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Terminals

Your terminal is the device at the counter that handles sales, payments, and receipts.

This guide explains what the terminal does, how to check status, and what to do when something goes wrong.

What a terminal does​

A PeakPOS terminal is used for:

  • Scanning items and ringing sales
  • Taking payments
  • Printing receipts
  • Handling returns and exchanges
  • Following age verification prompts, when required

Check terminal status​

If a terminal feels slow or shows offline, start with a quick status check.

  1. Look at the terminal screen.
  2. Check if the register app is open.
  3. Check internet connection.
  4. Check printer connection.

In the portal, owners and managers can also:

  1. Go to Terminals.
  2. Look for the terminal name.
  3. Check status like Online or Offline.

Tip: Give terminals simple names like Front Counter, Drive Thru, or Back Register.

Basic troubleshooting​

If the terminal is offline​

  1. Confirm the device has power.
  2. Check Wi Fi or ethernet connection.
  3. Restart the device.
  4. Reopen the register app.

If it still shows offline after a few minutes, move to the Troubleshooting guide.

If scanning is not working​

  1. Clean the scanner window.
  2. Try a different barcode.
  3. Try scanning slower, with the barcode flat.
  4. If it still fails, search the item by name and ring it up.

Then, later:

  • Check that the product has the correct barcode in the portal.

If the receipt printer is not printing​

  1. Check paper.
  2. Make sure the paper is loaded the right way.
  3. Check for a paper jam.
  4. Confirm cables are fully plugged in.
  5. Restart the printer, if it has a power switch.

During a busy rush​

If you need to keep the line moving:

  • Use item search if scanning is slow.
  • Print receipts only when needed, if your policy allows.
  • If one terminal is down, switch to a backup terminal.

Good habits to prevent issues​

  • Reboot terminals on a regular schedule, like once a week.
  • Keep cables secured so they do not get bumped.
  • Keep a spare roll of receipt paper at the register.
  • Train staff on quick fixes for scanner and printer.