# How to set up a Virtual Station

> Published: 2026-06-16
> Updated: 2026-07-08
> Category: Run
> Canonical: https://finalpos.com/help/set-up-a-virtual-station

A Virtual Station runs your point-of-sale in any web browser — no app to install. Add it in the Merchant Hub under Run → Stations with Add Virtual Station (set a name, Outlet, and flow), then Create Station. It appears in your Station list — click Run Station on its card to launch it, and use Copy Share Link to share access.

## Key takeaways

- A Virtual Station runs in any modern web browser — no app to install.
- Add it in the Merchant Hub under Run → Stations → Add Virtual Station (name, Outlet, flow), then Create Station.
- It appears in your Station list; click Run Station on its card to launch it (it opens in a new browser tab).
- To share access, click the 3-dot (⋯) icon on the station card and choose Copy Share Link.
- Best for pop-ups, training, or back-office; for connected hardware, use a Native Station.

## What is a Virtual Station?

A Virtual Station runs your point-of-sale in any modern web browser — there's no app to install. Launch it, sign in, and start selling. It's ideal for pop-ups, training, back-office order entry, or a temporary till. Peripheral support depends on the browser and device, and Bluetooth terminal payments aren't available on Virtual Stations.

## Before you begin

- A Hub user account with access to **Run → Stations**.
- A modern web browser on the device you'll use.
- An available Station slot on your plan.

## Step 1 — Add the Station in the Merchant Hub

1. In the Merchant Hub, go to **Run → Stations** and open the **Virtual** tab.
2. Click **+ Add Virtual Station**.
3. Give the Station a name.
4. Choose its **Outlet** and the **flow** it will run.
5. Click **Create Station**. The Virtual Station now appears in your Station list.

## Step 2 — Run the Station

1. On the Virtual Station's card, click **Run Station**. It launches the station in a new browser tab.
2. **Sign in** — the browser is now running as that Station, ready to sell.

To give other staff browser access, click the **3-dot (⋯) icon** on the station's card and choose **Copy Share Link** — the URL that opens the station in a browser — then share it with them. (The same menu also has **Run Station**, **Rename**, and **Delete**.)

> **Note:** Your plan limits how many Stations you can have active. If you've hit the limit, a banner explains how to add more or upgrade.

## Native vs. Virtual Stations

A **Virtual Station** runs in a web browser with no app to install — quick to spin up and share by link. A **Native Station** runs in the Final POS app on a dedicated device, with support for connected hardware like printers and card readers. Choose Virtual for pop-ups, training, or back-office access; choose Native for a permanent counter with hardware.

## FAQ

**Q: Do I need to install anything?**
A: No. A Virtual Station runs in any modern web browser — click Run Station to launch it, then sign in.

**Q: How do I launch the Virtual Station?**
A: Click Run Station on its card in your Station list; it opens in a new browser tab.

**Q: How do I share it with staff?**
A: Click the 3-dot (⋯) icon on the station card and choose Copy Share Link, then share that URL.

**Q: Can I take card payments on a Virtual Station?**
A: Peripheral support depends on the browser and device, and Bluetooth terminal payments aren't available on Virtual Stations. For full hardware support, use a Native Station.

**Q: How is it different from a Native Station?**
A: A Native Station runs in the Final POS app on a dedicated device with connected-hardware support; a Virtual Station runs in a browser with no app.