thread Re: Cellular Register in Hardware Setup & Troubleshooting

Cellular Register

Rollinsmoke — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:25:18 GMT

I currently run Square Register on my food truck with a hot spot. My equipment is reaching end of life and I would like to replace it with something cellular without using a hot spot. I would like to use a cellular Ipad but sales is telling me there is no way to run any of their equipment without wifi even if the ipad is cellular capable. Any thoughts on how I could get this going?

Re: Cellular Register

HC_Charlie — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:38:19 GMT

Hello @Rollinsmoke thanks for your post. Im guessing since you have a food truck, you're using the Square Register and are you also printing tickets? So you're setup includes the Register and Printer....and maybe a cash drawer? These would be connected through the Register Hub, which has an ethernet port on it. If you have a cellular device with an ethernet cable to connect to port (or adapter) you may be able to get this setup to work.

As you currently use the Register, it can connect via WiFi with your hotspot, just curious why you are looking to switch from a hotspot to cellular connection? Are you losing signal or connection with that current setup?

Re: Cellular Register

Sam_400º — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:16:39 GMT

Kinda need the details here of what equipment you're using!

If you run a cellular iPad then bluetooth is the way forwards for most things, while a little more expensive it does work (socket scan barcode scanner and Star mPOP cash draw with built in printer etc.) and eBay if your friend for better pricing.

Hot-spotting is totally a pain so I'm with you on this as you go to do something with your phone and all the van disconnects!

I ended up using a 4g/5g modem, as it was much better value than getting a cellular iPad and meant I would have more options in the future for what was being connected. You could portable one or a plug in one that then also has ethernet ports for added compatibility with printers etc.

IMO this is defiantly the way forwards for a business over using embedded sim in device stuff where possible.