN

  Canada

  USA

  • EMV-enabled terminal
  • Payment processors: Lightspeed Payments, Cayan

  Setting up payment processing with Cayan's Verifone P400+ terminal

  Verifone MX-915

  Desktop

  iPad

  LAN

  USA

  • EMV-enabled terminal
  • Payment processors: Lightspeed Payments, Vantiv triPOS, Cayan

  Setting up payment processing with Cayan's / triPOS' MX915 terminal

  Ingenico iSMP4

  Desktop

  iPad

  Wi-Fi

  USA

  • EMV-enabled terminal
  • Payment processors: Lightspeed Payments, Vantiv triPOS

  Setting up payment processing with triPOS' Ingenico iSMP4 terminal

  Genius Handheld

  Desktop

  iPad

  Wi-Fi

  USA

  • EMV-enabled terminal
  • Payment processor: Cayan

  Setting up payment processing with Cayan's Genius Handheld terminal

  Magtek iDynamo

  iPad

  USA

  • Card swiper with Lighting connector
  • Payment processors: Cayan and Mercury Payment Services

  Setting up card readers

  Magtek uDynamo

  iPad

  USA

  • Card swiper with audio jack connection
  • Payment processor: Cayan

  Setting up card readers

  ID Tech Shuttle

  iPad

  USA

  • Card swiper with audio jack connection
  • Payment processors: Mercury Payment Services

  Setting up card readers

Optional accessories

iPad stands

Lightspeed offers three different stands to integrate with your iPad or tablet:

• Lightspeed Stand for iPad

  USA

  Canada

• Lightspeed Stand with Payments

  USA

• Universal Stand for Tablets

  USA

  Canada

These stands are crafted for stability, with a modern look and feel. They also feature a magnetic swivel base and integrated charging built into the stand.

Touchscreen display

A touchscreen display replaces your regular monitor, allowing associates to process sales quickly using touch input instead of a keyboard and mouse. You can use any touchscreens that is compatible with your computer's operating system.

Customer Facing Display

Customer Facing Display (CFD) allows your customers to preview sales in real-time on a secondary display. A secondary display can be connected using the Lightspeed Hub desktop app (recommended) or without the Lightspeed Hub through a web browser. Retail POS supports various secondary display setups.

What's next?