Create a static IP address for printer connections
About static IP
By default, Square Point of Sale uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to discover and connect to a network printer. This should work for most scenarios. With a static IP connection, Square provides a fixed network address that your point of sale tablets and smartphones can use to communicate directly to your printer. Using a static IP address is useful in cases of remote communication (such as bypassing a VPN or traversing subnets).
Before you begin
Static IP is a setting that can be used for network connected printers. Make sure you are using an Ethernet or Wi-Fi printer.
Setting up a static IP address on your router and printer should be done before you connect a printer to your Square Point of Sale.
You’ll need to enable a static IP address for each printer that you are setting up to use a static IP address in your router and on each printer that is being set up.
We recommend working with your network administrator on the steps below to ensure that the address you assign to a printer is also properly reserved in your network configuration, and won’t reset during a network restart.
Step 1: create a static IP address for your printer
Square supports many common Epson printer models. Learn more about hardware compatibility by device.
To configure Epson printers to have a static IP address, follow the below steps:
- obtain the current IP address of the Epson printer. You can do this by turning the printer off and holding down the Feed button while turning the printer on. Keep pressing down on the feed button until the printer prints out two information sheets: the first containing general printer information, and the second containing network information with the IP address.
- Connect to the printer using either an iPad or computer on the same network. Open a web browser and enter the IP address along with /webconfig in the URL bar. For example, if the IP address that prints out is 192.168.1.123 you would enter http://192.168.1.123/webconfig.
- Log in using epson for both the username and password.
- Click TCP/IP. Within the Get IP Address section, select Manual.
- Input the printer’s IP address in the IP Address field > click Submit.
- On the next page, click Reset.
Square supports many common Star Micronics printer models. Learn more about hardware compatibility by device.
- Obtain the Star printer’s current IP address. You can do so by turning the printer off and holding down the Feed button while turning the printer on until the Ready light is solid. The printer will print out two information sheets: the first containing general printer information, and the second containing network information with the IP address towards the end of the sheet.
- Connect to the printer using either an iPad or computer on the same network. Open a web browser and enter the IP address in the URL bar. For example, if the IP address that prints out is 192.168.1.123 you would enter http://192.168.1.123.
- Log in using the username root and the password public. Both the username and password are case-sensitive. If prompted to change the password, press Cancel.
- From the main menu, click IP Parameters > select Static. The current IP address and subnet mask should autofill, but if they don’t, you can locate them on the test print page from step one.
- Click Submit.
- Select Save from the main menu > Configuration printing > Restart device.
- Click Execute.
- The receipt printer should restart and print a new configuration report with Static listed next to the IP address instead of DHCP.
Step 2: connect Square POS to your printer’s static IP address
Make sure you install the latest version of the Square Point of Sale app.
From your Square Point of Sale App > More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.
Tap Printers tab if it hasn’t already been selected.
Select Connect printer > Select printer >Advanced printer setup.
Select the type of printer you want to add. If you don’t have your static IP address, follow the instructions from the section above in order to obtain this information.
Enter the IP address for your printer.
Tap Done and it will start searching for the printer.
After a printer is found, tap Done.
Add a Printer Name.
Tap Save.
If you’re getting a ‘Printer Not Found’ notification when trying to connect, double-check the IP address for your device is correct. You’ll also want to ensure your printer was set up correctly for static IP.
Step 3: update your router
In order to ensure the static IP of your printer will be reserved for just that printer, you’ll need to edit your router settings to reserve the IP address.
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For a Square recommended Ubiquiti router, you can follow these steps:
go to Ubiquiti.
Log into your unifi dashboard with your username and password
Click on the site where your static IP printer is located.
On the left hand nav, click on Client Devices.
Find the printer that is using the static IP in the device list, you may be able to identify it based on its MAC address, which should also be printed on the underside or back of the printer.
Click on Settings > IP Settings > Fixed IP Address.
Enter the same IP address here as you just configured above.
If you’re using another brand of router, you’ll need to find the manufacturer’s instructions for accessing the router’s configuration page. Once you’ve logged into your router’s configuration page, look for a setting such as ‘Fixed IP Address’, ‘DHCP Lease Reservation’ and reserve the IP address you just configured above.