Shopify POS on desktop

Topic summary

Users are seeking a desktop version of Shopify POS to avoid purchasing iPads and overcome product/performance limitations on tablets. The original request dates back to 2016, with no official desktop solution available as of 2024.

Current Status:

  • Shopify POS officially supports only iOS and Android tablets/mobile devices
  • No native desktop application exists or has been announced
  • Shopify has not provided a public roadmap for desktop development

Workarounds Discussed:

  • Using Android emulators (Bluestacks, Windows Subsystem for Android) with mixed results and layout issues
  • Third-party POS solutions that integrate with Shopify (ConnectPOS, QueueBuster, LamaPOS)
  • Accessing Shopify admin via web browser for back-office tasks like draft orders

User Concerns:

  • Cost of purchasing tablets for testing/trial purposes
  • Reported stability issues: WiFi connectivity drops, Bluetooth scanner/card reader disconnections
  • Hardware compatibility problems (receipt printers, card reader stands)
  • Lack of features like real-time reporting and end-of-day summaries
  • UI/UX not optimized for brick-and-mortar operations

Experienced User Perspective:
One long-time user argues iPads ($379) offer the best value for stability and touchscreen functionality, suggesting Shopify POS is designed for straightforward in-person transactions rather than complex back-office workflows. The discussion remains unresolved, with users expressing frustration over the lack of official desktop support and transparency about future development plans.

Summarized with AI on November 3. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

Hello there, this is the way to do that go to your account at shopify.com and login and go to products and then purchase orders then click create purchase order and you will be good to go.

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