Hi. How can we help?

Preparing your iPad for Retail POS

With Retail POS, your iPad will become one of your most-used business tools. Before you begin making sales, you’ll need to prepare your iPad by configuring the settings, installing the Retail POS app, and logging in to your Lightspeed account. Also, you must set up your Retail POS store in advance, including account configuration and product catalog, ideally on a computer for the best experience.

If you’re setting up your iPad for the first time, begin by following the steps in Apple’s setup guide.

What you’ll need

Configuring Wi-Fi and network settings

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network

iPad wifi and network settings page.

To connect to a secure Wi-Fi network on your iPad:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Select the dedicated Wi-Fi network for your business.
  3. Enter the password.
  4. Confirm by tapping Join.

Configuring network settings

To configure the network on your iPad settings:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi.
  2. Tap the icon next to your connected network. The recommended options for your Wi-Fi settings are:
    • Auto-join: Enabled.
    • Low data mode: Disabled.
    • Private Wi-Fi address: Disabled.
    • Limit IP tracking: Disabled.
  3. Manually set up your DNS settings by tapping Configure DNS and selecting Manual.
  4. (Optional) If any DNS server IP addresses are already listed, remove them from this window.
  5. Tap + (plus sign) to add the following Google IPv4 addresses:
    • 8.8.8.8
    • 8.8.4.4
  6. Then, navigate back to Settings > Wi-Fi to save your changes.

Configuring time and notification settings

Adjusting your timezone

iPad date and time settings.

On your iPad, set the correct time zone for your location by navigating to Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically.

Adjusting automatic updates and messaging settings

Avoid downloading updates during working hours and interrupting service by navigating to Settings > App Store > Automatic downloads, and toggling off App updates.

For security, update your operating system and browser to the latest versions when available.

Prevent FaceTime and iMessage notifications from interrupting your sales flow by navigating to Settings > FaceTime and toggling off FaceTime.

Navigate to Settings > Messages, and toggle off iMessage.

Enabling Guided Access

iPad guided access toggle enabled.

Guided Access limits your device to a single app and lets you control which features are available during a Guided Access session. This can keep the Retail POS app open during working hours and avoid accidental exiting of the Retail POS app, which disconnects all passive devices connected to the active device.

On your iPad, enable Guided Access by navigating to Settings > Accessibility. Under General, tap Guided Access. Follow the prompts to customize.

Installing the Lightspeed Retail POS (X) app

Your iPad must be running iOS 14.5 or higher, and the Retail (X) app must be version 5.47.0 or higher. For optimal performance, stay up-to-date with the latest version of your operating system and app.

App Store Retail (X) app.

Your employees will be using the Lightspeed Retail POS (X) app to process sales. Using Lightspeed for your business begins with installing the app on your iPad.

  1. Make sure your device is connected to your secure Wi-Fi network and a power source.
  2. Open the App Store and search for the Lightspeed Retail POS (X) app.
  3. Submit your Apple credentials to authorize the app download.

Once you’ve finished installing the app, you’re ready to log in with your Lightspeed account, set up your hardware, and set up Lightspeed Payments.

What's next?

Supported hardware

Learn more about supported printers, scanners, and terminals.

Learn more

Setting up your receipt printer with Bluetooth connection

Learn more about Bluetooth-enabled receipt printers.

Learn more

Was this article helpful?