USB Receipt Printer Setup, Troubleshooting, & Buying Guide for POS Systems

USB is one of the most important interfaces for receipt printers. If you're running a retail store, café, or POS-based business, chances are you've used a USB receipt printer. These compact printers have been a mainstay in checkout counters for years—fast, reliable, and easy to set up.

This FAQ guide answers the most common questions about POS USB receipt printers, from setup and drivers to troubleshooting and choosing the right model for your business.

1. What Is a USB Receipt Printer Used For?

A USB receipt printer is used to print transaction receipts, order tickets, or invoices directly from a POS system, computer, or tablet via a USB connection. It's commonly found in retail stores, restaurants, kiosks, ticketing systems, and self-service terminals, where fast, stable printing is essential.

2. How Do I Connect a USB Receipt Printer to My Computer or POS System?

Connecting a USB receipt printer is simple:

• Plug the printer's USB cable into your computer or POS terminal.

• Download receipt printer driver from the manufacturer's website, and install it accordingly.

• Set the printer as the default device in your POS or operating system settings.

Most modern systems recognize the printer automatically once the driver is installed.

3. Do USB Receipt Printers Need Ink?

No. Most of them are thermal USB receipt printers, which use heat-sensitive paper instead of ink or toner. That means you'll never need to replace ink cartridges—just change the thermal paper roll when it runs out.

4. What Kind of Paper Do USB Receipt Printers Use?

They typically use thermal printer paper rolls, available in two standard widths:

• 80mm thermal receipt paper

The standard size for most USB receipt printers. It provides wider printing space for itemized receipts, barcodes, and logos—ideal for retail stores, supermarkets, and restaurants.

• 58mm thermal receipt paper

Used by some compact desktop models and mobile printers for basic receipts where space saving is preferred.

Always check your model's specifications before purchasing paper rolls. Recommend using high-quality thermal paper for sharper printouts and longer printhead life.

5. Why Is My USB Receipt Printer Not Printing?

If your POS USB receipt printer isn't printing, check the following:

• The printer driver is installed correctly.

• The printer is powered on and connected to the correct USB port.

• Paper is loaded properly with the thermal side facing the print head.

• The printer isn't set to “Offline” mode in your computer's settings.

If it still doesn't work, reinstall the driver or test the USB cable on another device.

6. USB vs Bluetooth Receipt Printer — Which One Is Better?

Based on the table above, here's the takeaway:

• If your POS station is stationary, a receipt printer with USB connectivity is the most stable and cost-effective choice.

• Bluetooth handheld receipt printers, on the other hand, are better suited for mobile or temporary sales points where portability outweighs absolute reliability.

7. Can a USB Receipt Printer Print Barcodes or QR Codes?

Yes! Most USB receipt printers support 1D and 2D barcode printing, including UPC, EAN, code 128, QR codes, as long as your POS software generates them. They can also print logos and custom headers (like your shop name or contact details). 

8. Can I Connect Multiple USB Receipt Printers to One POS Terminal?

Yes. Many POS systems support multiple printers—such as one for receipts and another for kitchen orders—if your POS software allows multiple printer mapping. Just assign each USB printer to a different port and printer role.

9. How Long Does a USB Receipt Printer Last?

High-quality thermal receipt printers can last 5–7 years or more, depending on usage and maintenance.

Regular cleaning of the print head and use of good-quality thermal paper can significantly extend lifespan.

10. Can a USB Receipt Printer Open a Cash Drawer?

Yes. Many USB receipt printers have an RJ11 or RJ12 port to connect directly to a cash drawer. When a receipt prints, the printer automatically sends a signal to pop open the drawer—perfect for POS counters.

11. Do USB Receipt Printers Work Offline?

Yes. Since USB thermal printers connect directly to your device, they don't require an internet connection to function. This makes them more reliable than Wi-Fi or cloud printers in environments where connectivity may be unstable.

12. What Are the Best USB Receipt Printers for POS Systems?

If you're looking for reliable models, here are some top-rated thermal receipt printers with auto cutters trusted by businesses worldwide.

✅ Hanin TP80N-H – Budget-friendly USB receipt printer. Compact and durable design with easy paper loading. Gear dust-proof design for longer printer life. Perfect for grocery stores, small retail shops, and restaurants.

✅ Hanin TP806 – Fast and reliable 80mm thermal POS printer. Prints at speeds up to 300 mm/s. Built with a sturdy, long-lasting structure and a multi-interface design. Supports 1D & 2D barcodes, and page mode printing. Perfect for high-traffic retail and restaurant POS.

Learn more: Explore Hanin POS Printers →

In a world full of wireless options, the humble USB connection still wins on stability and simplicity. It just works. And sometimes, that's exactly what a business needs.