Lightspeed Restaurant Receipt Printer Not Connecting or Pairing? (Quick Fix Guide)
Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Lightspeed Restaurant receipt printer won’t connect to the iPad or keeps disconnecting.
Fast Fixes: Confirm printer is online and assigned correctly in Lightspeed. Most setups use network (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) printers. Bluetooth printers work only in single-iPad environments.
Need guided help? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free).
Lightspeed Restaurant printer not connecting? No receipts = slower checkout and longer waits. Lightspeed primarily uses network (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) printers to stay reliably online across multiple iPads. Bluetooth printers are supported, but only for smaller restaurants with a single device.
Use these quick fixes to reconnect your printer without interrupting service.
Table of Contents
Why Lightspeed Restaurant Printers Disconnect
- iPad is on the wrong Wi-Fi network
- Printer lost power or paper roll
- Printer IP address changed after reboots
- Incorrect assignment in Lightspeed settings
- Bluetooth printers paired to the wrong iPad (less common)
How to Fix Network Printer Connection Issues
1. Confirm Printer Power & Status Lights
- Power cable securely plugged in
- Steady (not blinking) status light
- Paper roll installed properly + lid fully closed
Fix physical problems first — then reconnect.
2. Make Sure the iPad Is on the Correct Network
The printer and iPad must be on the same secure business network, not guest Wi-Fi.
- iPad Settings → Wi-Fi → Select business SSID
- Restart the POS app to refresh connection
Wi-Fi mismatch = no way to communicate.
3. Confirm Printer Routing in Lightspeed
If the printer is online but not printing, it may not be assigned correctly.
- Lightspeed Settings → Printers
- Ensure the correct printer is toggled ON for receipts
- Send a test order/receipt
Routing mistakes are one of the most common causes of missing prints.
4. Restart Printer & POS App
A reboot resets network handshakes and clears stale sessions.
- Power printer OFF → wait 10 seconds → ON
- Force quit Lightspeed → reopen → test print
Bluetooth Printers (Used in Small Single-iPad Setups)
Not common for busy restaurants, but Bluetooth pairing issues can still happen.
- iPad Settings → Bluetooth → Forget the printer
- Restart the printer
- Pair again → test print
- Make sure no other iPad is paired with it
Tip: Bluetooth printers only work with one iPad at a time.
When to Contact Lightspeed Support
- Printer drops frequently during rush hours
- Multiple iPads can’t see the printer
- Errors continue after restarting devices
- Kitchen tickets or bar chits fail at random
Lightspeed Printer Issues – FAQs
Do I need a static IP for my printer?
Why does printing stop during busy times?
Is Bluetooth okay for restaurants?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select Lightspeed Restaurant
- Search: “printer not connecting”
Stable printing keeps orders flowing and guests happy.
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
