1. How Do I Print a Receipt for an Online Order?
This is the most common search intent behind “how do I print a receipt.” Whether it's Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify, the process is similar.
Use a desktop or laptop browser. Mobile apps often hide or remove print options to save screen space.
General Steps:
- Go to Order History / Purchase History.
- Open the specific order and look for links like Printable Invoice, Order Receipt, or View Invoice.
- Use your browser’s print function:
Windows: Ctrl + P
Mac: ⌘ + P
If you don’t see a “Print” button, you can still print the page directly using the browser shortcut (Ctrl + P). It’s not elegant, but it works for record keeping.
Looking for a specific app?
Printing from mobile apps can be tricky. Check out our detailed guides for these popular platforms:
2. How Do I Print a Receipt from a POS System?
If you run a retail store, restaurant, café, or service business, receipts are usually printed automatically through a POS receipt printer.
Typical Workflow
- A sale is completed in the POS software.
- The POS sends a print command to the receipt printer (via ESC/POS commands).
- The printer outputs the receipt instantly on thermal paper.
Common Connection Types
Ensure your printer is connected via USB, Ethernet (LAN), or Bluetooth. If a receipt doesn’t print, the issue is usually the wrong printer selected in the POS software settings.
3. How Do I Print from a Browser-Based POS?
Many modern POS systems run in a web browser. In this case, printing relies on the operating system’s printer driver.
Browsers cannot directly send raw receipt commands (like "cut paper" or "open cash drawer") without a local print service, POS middleware, or a dedicated printing SDK.
4. How Do I Print a Receipt from My Phone?
Printing receipts from a mobile device depends entirely on printer compatibility.
- Works Best: Printers supporting Bluetooth or AirPrint (iOS).
- Common Failure: Trying to use a standard desktop USB receipt printer via an OTG cable without a specific driver app.
For mobile businesses, pop-up stores, and delivery operations, choosing a dedicated mobile receipt printer is essential.
5. Should I Print Receipts or Save as PDF?
Many sellers and small businesses now default to digital receipts.
- Print: For in-store transactions, customer requests, or immediate compliance.
- PDF: For online orders, expense tracking, and long-term storage (thermal paper fades over time!).
6. Common Printing Problems (Quick Fixes)
Printer Not Printing?
Check power and paper loading. Ensure the USB/Network cable is secure and the correct driver is installed.
Receipt Prints Blank?
Thermal paper is loaded backwards. The shiny side must face the heating element. Flip the roll.
Cuts Incorrectly?
Check paper width mismatch (58mm vs 80mm) in your printer driver or POS cutter settings.
Final Thoughts
If you searched “how do I print a receipt”, the right answer depends on your situation:
- Online order: Print from a desktop browser or save as PDF.
- Retail/Restaurant: Use a POS system with a thermal receipt printer.
- Mobile business: Choose a printer designed for Bluetooth/AirPrint.
