Printer troubleshooting technician providing live chat help

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Shopify POS hardware, Star Micronics mPOP/TSP series, Bixolon Bluetooth receipt printers, iPad POS setups, retail printer & cash drawer integration

Shopify POS Bluetooth printer not connecting — Star/Bixolon pairing mode, iPad profile selection & receipt printer setup

Technician avatar Technician
Hey! We’ll get Shopify POS talking to your Star or Bixolon Bluetooth receipt printer instead of sitting on “Waiting to connect”. Quick scan first so we choose the right pairing mode & profile:
• What are you running Shopify POS on — iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, or Shopify POS Go?
• Exact printer and interface: Star mPOP, TSP100III Bluetooth, Star MCP31L/CBI, Bixolon SRP/SRP-R series, etc.?
• In the OS Bluetooth settings, does the printer show as “Connected”, “Paired”, or not at all?
• In Shopify POS → Settings → Set up hardware → Receipt printers, do you see the printer, or does it say “No compatible printers found”?
• Symptoms: Shopify POS can’t find printer, receipts stuck in queue, printer paired but printing gibberish/ESC/POS codes, or cash drawer not opening?
Customer
We’re using Shopify POS on an iPad with a Star mPOP. Bluetooth shows the mPOP as connected in iPad Settings. But inside Shopify POS, it sits on “Waiting for printer” and never actually prints receipts or opens the cash drawer. Sometimes we also test a Bixolon mobile Bluetooth printer and Shopify can’t see that either.
Technician avatar Technician
Got it, classic Shopify POS + Star/Bixolon over Bluetooth situation.
With these receipt printers you have two layers to get right:
1) Bluetooth pairing at the OS level (iPad or Android).
2) The printer’s own emulation/profile (StarPRNT vs ESC/POS, iOS vs generic Bluetooth, MFi vs standard) which must match what Shopify POS supports.

If the mPOP is paired under the wrong Bluetooth profile, or if the printer is in the wrong interface/emulation mode, Shopify POS will see “a device” but won’t treat it as a supported receipt printer. That’s when you get “Waiting for device”, no test receipt, or random characters when it does print.
Plan:
• Clean up old pairings and put the Star/Bixolon into proper Bluetooth pairing mode.
• Confirm the printer is using the Shopify-compatible profile (StarPRNT / iOS mode / ESC/POS as required).
• Re-add it in Shopify POS hardware settings and print a test receipt & cash-drawer open to verify.
Customer
That makes sense, but I’m not sure about profiles. I just turned on Bluetooth on the mPOP and paired it once. Where do I actually change the Bluetooth profile or emulation mode for Star or Bixolon, and how do I know which one Shopify POS wants?
Technician avatar Technician
Perfect question. Let’s reset things so Shopify POS sees a clean Star/Bixolon Bluetooth device:
Step 1 — Forget old Bluetooth pairings on the POS device
1) On the iPad go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2) Tap the i next to any Star/Bixolon entries (mPOP, TSP100, SRP-xxx) and choose Forget This Device for each.
3) Turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, then back on.

Step 2 — Put the Star or Bixolon printer into pairing mode
• For Star mPOP / Star Bluetooth printers: power off, then power on while holding the Pair or Bluetooth button until the LED flashes (often blue) and the printer prints a small Bluetooth information slip.
• For Bixolon Bluetooth receipt printers: hold the Pair button while powering on, or press and hold the Bluetooth button until the LED blinks. Many Bixolon models also print a status sheet showing the Bluetooth name and profile.

Step 3 — Re-pair and add to Shopify POS
1) Back in iPad Settings → Bluetooth, tap the printer when it appears and complete pairing (PIN is usually 0000 or 1234 if asked).
2) Open Shopify POS → ≡ More → Settings → Set up hardware → Receipt printers.
3) Tap Add printer, select Bluetooth, and choose your Star or Bixolon from the list. Shopify POS should now list it as a Receipt printer, not just “Other device”.
Customer
I can get it to pair and it shows under Receipt Printers in Shopify POS now, but when I try to print a test receipt from the app, sometimes nothing prints. On the Bixolon, I actually get garbage characters across the receipt instead of readable text. Is that a profile thing?
Technician avatar Technician
Exactly, that’s almost always wrong printer emulation/profile rather than Bluetooth itself.
• Many Star Micronics printers can run in StarPRNT or ESC/POS emulation, and some models also support USB/LAN/Bluetooth in one chassis.
• Bixolon devices have profiles such as iOS Bluetooth, Android SPP, or specific ESC/POS-compatible modes.

Shopify POS expects a supported mode/emulation. If the printer is set to the wrong one, it either prints raw control codes, only partial receipts, or nothing at all.
To fix profile/emulation:
• On a Star printer, use the dip-switches or the Star Utility app to select StarPRNT (for most Shopify setups) and confirm the interface is set to Bluetooth rather than USB/LAN.
• On a Bixolon printer, open the Bixolon Utility app (Windows, macOS or mobile), and set emulation to a Shopify-supported ESC/POS profile or the “iOS POS” profile if recommended for your model.
After changing the profile, power cycle the printer, forget/re-pair Bluetooth on the iPad, and re-add it under Shopify POS → Receipt printers before testing again.
Customer
Got it. After switching the Star to StarPRNT and re-pairing, test receipts work in Shopify POS. But the mPOP still occasionally flips back to “Waiting for device” during a busy shift. We have multiple iPads in the store — could that be confusing the Bluetooth connection?
Technician avatar Technician
Yes, multiple iPads and power-saving settings can absolutely cause a Shopify POS Bluetooth printer to drop to “Waiting for device”:
• Only one iPad should be actively paired to the Star/Bixolon Bluetooth printer at a time. If another iPad in range tries to auto-connect, it can steal the session and Shopify POS on the first iPad will lose the printer.
• Aggressive sleep/battery-saving on the POS tablet can suspend Bluetooth and make Shopify show a disconnected printer even though the OS still lists it.

Best practices:
• Decide which iPad is the primary POS for that printer. On all other iPads, tap the printer in Bluetooth devices and Forget This Device so they stop auto-pairing.
• Keep the tablet within a few meters of the printer and avoid metal shelving or thick walls between them — Star/Bixolon Bluetooth range is decent but not unlimited.
• In iPad settings, turn off unnecessary Low Power Mode during trading hours so Bluetooth stays stable.
• Inside Shopify POS, always check Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers and make sure your printer is set as the default receipt printer for that device.
Customer
That helps. One more issue: when the Bixolon does print from Shopify, the receipts are really narrow and some text is cut off. The same printer works fine with another POS app we tried. Is there a paper size or profile setting we have to match for Shopify?
Technician avatar Technician
Great catch — that’s another profile/format mismatch between the Bluetooth printer and Shopify POS.
• Shopify POS assumes a specific paper width (commonly 58 mm or 80 mm) depending on the supported printer model.
• If the Bixolon is configured for a different width, or a custom page mode, Shopify’s receipts can look truncated or squeezed.

Fixing it on the Bixolon side:
• Use the printer’s self-test (usually holding Feed while powering on) to print a configuration ticket. Confirm the paper width, print density, and code page.
• In the Bixolon Utility or via DIP switches, set the printer to the native width and ESC/POS mode recommended for your exact model when used with Shopify POS.

Then in Shopify POS:
• Open Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers, select the Bixolon, and print a test receipt.
• If the test receipt fills the roll correctly, standard order receipts will follow the same layout. If not, we tweak the printer profile again until Shopify’s test receipt prints cleanly edge-to-edge.
Customer
Understood. Last question: we sometimes switch between using the Star mPOP and the Bixolon for events. Do we need to redo the whole pairing process every time, or is there a clean way to swap Shopify POS Bluetooth printers without breaking everything?
Technician avatar Technician
You don’t have to start from zero every time, but there’s a safe way to swap Bluetooth receipt printers in Shopify POS:
• Pair both printers to the iPad at least once (Star and Bixolon) so they’re saved in iOS Bluetooth.
• In Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers, you can have more than one printer added — you then choose which one is active or set a default.
• When you move to an event, power on only the printer you intend to use. iOS will usually auto-connect to the last active Bluetooth printer that’s in range and powered.

If Shopify POS struggles to reconnect or sticks on “Waiting for device” after swapping:
• Turn off the unused printer so it doesn’t compete for the Bluetooth connection.
• Toggle Bluetooth off/on on the iPad, wait for it to connect to the correct printer, then re-open Shopify POS.
• In the app, re-select the right printer under Receipt printers and print a test receipt to lock it in.
This way you keep both devices configured but tell Shopify POS clearly which Bluetooth receipt printer should handle live orders.
Customer
That’s really helpful. Is there any advantage to LAN or USB receipt printers instead of Bluetooth for Shopify POS, or is Bluetooth fine once it’s configured with the right profile?
Technician avatar Technician
Great question. Bluetooth printers are perfect for mobile/event setups and compact counters like the Star mPOP, while LAN/USB receipt printers tend to be rock-solid for fixed tills.

• Bluetooth (Star/Bixolon): no network wiring, works well with iPad and Android tablets, ideal for pop-ups and kiosks. Needs correct pairing mode & printer profile and is more sensitive to distance and interference.
• LAN receipt printers: plug into your router/switch, then Shopify POS discovers them over the network. Very stable for busy stores, but less portable and you must keep the POS device on the same network.
• USB: usually only for specific hardware like Shopify POS Go or dedicated retail terminals; direct cable = minimal dropouts.

Once we’ve set your Star/Bixolon Bluetooth profile, emulation, and Shopify POS hardware settings correctly, Bluetooth is absolutely fine. If you ever outgrow it or add more tills, we can design a mixed environment with both Bluetooth and LAN receipt printers tied into Shopify POS.
Customer
Perfect. After following your steps, Shopify POS connects quickly, the Star mPOP prints clean receipts, and the Bixolon also works without gibberish. Cash drawer opens with each sale. Really appreciate the detailed walkthrough!
Technician avatar Technician
Summary: When Shopify POS to Star/Bixolon over Bluetooth gets stuck on “Waiting for device”, fix it by:
• Forgetting old Bluetooth pairings on the iPad/tablet and putting the printer back into pairing mode.
• Selecting the Shopify-compatible printer profile (StarPRNT vs ESC/POS, iOS Bluetooth profile, correct paper width) using the Star/Bixolon utility tools.
• Re-adding the printer under Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers and printing a test receipt + cash-drawer open.
• Ensuring only one POS device owns the Bluetooth connection at a time, and that power-saving isn’t killing the link.

Need help mapping your exact Star or Bixolon model to Shopify’s supported printer list or dialing in the profile? Open the chat and we’ll do it with you live.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix when Shopify POS Bluetooth receipt printer stays on “Waiting for device”: forget and re-pair the Star/Bixolon in the iPad or Android Bluetooth settings, put the printer into proper pairing mode, set the correct emulation/profile (StarPRNT or ESC/POS with the right paper width), then re-add it under Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers and print a test receipt.

Why Shopify POS can’t see your Bluetooth printer (pairing, profiles & OS permissions)

Shopify POS relies on the mobile OS Bluetooth stack and the printer’s internal profile/emulation. If the iPad or Android tablet is still paired to an old device name, or the printer isn’t in discoverable pairing mode, Shopify’s hardware scan will show “No compatible printers found”. A Star or Bixolon that is set to a different interface (USB/LAN) or the wrong StarPRNT / ESC/POS mode might pair at the OS level but never register as a supported Shopify POS receipt printer. Cleaning up pairings, enabling the right Bluetooth profile, and matching the emulation Shopify expects resolves most “Waiting for device” issues.

How to verify Bluetooth pairing & the correct Star/Bixolon profile

To confirm your Shopify POS to Star/Bixolon Bluetooth setup is correct, run two tests. First, print the printer’s own self-test/configuration from the front panel to check the active Bluetooth name, emulation, code page and paper width. Second, in Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers, select the device and tap Print test receipt. A clean, full-width Shopify test receipt without gibberish or truncation means the pairing mode, profile and receipt printer setup are aligned. If the printer passes its self-test but fails the Shopify test, the remaining problem is almost always the emulation/profile or the POS hardware configuration, not the Bluetooth radio.

Shopify POS Bluetooth receipt printer — quick troubleshooting tips

Most “Waiting for device” cases are Bluetooth pairing leftovers, wrong Star/Bixolon profile, or multi-iPad conflicts.

Quick path: on the POS tablet, forget all Star/Bixolon Bluetooth entries, put the printer back into pairing mode, and re-pair. Use the Star or Bixolon configuration utility to select the Shopify-compatible profile/emulation and correct paper width. Then re-add it under Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers and print the built-in test receipt. Finally, make sure only one iPad or Android device is allowed to own the Bluetooth connection for that printer at a time.

Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your environment, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech before making decisions.

Getting Started Is Easy

Ask for help, 24/7

Members enjoy round-the-clock access to 12,000+ verified Experts, including tech support, mechanics, vets, and more.

Expert will respond in minutes

We match you with an Expert who specializes in your situation. Talk, text, or chat — whichever you prefer.

Save time & money

No scheduling hassles or expensive consults. Membership can save you significant time and money each month.

FAQ

Why does Shopify POS say “Waiting for device” or “No receipt printers connected”?

Usually because the Star/Bixolon Bluetooth printer isn’t in proper pairing mode, the iPad/Android still has stale pairings, or the printer is using the wrong emulation/profile. Forget old devices in Bluetooth settings, re-pair while the printer is discoverable, and make sure the printer is running a Shopify-supported StarPRNT/ESC-POS profile before adding it in Shopify POS hardware settings.

How do I pair a Star or Bixolon Bluetooth printer with Shopify POS?

Turn on the printer’s Bluetooth pairing mode (blinking LED and a small info receipt on many Star/Bixolon models). On the POS tablet, go to Settings → Bluetooth and pair it. Then open Shopify POS → Settings → Hardware → Receipt printers, tap Add printer, select Bluetooth, choose your Star/Bixolon device and print a test receipt to confirm.

What profile or emulation should I use for Star/Bixolon with Shopify POS?

For most Star Micronics models used with Shopify POS, you want the StarPRNT emulation in Bluetooth mode, while many Bixolon devices should be set to a Shopify-compatible ESC/POS or iOS Bluetooth profile. Check your printer’s manual and Shopify’s supported hardware documentation, then use the Star or Bixolon utility app or DIP switches to set the correct mode before pairing.

Receipts print as random characters from Shopify POS. How do I fix this?

Random characters or unreadable receipts mean the printer is paired but using the wrong emulation, code page or width. Change the Star/Bixolon to a supported Shopify POS profile (StarPRNT or ESC/POS), set the right paper size, then power-cycle the printer, forget/re-pair Bluetooth, and re-add it under Shopify POS → Receipt printers before printing a new test receipt.

Sources

Matt Verified Icon
Matt ● replies in < 1 min
Technician Expert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by 27,000+ customers
Avatar
Alex · Expert's Assistant
5 Tech Support Specialists are online right now.