Quick Fix Guide to POS Hardware Troubleshooting
The guide provides step-by-step instructions for quickly diagnosing and fixing common POS hardware issues, including checking power and connections, rebooting the system, verifying network connectivity, testing input devices like barcode scanners and card readers, and troubleshooting printers by ensuring proper power, paper, settings, and clearing jams.
When your point-of-sale (POS) system stops working correctly, it can disrupt service and impact revenue. Fortunately, many issues can be quickly diagnosed and fixed with a few standard troubleshooting steps. Here’s a practical guide to resolving common POS hardware problems.
1. Check Power and Connections
- Ensure all devices (POS terminal, receipt printer, cash drawer, barcode scanner, payment terminal) are plugged in and powered on.
- Look for loose cables or frayed wires.
- If using power strips or surge protectors, confirm they’re switched on and working.
- Test outlets by plugging in another device.
2. Reboot the POS System
- Power down the terminal and peripherals.
- Wait at least 30 seconds before restarting.
- Rebooting can clear temporary software or hardware communication glitches.
3. Verify Network Connectivity
- Check that the POS terminal is connected to the internet (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
- If wired, ensure Ethernet cables are secure and lights on the switch/router are active.
- If wireless, test Wi-Fi by connecting another device (like a phone or laptop).
- Restart the router or modem if needed.
4. Test Input Devices
- Barcode scanner: Ensure the lens is clean, try scanning a different item, or test with another terminal.
- Card reader: Check for dust or damage in the swipe/insert slot; if contactless, verify the tap area is functional.
- Touchscreen: Calibrate or clean the screen if touches aren’t registering properly.
5. Troubleshoot Printers
- Confirm the printer has power and paper loaded correctly.
- Make sure the paper roll is installed with the correct orientation.
- Ensure the paper type is the correct one for the printer model.
- Thermal paper for thermal receipt printers, kitchen paper for dot matrix or kitchen printers.
- Check for jams and clear if necessary.
- Verify printer settings in the POS software and ensure it’s selected as the default printer.
- Look for error lights or codes on the device.
6. Inspect the Cash Drawer
- Ensure it’s connected to the receipt printer (usually through an RJ11/RJ12 cable).
- Test whether it opens manually with the key.
- If it won’t open electronically, try opening it through POS software test functions.
7. Update Software and Drivers
- Outdated drivers can cause devices to stop communicating with the POS terminal.
- Run any pending software or firmware updates.
- Restart the system after updates.
- Updating drivers or software may require the assistance of your POS partner, so please do not hesitate to reach out to them in this instance.
8. Swap or Test Components
- If possible, test the suspected faulty device on another terminal.
- Swap cables or peripherals one at a time to isolate the problem.
- Keep a spare printer, card reader, or power supply on hand for quick replacements.
9. Contact Technical Support
If the issue persists after these steps:
- Document the error messages, lights, or symptoms.
- Note what troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.
- Provide this information to your POS technology support team for faster resolution.
✅ Pro Tip: Prevent many hardware issues by performing regular cleaning, software updates, and scheduled maintenance. Choosing enterprise-grade hardware like ELO Touch devices or Epson receipt printers can also reduce downtime due to their durability and long life cycles.
If you’re a Volanté customer, you have access to our 24/7 live agent technical support. Click here to learn more or to log a support ticket.
Interested in seeing how Volanté’s retail dining technology could work in your building?
Reach out to Volanté at 1.877.490.6333 ext. 3.
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