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How to Connect a Star Printer to Shopify POS — Step-by-Step 2026 Commandear.com
James O'Connor

How to Connect a Star Printer to Shopify POS — Step-by-Step 2026

Before You Start

Confirm you have:

  • Star receipt printer — TSP143IV, TSP143IIIU, mPOP, or similar

  • iPad with Shopify POS installed and updated to the latest version

  • The correct cable for your connection type (USB Type B for USB setups)

  • Your printer model confirmed — USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth variants are not interchangeable

If you're buying a printer: the Star TSP143 review explains the model differences. Browse the Shopify-compatible printer range at Commandear.


Method 1: USB (Most Reliable)

You need: USB Type B cable (the squarish connector into the printer) and a USB-C to USB-A adapter for modern iPads, or Lightning to USB-A for older models. A powered USB hub may be needed if your iPad doesn't supply sufficient power.

Steps:

  1. Power on the printer. Wait for the status LED to stabilise — steady green means ready.

  2. Connect the USB cable from the printer to the iPad via adapter.

  3. Open Shopify POS → ≡ → Settings → Hardware → Printers → Add printer

  4. Select Star Micronics

  5. Select your specific model

  6. Select USB as connection type

  7. Tap Test print

The printer should respond immediately. If not, see troubleshooting below.


Method 2: Ethernet (Best for Multi-Terminal Setups)

You need: TSP143IV LAN variant, Ethernet cable, router or network switch. The iPad and printer must be on the same network and subnet.

Steps:

  1. Connect the printer to your router or switch via Ethernet cable

  2. Power on. Wait for the network status LED to stabilise.

  3. Print a self-test page to find the printer's IP address: hold the Feed button while powering on, release when printing starts. The IP address is printed on the self-test page.

  4. Open Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Printers → Add printer

  5. Select Star Micronics → your model → Network

  6. Enter the IP address from the self-test page

  7. Tap Test print

Do this before anything else: Assign the printer a static IP address in your router settings. If the IP changes when the printer restarts, Shopify POS loses the connection. A static IP means you set it once and forget it.


Method 3: Bluetooth (iPad Counter Setups)

Steps:

  1. Put the printer into pairing mode:

  • TSP143IV: Hold Feed button while powering on; release when LED flashes blue

  • Star mPOP: Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the front panel

  1. On iPad: Settings → Bluetooth — wait for the Star printer to appear in the "Other Devices" list

  2. Tap the device name to pair. PIN is "0000" or "1234" for most Star models.

  3. Once paired in iOS Settings, open Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Printers → Add printer

  4. Select Star Micronics → your model → Bluetooth

  5. Select your printer from the discovered list

  6. Tap Test print


Setting Up the Cash Drawer

Once your printer is connected, add the cash drawer:

  1. Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Cash Drawers → Add cash drawer

  2. Select Printer-driven cash drawer

  3. Select your connected Star printer

  4. Complete a test cash transaction — the drawer should open automatically

If it doesn't: check the RJ11 cable is fully seated at both the cash drawer and the printer's DK/CASH port. Also confirm "Open cash drawer when sale is completed" is enabled in Shopify POS settings.


Connecting the Star mPOP

The mPOP is all-in-one — printer on top, cash drawer underneath. The connection method is identical to the TSP143, but select mPOP specifically from the model list in Shopify POS. The mPOP uses a different communication protocol. Selecting a different model variant won't work.

The mPOP's rear USB port acts as a hub — you can connect a barcode scanner to it and it passes through to the iPad. Useful for keeping the counter tidy. Browse mPOP-compatible kits at Commandear.


Troubleshooting: The Five Most Common Issues

Printer doesn't appear in Shopify POS settings

  • USB: Check the cable is fully seated at both ends. Try a different USB adapter.

  • Bluetooth: Confirm the printer is paired in iOS Settings (not just in Shopify POS). If it's not in iOS Bluetooth, the app can't see it.

  • Ethernet: Confirm the iPad and printer are on the same network subnet — not split across different VLANs or Wi-Fi bands.

  • Try force-quitting and reopening Shopify POS, and check for app updates.

Print job sent, nothing prints

  • Thermal receipt paper is loaded incorrectly or the wrong paper type. Standard paper produces no output from a thermal printer.

  • Check the lid is fully closed and paper feeds under the cutter guide correctly.

  • Run a self-test print directly from the printer (hold Feed while powering on) to confirm the printer itself is working.

Bluetooth drops connection

  • Keep the printer within 10 metres of the iPad, line-of-sight where possible.

  • In iOS Settings, forget the printer and re-pair cleanly.

  • Check that Background App Refresh is enabled for Shopify POS — iOS can suspend background app connectivity for power saving.

  • For a fixed position, switch to USB for a permanently stable connection.

Network printer connects but Shopify can't find it

  • Confirm the iPad and printer are on the same subnet.

  • Check your router isn't blocking communication between devices.

  • Re-enter the printer's IP address in Shopify POS settings — confirm the IP via self-test print.

  • Assign a static IP if you haven't already.

Printer worked before, not connecting after an iOS update

  • iOS updates occasionally reset Bluetooth pairing data. Forget the device in iOS Settings and re-pair.

  • Check the Shopify POS app is also updated — compatibility issues sometimes surface when the app version lags behind the iOS version.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which Star printer models work with Shopify POS?

Shopify officially supports the TSP143 series, TSP100 series, TSP654II, Star mPOP, and several others. Check Shopify's hardware page for the current full compatibility list.

Do I need a separate app to connect a Star printer?

No. Shopify POS handles printer communication directly for all supported Star models.

Can I share one Star printer across two Shopify POS terminals?

Yes, using the Ethernet variant. A network-connected TSP143IV can receive print jobs from multiple terminals simultaneously. See the printer connectivity guide for more.

Why does my printer lose connection when Shopify POS is in the background?

iOS battery optimisation. Enable Background App Refresh for Shopify POS in iOS Settings, and check that the app isn't being background-suspended by Low Power Mode or battery optimisation settings.


Need a Star Printer?

Browse the Star Micronics range at Commandear — USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth variants available with UK stock. For a complete Shopify setup, see the Shopify hardware collection or contact us for a configuration recommendation.

 

Filed in: how to connect star printer shopify, shopify pos printer not working, shopify receipt printer setup, star micronics shopify configuration, star tsp143 shopify
Next article Star TSP143 UK — Honest Review, Full Specs & Setup Guide 2026