Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Shopify POS receipt printer not printing, showing offline, failing to connect, or printing blank tickets.
Fast Fixes: Restart the printer, check Bluetooth or LAN connection, reseat the paper roll, enable printer in Shopify POS settings, and confirm compatibility (Star Micronics only).
Need official help? See our Shopify Customer Service Guide.
Want guided troubleshooting? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free).
Shopify POS printer not working? Common symptoms include the printer showing “Offline,” failing to print receipts, printing blank paper, not pairing over Bluetooth, or disconnecting randomly. These issues happen with Shopify-supported Star Micronics receipt printers (TSP143III, TSP654II, mPOP, etc.).
Most receipt printer problems are simple to fix—especially paper roll issues, Bluetooth pairing conflicts, or LAN configuration mistakes.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons Shopify POS Printers Stop Working
- Paper roll inserted upside down (most common fix)
- Printer not enabled inside Shopify POS settings
- Bluetooth pairing conflict with another device
- LAN printer on the wrong network
- Printer offline due to sleep mode or power issue
- Unsupported/non-Shopify printer model
How to Fix Shopify POS Printer Not Printing
1. Check the Paper Roll (Upside-Down Fix)
Star Micronics printers use thermal paper—if the roll is upside down, the printer feeds paper but doesn’t print anything.
- Open the printer cover
- Ensure the paper feeds from the bottom, not the top
- Reseat the roll and close the lid firmly
This fixes 50% of “not printing” issues instantly.
2. Restart the Printer
A quick restart resolves offline status, Bluetooth conflicts, and data jams.
- Turn the printer off
- Wait 5 seconds
- Turn it back on
Watch for a solid blue power light — blinking usually indicates an error.
3. Reconnect the Printer in Shopify POS
If the printer isn’t “enabled” inside Shopify POS, it won’t output anything—even when the lights look normal.
- Open Shopify POS
- Tap ≡ → Settings
- Select Set up hardware
- Choose your Star Micronics printer
- Tap Connect
If it doesn’t appear, move closer or restart Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
4. Fix Bluetooth Printer Connection
Bluetooth printers frequently disconnect in busy environments or after iPad sleep mode.
- Go to iPad Settings → Bluetooth
- Forget the printer
- Restart the printer
- Reconnect it from Shopify POS (not from iPad directly)
Shopify only supports pairing through the POS app—not the iPad menu.
5. Fix LAN Printer (Network Printer) Issues
LAN printers must be on the same local Wi-Fi network as the iPad. If they aren’t, Shopify POS won’t detect them.
- Confirm the iPad and printer are on the same network
- Restart your router
- Reboot the printer
- Check the Ethernet cable
This is the most common reason kitchen printers fail to appear in Shopify POS.
6. Confirm Your Printer Model Is Supported
Shopify POS only supports specific Star Micronics models. If you’re using Epson, Citizen, or generic printers — they won’t work.
- Check your model number
- Compare it with Shopify’s supported printer list
- Replace it if unsupported
Unsupported printers will never show up in the POS hardware list.
When to Contact Shopify Support
- Printer constantly disconnects throughout the day
- Printer shows online but never prints
- Bluetooth or LAN setup fails repeatedly
- Receipt printer stuck with blinking error lights
Shopify Customer Service – Phone, Chat & Help Center
Shopify POS Printer Not Printing – FAQs
Why won’t Shopify POS print receipts?
Why is my Star Micronics printer not connecting?
Which printers work with Shopify POS?
Can I use a wireless printer with Shopify POS?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
Need help fixing printer or receipt issues?
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select Shopify POS
- Type: “printer not printing”
- Follow the guided troubleshooting steps
It’s fast, free, and designed for real retail and service environments.
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
