Connect terminals, tablets and phones

How it works

One computer is the main computer (shop server) - it keeps all the data and does not need internet to sell. Every other device - a Windows terminal, a tablet, a phone - connects to it over your shop's own network and works on the same products, customers and sales.

Two safety rules protect the shop:

• The owner approves every device before it can be used, from the main computer (Settings → Devices). Until then a new device only sees a "waiting for approval" screen.
• The owner can set an end date and remove access at any time. Approving a device can include an "access until" date - it disconnects when that day ends. Removing access takes effect immediately, even mid-shift.

What you need

• One PC for the main computer (this is where the receipt printer usually lives).
• A normal home/office router or network switch. No internet is needed for selling - the network only connects your own devices to each other.
• For each extra terminal: a Windows PC with the POS installer, or any tablet/phone with a browser.

Step 1 - Set up the main computer

• Install the POS on the PC you want to hold the data.
• On first launch, choose Main PC (server) when the app asks how this computer runs.
• Finish the normal shop setup (owner account, PIN, license).
• Open Settings → Network. You will see this shop's address, e.g. http://192.168.1.10:37650 - every other device connects with this address. Use the Copy button.

Give the main computer a fixed (static) IP so the address never changes: in Windows, Settings → Network & internet → your connection → IP assignment → Manual, or reserve its address in your router (often called "DHCP reservation" - this is the tidier way). If the address ever changes, the terminals just need the new one.

Firewall: the first time Windows asks whether to allow the POS on the network, choose Allow (Private networks). If a terminal can't reach the server later, this is the first thing to check.

Step 2 - Connect the network (wire or Wi‑Fi - both work)

The address is the same either way; only the plumbing differs.

With a network cable (recommended for terminals)

• Plug the main computer and each terminal PC into the same router or switch with LAN cables.
• That's all. Wired is steadier during a busy shift and immune to Wi‑Fi dropouts.

Over Wi‑Fi

• Connect the device to the same Wi‑Fi network the main computer is on (or the same router the main computer is cabled to).
• Do not use a "guest" Wi‑Fi network - guest networks usually block devices from seeing each other (the router may call this "AP isolation" or "client isolation"; it must be off for the shop network).
• Keep the router reasonably close to the terminals. If Wi‑Fi is flaky, a cable to the terminal fixes it permanently - you can mix: some devices wired, some on Wi‑Fi.

Step 3 - Add a Windows terminal

• Install the same POS app on the terminal PC.
• On first launch choose Extra terminal (client) and enter the main computer's address (from Step 1).
• The terminal opens a Connect this device screen: type a name the owner will recognise - "Counter 2 terminal" - and press Request access.

Step 3 (alternative) - Add a tablet or phone

• Open the device's browser and type the shop address, e.g. http://192.168.1.10:37650.
• The same Connect this device screen appears: name it ("Owner's tablet") and request access.
• Tip: use the browser's "Add to Home Screen" so it opens like an app next time.

Step 4 - Approve it on the main computer

• On the main computer, open Settings → Devices. The request appears under Waiting for approval (the list refreshes by itself).
• Press Approve. You can set Allow access until - the device disconnects at the end of that day - or leave it empty for no end date.
• The waiting device continues to the sign-in screen by itself within a few seconds. Staff then sign in with their normal accounts.

Managing devices afterwards

• Extend or shorten access: Settings → Devices → Change on the device, pick a new date.
• Remove access: Remove access on the device - it stops working on its very next action, no restart needed. The device can ask to join again later; it will wait for your approval like the first time.
• When access ends by date: the device shows "access period has ended" and asks again; approve it with a new date to let it back in.
• The main computer itself is always allowed - it is the machine the data lives on, so it can never be locked out by mistake.

Troubleshooting

• The terminal can't reach the address: check the device is on the same network (not guest Wi‑Fi / a different VLAN), then check the Windows firewall on the main computer allows the POS. Wired devices: check the cable/switch lights.
• "Waiting for approval" never ends: the owner must approve it on the main computer, Settings → Devices. The request only shows there.
• The address stopped working after a router restart: the main computer's IP changed - set a fixed IP / DHCP reservation (Step 1) and give the terminals the new address.
• Wi‑Fi terminal drops mid-sale: nothing is lost - the sale either completed on the server or didn't happen. Reconnect and check Bill History. For a permanent fix, run a cable to that terminal.