Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Cash drawer doesn’t open when completing cash payments or using the “Open Drawer” button.
Fast Fixes: Check cable to printer, enable drawer settings, restart MICROS client, test “no sale” function.
Need official help? See our MICROS POS Support Guide
Want guided troubleshooting? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free)
MICROS cash drawer not opening? This usually happens when the drawer isn’t triggered properly by the receipt printer or permission settings block manual opening.
This guide helps you quickly get the drawer popping again so checkout doesn’t slow down.
Table of Contents
Why MICROS Cash Drawers Stop Opening
- Receipt printer offline — drawer relies on printer kick
- Drawer cable loose or not connected to printer
- Permissions prevent manual drawer open
- Wrong cash drawer assigned to terminal
- No “kick” signal due to routing issue
- Drawer latch jammed or stuck from debris
Pro tip: MICROS drawers don’t open if the printer can’t print — fixing the printer often fixes the drawer.
How to Fix MICROS Cash Drawer Issues
1. Confirm the Receipt Printer is Online
If the printer is offline, the drawer won’t be triggered.
- Ensure printer is powered on with paper loaded
- Reconnect ethernet/USB cable firmly
- Print a test receipt from terminal
2. Check the Drawer Cable Connection
The cash drawer cable should plug into the printer’s “DK” (drawer kick) port.
- Verify the cable is fully inserted
- Check for damage or bent pins
- Ensure drawer is connected to the correct printer
3. Try the “No Sale” or “Open Drawer” Button
Tests whether the trigger function is enabled and working.
- Tap the No Sale button (if available)
- If nothing happens → likely printer or permissions issue
4. Confirm Drawer Permissions for Staff Role
Managers may allow certain staff roles to open drawers only during cash transactions.
- Ask a manager to attempt an open
- If manager can open it → update role permissions
5. Restart MICROS Terminal
A fresh session resets routing between drawer and printer.
- Force quit MICROS
- Reboot and test the drawer again
Pro tip: If another POS station opens the drawer, the issue is localized to the original terminal or printer.
When to Contact MICROS Support
- Drawer never opens even when payment completes
- Printer is online but drawer still doesn’t trigger
- Hardware latch appears jammed
- Multiple stations affected at once
👉 MICROS POS SUPPORT – Phone & Online Customer Service
Support can test the drawer kick signal and verify the correct drawer assignment for each terminal.
MICROS Cash Drawer – FAQs
Why can the manager open the drawer but not servers?
Does the drawer work without a printer?
Is it normal that drawer opens only on cash payments?
Can a damaged cable stop the drawer?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
Need help getting your cash drawer to open reliably?
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select MICROS
- Search: “cash drawer not opening”
- Follow the guided steps
Speeding up checkout keeps the line moving and customers 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
