A thermal printer arriving out of the box, unconnected, is where a lot of first-time counter setups stall for longer than they should. The actual connection process is usually simple once you know which method your specific printer uses.
USB connection: the most reliable for a fixed counter
Plugging directly into a laptop or a POS terminal via USB is generally the most stable option — no pairing issues, no signal drop, and it works consistently once the correct driver (if needed) is installed.
Bluetooth: convenient for mobile setups
For a tablet or phone used at a market stall or a mobile checkout, Bluetooth avoids being tethered by a cable. Pair it once through your device's Bluetooth settings, and most thermal printers stay remembered for future sessions.
WiFi/network printers: best for a fixed multi-device setup
Some thermal printers connect to a local WiFi network, letting multiple devices at a counter print to the same printer without individual pairing — useful if more than one till or tablet needs to share one printer.
Check browser permissions
When printing from a browser-based tool, make sure the browser has permission to access Bluetooth or USB devices if prompted — this permission step is easy to miss and is a common reason a properly connected printer still doesn't receive print jobs.
Test with a short print before a busy shift
Print a single test receipt as soon as the connection is set up, rather than discovering an issue during your first real transaction — a two-minute test avoids a much more stressful troubleshooting session later.