# How to set up a Native Station

> Published: 2026-06-30
> Updated: 2026-07-08
> Category: Run
> Canonical: https://finalpos.com/help/set-up-a-native-station

A Native Station runs your point-of-sale in the Final POS app on a dedicated Apple or Android device. It registers automatically when you open the Final POS app on the device and sign in, then appears under Run → Stations on the Native tab, where you can rename and manage it.

## Key takeaways

- A Native Station runs in the Final POS app on a dedicated Apple or Android device.
- It registers automatically when you open the Final POS app on the device and sign in.
- Once registered, it appears in the Merchant Hub under Run → Stations on the Native tab.
- From the Hub you can rename it, View Device Info, and pair a card reader.
- Native Stations support connected hardware (card readers, receipt printers, cash drawer) and keep working offline, syncing when reconnected.

## What is a Native Station?

A Native Station runs your point-of-sale in the **Final POS app**, installed on a dedicated device (Apple or Android). It's best for a permanent counter setup: it connects to peripherals like cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and card readers, and it keeps working offline — orders sync once the device reconnects.

## How to set one up

A Native Station **registers automatically from the device**:

1. Install the **Final POS app** on the device you'll use (Apple or Android).
2. Open the app and **sign in** to your account, completing any on-device setup.
3. The device **registers as a Native Station** and appears in the Merchant Hub under **Run → Stations** on the **Native** tab.

## Managing it in the Merchant Hub

Open **Run → Stations** and select the **Native** tab to see your native stations. From a station you can **Rename** it, **View Device Info**, and see its app version and any paired card reader.

## Add your hardware

Once the station is registered, you can connect hardware to it — for example, a card reader or a receipt printer.

## Native vs. Virtual Stations

A **Native Station** runs in the Final POS app on a dedicated device and registers from that device. A **Virtual Station** runs in a web browser instead, with no app to install, and you add it in the Merchant Hub with **Add Virtual Station**. Choose Native for a permanent counter with connected hardware; choose Virtual for pop-ups, training, or quick back-office access.

## FAQ

**Q: How do I add a Native Station?**
A: Open the Final POS app on the device and sign in — it registers automatically as a Native Station and appears under Run → Stations on the Native tab.

**Q: Which devices support a Native Station?**
A: The Final POS app runs on Apple and Android devices.

**Q: Where do I see my Native Station?**
A: In the Merchant Hub under Run → Stations, on the Native tab.

**Q: Does a Native Station work offline?**
A: Yes. You can keep ringing up sales offline, and orders sync once the device reconnects.

**Q: How is it different from a Virtual Station?**
A: A Virtual Station runs in a browser and is added in the Merchant Hub with Add Virtual Station. A Native Station runs in the Final POS app on a device, registers from that device, and supports connected hardware.