# How to connect a Printer

> Published: 2026-06-15
> Updated: 2026-07-08
> Category: Pay
> Canonical: https://finalpos.com/help/connect-a-printer

To connect a printer, open Station Settings on a Native Station and go to the Printer tab. The Station automatically discovers nearby printers; tap the one you want to connect it. You can then set the paper size, receipt template, and cash-drawer behavior, and print a test receipt to confirm.

## Key takeaways

- Printers connect from Station Settings → Printer on a Native Station (the Final POS app).
- The Station auto-discovers nearby printers; tap a printer in the list to connect it.
- On iPad or iPhone you can also connect an Apple AirPrint printer.
- After connecting, set paper size (80mm, 58mm, or A4), receipt template, print-on-sale, cash drawer, and margins.
- Use Test Print to confirm the printer works; tap Disconnect to remove it.

## Before you begin

- A **Native Station** — the Final POS app running on a dedicated device. Connecting a printer is a Native Station feature; a browser-based Virtual Station relies on the browser and device for printing.
- Your receipt printer powered on and on the **same network** as the Station device, or paired to it over **Bluetooth**.

## How do I connect a printer?

1. On the Station device, open **Station Home** and go to **Station Settings**.
2. Open the **Printer** tab. The Station automatically searches for nearby printers — you'll see "Finding printers…" while it looks.
3. When your printer appears in the list (with its name and serial number), tap it to connect. Once connected, it moves to the top of the screen as your active printer.

> **On iPad or iPhone:** you can also tap **Apple AirPrint** to discover and connect an AirPrint printer.

## Configure your print settings

After connecting, set how the printer behaves:

- **Paper size** — choose 80mm, 58mm, or A4 to match your printer's paper.
- **Standard receipt** — pick the receipt template (global block) to print.
- **Print receipt on sale** — Yes to print automatically after each sale, or No.
- **Cash drawer** — Every Sale to pop a connected drawer on each sale, or Never. (Requires a cash drawer connected to a compatible receipt printer.)
- **Margins** — adjust the top, right, bottom, and left spacing if your receipts need it.

## Test it

Tap **Test Print** to print a sample receipt and confirm everything looks right.

## Switching or removing a printer

- To use a different printer, tap another one in the discovered list.
- To remove the current printer, tap **Disconnect**.

## Troubleshooting

- **Printer not listed?** Confirm it's powered on and on the same network (or paired over Bluetooth) as the Station device, then reopen the Printer tab so discovery runs again.
- **"Connection failed" message?** Try again, move the device closer to the printer or router, and make sure no other device is currently holding the printer.

## FAQ

**Q: Can I connect a printer to a Virtual Station?**
A: Printer connection is available on Native Stations (the Final POS app). A browser-based Virtual Station relies on the browser and device for printing.

**Q: My printer isn't showing up — what do I check?**
A: Make sure it's powered on and on the same network (or paired over Bluetooth) as the Station device, then reopen the Printer tab so discovery runs again. On iOS, tap Apple AirPrint to search for AirPrint printers.

**Q: How do I print a receipt automatically after every sale?**
A: In Printer settings, set Print receipt on sale to Yes.

**Q: How do I open the cash drawer on a sale?**
A: Set Cash drawer to Every Sale in Printer settings. The drawer must be connected to a compatible receipt printer.