How to Connect Barcode Scanners & ESC/POS Thermal Printers to Web POS (Step-by-Step)
Complete hardware guide for retail shops. Learn how to connect 2-inch and 3-inch thermal printers (USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and plug-and-play barcode scanners to ShelfOne POS without driver issues.
## Retail Hardware Setup Made Simple
Setting up POS hardware used to require hiring specialized computer technicians to install serial COM port drivers and calibrate DIP switches.
With **ShelfOne POS**, modern web standards (WebUSB, Web Bluetooth, and standard HID keyboard emulation) allow you to connect any thermal receipt printer and barcode scanner in less than 60 seconds.
---
1. Setting Up Your Barcode Scanner
All commercial barcode scanners (Honeywell, TVS, Zebra, Retsol, Datalogic) operate in **HID Keyboard Emulation Mode** out of the box.
Steps to Test: 1. Plug your scanner's USB cable into any USB port on your PC or laptop. (For wireless 2.4GHz scanners, plug in the USB dongle; for Bluetooth, pair under Windows Settings > Bluetooth). 2. Open **[ShelfOne POS Billing](/dashboard/billing/new)**. 3. Aim the red scanner laser at any barcode (e.g. a packet of biscuits or shampoo). 4. The scanner reads the 13-digit EAN/UPC code and automatically presses "Enter", adding the item to your active cart instantly!
---
2. Connecting Thermal Receipt Printers (ESC/POS)
ShelfOne natively supports both **58mm (2-inch)** and **80mm (3-inch)** thermal roll printers.
Windows Setup: 1. Connect printer via USB and power it on. 2. Ensure the manufacturer's basic driver is installed (TVS RP-3160, Epson TM-T82, Everycom, NGX). 3. Set your thermal printer as the default printer in Windows Settings, or select it directly from the Chrome/Edge print dialogue. 4. Set Paper Size to **72mm / 80mm roll** and Margins to **None**. 5. Enable **Silent Printing (Kiosk Mode)** for 1-click sub-second printing without dialogue popups!
Try ShelfOne Counter Software in Your Browser
Test lightning-fast barcode scanning, thermal printing, and WhatsApp invoicing with zero setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I print bills from my mobile phone using a portable Bluetooth printer?
Yes! ShelfOne supports standard 58mm and 80mm Bluetooth mobile thermal printers. Simply pair via Bluetooth and print receipts directly from your phone.
Q:What paper size is recommended for grocery and kirana stores?
80mm (3-inch) is strongly recommended for grocery stores because it accommodates item names, quantity, price, GST split, and a dynamic UPI QR code cleanly.