What is needed for POS?

Retail & Point of Sale
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Topic summary

A merchant opening their first retail location asked what hardware and apps are needed to run Shopify POS alongside their existing online store.

Key Requirements Identified:

  • Device: iPad or Android tablet required (Shopify POS does not support laptops)
  • App: Shopify POS app from App Store or Google Play
  • Plans: POS Lite (free, basic features) or POS Pro ($89/month/location for advanced features like staff permissions)
  • Hardware: Barcode scanner and label printer (already owned), plus optional receipt printer, cash drawer, card reader, and tablet stand

Important Notes:

  • The original poster was planning to use a laptop but learned it’s incompatible
  • Community members noted Shopify’s official documentation lacks a clear, consolidated hardware checklist
  • Merchants are advised to carefully research plan limitations, as differences between POS Lite and Pro can catch new users off guard with unexpected costs
Summarized with AI on October 27. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi, we have an online store with Shopify and will be opening a retail location.

I am wondering what hardware and app(s) we need for POS. And can we use a lap top or ipad as a pos screen?

We have a barcode scanner and am awaiting a barcode printer.

Thank you.

2

Hi @Stevepie75 ,

What You Need----------

  • Device:
    Use an iPad or Android tablet (Shopify POS doesn’t work on laptops)
  • App:
    Install the Shopify POS app from the App Store or Google Play.

Plan:

  • POS Lite (free with your Shopify plan) – basic features
  • POS Pro ($89/month/location) – for staff permissions, in-store pickup, etc.

Hardware:

  • Barcode scanner (you already have one)
  • Barcode label printer (on the way)

Optional:

  • Receipt printer
  • Cash drawer
  • Shopify card reader for payments
  • iPad stand

Thankyou !

1 Like
3

This is awesome, you were so helpful! I’m glad you told me about the laptop cuz we were planning on using that. Thank you again!

4

Really helpful , it’s ridiculous there’s no clear list like this on the help docs

https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/sell-in-person

The closest shopify has afaik is a silly marketing article that don’t even have an actual clear list despite the “checklist” title; smh

https://www.shopify.com/retail/pos-requirements

Do research the limitations carefully though in the plan differences it catches a lot of new merchants in the pocket.