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

• A supported iPad running a compatible operating system and browser versions
• Access to a secure Internet connection belonging to your business network
• An Apple ID for downloading the Retail POS app
• Login credentials for Retail POS

Configuring Wi-Fi and network settings

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network

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 in 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

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

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 (X) app

Your iPad must be running iOS 16.6 or higher, and the Retail (X) app must be version 6.4.2 or higher. For optimal performance, stay up to date with the latest versions of your operating system and apps.

Your employees will be using the Lightspeed Retail (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.
3. Search for the Lightspeed Retail (X) app.
4. Tap Get.

5. If you're prompted to verify your age, follow the instructions.

   Age verification is legally required in some regions to access Lightspeed mobile applications. You must verify your age through the App Store or Google Play Store. Access is restricted for users under the legal age in their region.

6. 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.

Verifying your age

Age verification is legally required in some regions to access Lightspeed mobile applications. You may receive an age verification message or an access restriction when you open the Retail POS mobile app. 

If so, you will be required to confirm your age in the App Store or Google Play Store before gaining access to the Retail POS mobile app. Your access to Lightspeed’s mobile apps will be restricted if you do not meet the legal minimum age and access requirements as per the law in your region.

If you get an age-related restriction or verification message:

• Make sure you're signed in to the correct Apple App Store or Google Play account on your device.
• If you're prompted to confirm your age, follow the instructions in the App Store or Google Play settings.
• If you still can't access the app, contact Lightspeed Support through your usual support channel.

If you reach out to support, include the following details to streamline the process:

• The name of the app you were using
• Whether you were on an Apple or Android device
• A screenshot of the message you received
• Whether you were connected to the internet or not
• Whether updating the app changed the result

Updating your iPad

You can check your iPad's current iOS version and update it to the latest available software version:

1. On the iPad, open Settings.
2. Tap General > Software update.
3. If an update is available, tap Update Now.

Your updates will begin automatically.

Updating the Lightspeed Retail (X) app

If your app is not running the most recent version, you can manually update it. To do this:

1. On the iPad, open the App Store.
2. Search for the Lightspeed Retail (X) app.
3. Next to the app, tap Update.
   • If you see Open instead of Update, the app is running the latest version.

Your updates will begin automatically.

If you have iPad or app-related issues, refer to Managing Retail POS apps to learn about troubleshooting and app management.

What's next?