Printer Compatibility to the Square Kiosk

[Pizzabalagan]

The title of this thread has been edited by a Square Moderator from the original: Connecting a printer to the square kiosk

Hi, I just bought a Star Micronics MCP30 (mCPrint3 Series) connection via usb which is recommended and compatible with the square kiosk.  Once I connected the USb to the USB hub, it said the hardware is not compatible and I requested a refund for the printer. Any idea on the best device to connect the printer to the kiosk directly? Is Bluetooth or wifi the better connectivity? What model do you recommend? 

[Sammie_C · Accepted solution]

Hi @Pizzabalagan, I wanted to first welcome you to the Square Community. Thank you for your post!

That is odd that you were getting an error message as it does look like the MCP30 is compatible with the Square Kiosk. Just to clarify, were you able to return that printer or are you still looking to troubleshoot that printer?

In the meantime, I am going to tag in a couple of our Square Champions who may be able to weigh in with their experience with printers. @Candlestore or @TheRealChipA, do you have any insight on this?

[Candlestore]

Hi @Pizzabalagan ;

I do not use the Square Kiosk and its been awhile since I setup a receipt printer with Square.  I use a Star model MCP31LB  series that is multi-compatible (USB, Bluetooth, Network) very similar to the MCP30, just multiple connections incase my needs change.   I connected mine by Lan cable to my in store network and can comunicate with it through my 2 Square Stands or my square app on my cell phone anywhere in my store.  After Square did an update that enabled Printer Profiles is the last time I configured my printer.  At first Square Stands were showing it was not compatible but after setting up the Printer Profile as a receipt printer it worked fine.  

I think you need to have a Printer Profile setup before connecting your printer to the Kiosk.  Here is more on printer profiles:

8245-set-up-printer-profiles 

I was trying to look to see if a Kiosk through Square has instructions for connecting a Kiosk to a Printer but do not see anything.  Just able to see that the MCP30 printers are compatible with Square kiosk.

I prefer the WiFi since I have a strong WiFi network system in my store.  The WiFi covers my entire store(16,000 sqft), so no matter where I am and I have my cell connected to my wifi and Square App I can print a receipt.  Now my printer is connected by wire, to a wireless Mesh system that covers the entire store.  When I use bluetooth to print to my printer I am limted to 30 feet away or so.  So depending on your needs which connection would work the best for you?  I avoid the USB connection as then you need to send the print information through the device the USB printer is connected to.  

I would make sure the Kiosk is on and connected to your WiFi.

Then go through the Print Profile link to setup Printer Profiles.

Then connect your USB printer to see if that works.

I just remeber awhile ago to print from multiple devices to a printer you needed the printer connected to a Network, either wifi or ethernet.  Bluetooth and USB I believe only lets one device communicate with the printer.  Here is an article about printing from multiple devices to a single printer : 8246-connect-a-printer-to-square 

Let us know if this helps or if you need more assistance.