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Connect a barcode label printer with Square for Retail

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Who is this article for?
This article is for business owners and team members with hardware permissions who are connecting and setting up a barcode label printer with Square for Retail. Learn more about custom permissions and setting up your team with Square for Retail.

About barcode printers

With Square for Retail Plus, 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 will need to have a compatible barcode label printer. View compatible barcode printers and label sizes. You will also need to have a Square for Retail Plus subscription and access to your Square Dashboard or the Square Retail POS app on an iOS device (including a connected Square Stand) or Square Register. Learn more about subscription features and how to sign up for Square for Retail.

Step 1: Connect a barcode printer

The barcode label printer may be automatically detected when it is connected to your device through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or USB. If the printer is not automatically detected, you can connect the printer manually.

You can use Bluetooth for label printing with a Bluetooth-enabled printer model purchased from the manufacturer or a distributor. You can also use a non-Bluetooth printer purchased from Square Shop combined with a compatible Bluetooth adapter.


A “wireless module” will be required with your printer to use Bluetooth for label printing. The module can be purchased and added 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 the iPad’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 check if a printer connection has been established automatically:

  1. Open the Retail POS app.

  2. Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.

  3. The printer will be listed as “connected” but not “configured”.

To connect a printer manually:

  1. Open the Retail POS app.

  2. Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.

  3. Tap Connect printer and then enter a name for the printer.

  4. Tap Select printer > and choose a printer type:

    • Connect to Bluetooth printer

    • Connect to AirPrint printer

    • Advanced printer setup

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions based on the printer type selected.

  6. Tap Save.

Step 2: Set up a barcode printer

Once the printer connection has been established, follow the steps below to set up the printer on an iOS device, Square Register, or in Square Dashboard. 

iOS device including a connected Square Stand

  1. Open the Retail POS app.
  2. Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.
  3. Tap Profiles.
  4. Tap Create printer profile to create a new printer profile.
  5. Tap Assign to assign an existing printer profile to the printer.
  6. Name the printer profile and then tap Barcode labels.
  7. Turn on Use this printer for barcode labels.
  8. Tap the back arrow and then tap Save.

Square Register

Square Register can connect to a printer using a USB cable. The printer will be detected automatically when it is connected to the Square Register. You can save your printer settings and swap between connected printers by setting up a Printer profile on Square Register.

  1. Log in to the Retail POS app on Square Register.
  2. Tap ≡ More > Settings > Hardware > Printers.
  3. Tap Profiles.
  4. Tap Create printer profile to create a new printer profile.
  5. Tap Assign to assign an existing printer profile to the printer.
  6. Name the printer profile and then tap Barcode labels.
  7. Turn on Use this printer for barcode labels.
  8. Tap the back arrow and then tap Save.

Square Dashboard

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the printer to the computer you use to access Square Dashboard.

Connect Zebra printers:

Connect DYMO printers:

Recommended printer settings and troubleshooting

Although conditions will vary depending on your computer and browser, below are some general guidelines to help you format your settings:

Setting Guideline
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.

Windows troubleshooting

If you are on a Windows computer, and you’re running into any issues, we recommend the following:

  1. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  2. Once creating your label(s), download the PDF.
  3. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  4. Make sure to print using the specifications outlined in the table above.

Zebra printer troubleshooting

If the information on your printed barcode labels is uncentered, you may need to recalibrate your printer. You can find the instructions to recalibrate Zebra’s label printers on Zebra’s web page or in the user manual for your device. You can also watch Zebra’s printer calibration video.

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