Our wireless POS receipt printers include thermal printers with either Bluetooth (BT) or WiFi (WLAN) connectivity or a combination of these. They will usually also include a wired port for initial configuration or for alternative wired use. See our Buying Advice below prior to purchasing any wireless POS printer.

Buying Advice for Wireless POS Printers

1. Range & Reliability
Bluetooth wireless communication is generally reliable in an open plan area within a range of upto 10 metres from the main POS device.

WiFi wireless connectively is generally reliable in open plan areas only, and may result in loss or degradation where you have large electrical equipment such as fridges/freezers, doors, hatches, long corridors, staircases, walls, ceilings or other barriers between the printer and WiFi router.

Note, WiFi capability is nothing to do with your internet broadband speed, it relates specifically to the strength of the WiFi signal within your premises between your Router and your WiFi printer. Signal strength is usually better where the distance between the two is less, and where the Router is positioned high up on a wall or ceiling (not hidden away in a cupboard or below shelving). Installing Network Repeaters, Extenders and similar technology at your premises may or not enhance the signal for your WiFi printer, you will need to consult your local IT/Networking contractor to arrange a site survey for advice.

In both cases, you should always first ensure that your POS software or app supports the specific type of communication and the particular make & model of printer before you purchase. If any drivers are required, make sure one is available for your operating system version. Most POS software/app providers will publish a Hardware Compatibility List or provide one on request.

2. Printer Drivers
Some apps will communicate directly to the printer, others will require a printer driver to be installed for your operating system (eg. Windows, Android), so you should make sure a current printer driver is available from the manufacturers website for your operating system and version prior to purchase.

If you intend to print in other languages, then you should also make sure the required Character Set is either loaded as default on the intended printer, or available from the manufacturers website resources.

3. Printer Set Up
Wireless printers are not plug & go, and will usually always require pre-configuration prior to being able to be used. The steps and complexity of that pre-configuration depends on the specific printer model, your device and your pos software/app.

Bluetooth printers will require synchronisation with your main POS device prior to use. You should enable the Bluetooth communications on your device and follow the printer manufacturers instructions for synchronishing the printer with your device.

For WiFi printers, the printer will need to be configured with the Router/Gateway's IP address, Subnet Mask and allocated its own static IP address. This is usually done by a utility program provided by the printer manufacturer or using your device with a HTML interface to access a setup program within the printer. You will need to refer to the printer manufacturers instructions and/or the setup instructions provided by your POS software/app provider. Where there will be connection directly to the printer from outside your premises, then Port Forwarding may also need to be configured on your router so you will require access (IP address, username, password) to your router's configuration program.

For various reasons either related to your device, operating system or printer memory wireless printers may occasionally lose their configuration and require resetting again. If that happens during service then obviously it may disrupt your business. With Bluetooth printers, synchronisation can be lost if either the printer or pos device is powered off or moved beyond range. With WiFi printers if you change your router then your printer may require resetting. If there are other devices on or later added to your network such as other printers, pos terminals, office computers, cctv cameras, digital signage etc then IP addresses may conflict if not correctly set up. As there are several risks involved, we therefore only advise the use of wireless POS printers if wired is not an option.

To guarantee connectivity and reliability at all times, for non-mobile fixed use within an establishment - such as a retail shop, bar, cafe, hotel, takeaway or restaurant - we always recommend to use a wired printer instead of wireless if possible. USB is ideal for short distances of upto 2m if your pos software/app supports a USB (or Lightning cable) printer. Otherwise while it may take some time and effort to run a longer-distance Serial (upto 30 metres supported with good quality cable) or Ethernet cable (upto 100 metres supported in most cases), once it is done you will have peace of mind for many years of reliable printing.

If you are confident wireless will be reliable for your business based on signal strength, distance from device/router and location of the printer(s), then we offer the popular and latest models of market-leading Epson and Star Micronics wireless printers, as well as Aures and lower-cost HPRT printers. Remember to first check with your POS software provider as to which make/model of printer and which interface-type (Bluetooth, WiFi etc) will be compatible with their app.