Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Modifiers or add-ons don’t show on kitchen tickets even though the base item prints correctly.
Fast Fixes: Check routing rules, category assignment, and modifier configuration in Lightspeed.
Need guided help? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free).
Modifiers missing in Lightspeed Restaurant? It creates confusion on the line — servers enter “No Tomato” and the kitchen never sees it. This is almost always a routing rule or menu configuration issue.
Here’s how to ensure modifiers fire correctly to the right printer or KDS station.
Table of Contents
Why Modifiers Don’t Print in Lightspeed Restaurant
- Modifier is not enabled to print on tickets
- Modifier group uses a different category routing than the base item
- Wrong printer or KDS station selected for the item li>Settings changed after menu update and not synced yet
- Items assigned to a “Bar” station but the modifier should go to “Kitchen”
How to Fix Missing Modifiers on Tickets
1. Enable Modifier Printing in Item Settings
Some modifiers are set not to print by default (common for default toppings or zero-price add-ons).
- Edit the menu item in Back Office
- Open the modifier group
- Ensure Print on Tickets is turned on
If printing is disabled → it will never reach the kitchen.
2. Confirm Routing Rules Match the Base Item
Modifiers follow routing for the main item — unless the modifier belongs to a group with different routing rules.
- Check category assignment for the base item
- Check category/routing assignment for the modifier group
- Ensure both send to the same station (Kitchen, Grill, Expo, etc.)
Routing mismatch = base item prints, modifier does not.
3. Re-sync Menus After Changes
After modifying menu rules, Lightspeed may require a sync to apply new routing.
- Force quit Lightspeed POS → reopen
- Ensure connection indicator shows green
- Send a small test ticket to confirm changes
4. Verify Printer / KDS Assignment on the POS
If printing fails only at one station, test whether that station is receiving other items normally.
- Check if other menu items print correctly
- Restart the printer or KDS screen
- Check network connection at the station
If only modifiers are missing → routing issue, not a hardware issue.
When to Contact Lightspeed Support
- Modifiers occasionally print, but not always
- Multiple stations show inconsistent routing
- Menu sync doesn’t update changes across iPads
- Conflicting rules across categories and environments
Support can remotely review routing logic and ensure device settings match menu configuration.
Lightspeed Restaurant Modifiers – FAQs
Do modifiers always follow the base item routing?
Why do modifiers print on expo only?
Can I prevent certain modifiers from printing?
Why only some modifiers missing?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
Need help confirming item-to-station routing?
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select Lightspeed Restaurant
- Search: “modifier not printing”
- Follow the guided routing checks
Consistent tickets keep your kitchen moving smoothly.
Thinking About Switching POS Systems?
If you’re dealing with repeated POS issues, it might be time to compare more reliable options built for restaurants and retail businesses.
Takes 30 seconds • No sales pressure
