Connect a barcode label printer with Square for Retail
About barcode printers
With Square for Retail Plus or Premium, you can connect a barcode label printer to create and print barcode labels.
You have three options when connecting a barcode label printer:
iOS device including a connected Square Stand
Square Register
Square Dashboard
Before you begin
To connect a barcode printer, you need to have a compatible barcode label printer and access to your Square Dashboard or the Square Retail POS app on an iOS device (including a connected Square Stand) or Square Register. Compare barcode printers and label sizes with Square for Retail. You also need to set up printer profiles.
Step 1: Connect a barcode printer
Your device may automatically detect the barcode label printer when you connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or USB. If the printer is not automatically detected, you can connect the printer manually.
To check if a printer connection has been established automatically:
Open the Retail POS app.
Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.
The printer will be listed as “connected” but not “configured”.
To use Bluetooth for label printing, you need a "wireless module" with your printer. You can purchase the module and add it separately. If your printer has the wireless module set up, put it into pairing mode by following the instructions included with your printer, and connect it in your iOS device's bluetooth settings the same way you connect any other Bluetooth accessory. Once that’s done, the Retail POS app will recognize it automatically.
To connect a printer manually:
Open the Retail POS app.
Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.
Tap Connect printer and then enter a name for the printer.
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Tap Select printer > and choose a printer type:
Connect to Bluetooth printer
Connect to AirPrint printer
Advanced printer setup
Follow the on-screen instructions based on the printer type selected.
Tap Save.
Step 2: Set up a barcode printer
Once the printer connection has been established, you can set up the printer on an iOS device, Square Register, or in Square Dashboard.
- Open the Retail POS app.
- Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.
- Tap Profiles.
- Tap Create profile to create a new printer profile and enter a name for the profile.
- Tap Assign to assign an existing printer profile to the printer.
- Tap Barcode labels.
- Turn on Use this printer for barcode labels.
- Tap the back arrow and then tap Save.
- Sign in to the Retail POS app on Square Register.
- Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.
- Tap Profiles.
- Tap Create profile to create a new printer profile and enter a name for the profile.
- Tap Assign to assign an existing printer profile to the printer.
- Tap Barcode labels.
- Turn on Use this printer for barcode labels.
- Tap the back arrow and then tap Save.
Recommended printer settings
Although conditions will vary depending on your computer and browser, below are some general guidelines to help you format your settings if you are using a barcode label printer in Square Dashboard:
- Printer: Select your preferred printer on Square Dashboard using the drop-down menu in the print dialog. On Square Point of Sale, you will need to go into Settings > Hardware > Printers and set up your preferred printer.
- System Dialog: If you’re running into issues with label alignment or barcode clarity, try using the system dialog instead of the browser dialog.
- Paper Size: Make sure to select the correct label size. For instance, if you’re using 1/2” x 1- 1/2” labels, you’ll want to select this option before printing.
- Scale: Make sure your settings are set to scale at 100%. Disable any setting that would Fit to paper size. If you’re still experiencing issues, try using the System Print Dialog and printing at 100% to scale.
- Output Resolution: The default output resolution is 300 DPI. If your barcode scanner is having difficulty reading the printed label, you may want to adjust the resolution to 300x600 DPI.
- Drivers: Make sure you have drivers downloaded for your compatible printer. View the Zebra driver list and Dymo driver list.
- SKUs: SKUs must be under 80 characters.