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
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.
Shopify POS is currently limited to tablets. While some might try workarounds, desktops aren’t officially supported.
Don’t fret! QueueBuster POS is a cloud-based solution that works great on desktops. It integrates with Shopify, so you can manage inventory, sales, and customers in one place.
Here’s why QueueBuster is a good fit for desktops:
Familiar desktop experience
Seamless Shopify integration
Feature-rich for streamlined operations (inventory, sales, etc.)
Accessible from any device with internet (remote management)
Explore third-party options like QueueBuster to enjoy a desktop POS that integrates with Shopify, freeing you from tablet limitations.
Currently, Shopify POS is primarily designed for iOS and Android devices, and there isn’t an official desktop version available. Many users have been looking for alternatives for running POS on a desktop without relying on iPads.
If you’re considering a desktop solution, you might find our LamaPOS app useful. LamaPOS is tailored for Windows and macOS, integrating seamlessly with Shopify for managing in-store sales directly from your desktop or laptop.
For those interested, we offer a demo version of LamaPOS to explore its features. Feel free to reach out to us at support@lamapos.com if you’d like to learn more or try it out.
Hi guys version of bluestack emulator did you use/ are you using, i
downloaded one version, and when i went to download shopify pos it came
back ‘this device is not compatible’
I am looking for a way to use the barcode scanner connected to my desktop to be able to do inventory the same way that we can on the app. Will you explain an alternative? I have no reason for a tablet in my warehouse.
Do you have any plans to extend this application to desktop, can see in the forum no one wants to invest in tablets because we’re all using desktop right now. It’s too much of an investment to purchase laptop and trial shopify pos to see how stable it is. There’s reddit forums saying that the pos hangs/drops off with weak wifi signals. Connectivity with bluetooth scanners/card readers drop off. I need to know that this software along with your ‘defined’ list of hardware works and can handle large volumes of transactions before consider looking at purchasing hardware to transition. Right now the UI even has the ‘cart’ button, which doesn’t make sense operating in B&M, it’s as if there was no UX/UI design thought into the format/wording. There is also comments from a user saying there’s no end of day reports or its’ not live, have to wait for the data to sync. To me it seems like it’s not a priority and was built for you guys to cross sell another product with your ecom being what generates most revenue and this pos is just an add on product
Surely you guys have a roadmap of stories/epics planned at least a year out already. what are you guys actually looking to build/improve for shopify pos. what is a priority in your backlog based on user feedback
Maybe if you share how long this pos has been around, i can guage how serious you guys are about improving this pos software you have.
