Why is Lightspeed POS not connecting to my kitchen printer?

Most of the time when Lightspeed can't find the printer, the network between them has changed. Common causes include the printer picking up a new IP address after a router restart, a Wi-Fi password change, or a Lightspeed update that reset the printer configuration. Check whether the printer connects on other devices first — if it does, the issue is Lightspeed's stored IP address for it.

How do I fix the IP address problem with my Lightspeed printer?

Assign the printer a fixed (static) IP address — either through the printer's own settings menu or by setting up a DHCP reservation in your router for the printer's MAC address. This is a one-time setup that stops the problem permanently. Update the IP address in Lightspeed Back Office under your printer configuration.

When should I call a technician for Lightspeed printer issues?

If you've checked the IP address, updated Lightspeed's printer config, and the printer still won't connect — or if the problem keeps coming back — a technician needs to look at the network setup on-site. HospoDoc services Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Call 1300 467 761.

Lightspeed POS not connecting to printer — here’s why | HospoDoc

POS Troubleshooting

Lightspeed POS not
connecting to printer —
here’s why

Q: Why does Lightspeed keep losing the printer after a router restart?

Lightspeed connects to printers by IP address. If the printer uses DHCP (automatic IP), it can get a different address each time it or the router restarts. Lightspeed then points to the old address and finds nothing. The permanent fix is to assign the printer a static IP address — either in the printer's settings or by reserving it in your router.

Publish: 1 June 2026

Lightspeed is one of the most common POS systems in Brisbane hospitality. And one of the most common callouts we get is Lightspeed losing its connection to kitchen or receipt printers. Here’s what’s actually going wrong.

HospoDoc technician checking printer network connection at Brisbane venue — Most printer connection issues trace back to the network, not the printer itself.

Is it a Lightspeed problem or a network problem?

This is the first question to answer. Most of the time when Lightspeed “can’t find the printer”, the printer is fine and Lightspeed is fine — the network between them has changed or broken down.

Has your router restarted recently?

Printers can pick up a new IP address on restart — Lightspeed then points to the old one and finds nothing.

Has anyone changed the Wi-Fi password or network settings?

The printer may have lost connection and reconnected on a different address.

Is the printer showing as connected on other devices?

If yes, the printer is up — the issue is Lightspeed’s stored address for it.

Did this start after a Lightspeed update?

App updates occasionally reset printer config. Check your printer setup in Lightspeed Back Office.

The IP address problem — and why it keeps coming back

Lightspeed connects to printers by their IP address. If your printer is set to grab its address automatically (DHCP), that address can change every time the printer or router restarts. Lightspeed then points to the old address and finds nothing.

Permanent fix: Give the printer a fixed (static) IP address — either in the printer’s settings directly, or by reserving it in your router. This is a one-time setup job and it stops the problem for good. We do this on every kitchen printer install.

Lightspeed-specific things to check

Printer not appearing in Lightspeed Back Office — needs to be re-added with the correct IP
Print routing not configured — check which menu items are assigned to which printer
Lightspeed app out of date — older versions can have connection bugs; check for updates
Multiple iPads conflicting — two devices pointing to the same printer can cause intermittent drops

When does it need someone on-site?

If you’ve checked the above and Lightspeed is still not connecting, the diagnosis needs to happen in person. Trying to read out IP addresses and Back Office settings over the phone is slow, error-prone, and often ends with no fix.

Someone with a laptop on your network can find and resolve this in a fraction of the time. HospoDoc works hands-on with Lightspeed across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast — we’ve seen every version of this problem.

Lightspeed not printing?We’ll come to your venue and fix it properly.

Call 1300 467 761