Best Practices for Lightspeed Apps

The point of sale system is one of the most important parts of a business. Keep the Retail POS (S-Series) app, Lightspeed Pocket for iOS & Android, and Lightspeed Pay for iOS apps running efficiently by updating each as needed and following our best practices below.

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Retail POS (S-Series) App

Lightspeed Retail delivers new features, bug fixes, and more reliable performance with each update to our Register app. For the best possible experience, follow our guide to update your Lightspeed Retail POS whenever a new version is released.

If you need help downloading the Retail POS (S-Series) app, visit our Introduction to the iPad article.

Supported Register Versions

  • The current version of the Retail POS (S-Series) app for iOS is: v6.11.0. Read our latest release notes here.
  • If you are using any version between v6.10.0 and v4.6.0, we strongly advise you to update the Retail POS (S-Series) app to the latest version.
  • Lightspeed Retail no longer supports versions v4.5.0 and below. Update immediately or you may experience noticeably diminished performance.
  • Visit our Introduction to the iPad article to learn how to update the Retail POS (S-Series) app.
  • If you have multiple registers, Lightspeed Retail works best when each register is on the same version of the Retail POS (S-Series) app.
  • The current version of the Retail POS (S-Series) app for Android is: v5.0.5. Read our latest release notes here.
  • If you are using any version between v5.0.1 and v2.7.0, we strongly advise you to update the Retail POS (S-Series) app to the latest version.
  • Visit our Introduction to Android article to learn how to update the Retail POS (S-Series) app.
  • If you have multiple registers, Lightspeed Retail works best when each register is on the same version of the Retail POS (S-Series) app.
  • The current version of the Retail POS (S-Series) app on The Mini and on The Station, built by Clover, is: v5.0.1.
  • The Retail POS (S-Series) app v4.1.3 and above is not supported on the 1st-gen Mini. To receive the latest app updates, you must be using a 2nd-gen Mini or other supported register device.
  • Learn which type of Mini you have by visiting Clover support.
  • There is no need to manually update the Retail POS (S-Series) app on The Mini or on The Station as updates automatically install at night when the register is inactive.
  • Never delete the app unless asked by a Customer Care Advisor. You run the risk of permanently deleting register data by deleting the app or without properly deactivating your register.

    Are you running into issues while using the Retail POS (S-Series) app? Check out our Troubleshooting Guide!
    Check out our FAQ for some answers to common questions that come up when using Lightspeed Retail.

    Check iOS Register App Version

    1. In the Retail POS (S-Series) app, open the Main Menu.
    2. Scroll to and tap ‘System Diagnostics’.
    3. Look for the current register version listed beside ‘Retail POS (S-Series) Version’.
      Click to Enlarge

    Visit our System Diagnostics article to learn about the other information available in this section.

    Check Android Register App Version

    1. In the Retail POS (S-Series) app, open the sign in screen or register menu and look for the register version in the bottom right corner.

    Lightspeed Pocket App

    As with the Retail POS (S-Series) app, it’s best to update Lightspeed Pocket when a new version is released to ensure that you receive the newest features and most reliable app performance.

    If you need help downloading Lightspeed Pocket, visit our Lightspeed Pocket for iOS & Android article.

    Supported Pocket Versions

  • The current version of Pocket for iOS is: v6.3.1.
  • The current version of Pocket for Android is: v6.3.1.
  • If you are running any version between v6.3.0 and v4.1.1, we strongly advise that you update Pocket to the latest version.
  • Lightspeed Retail no longer supports versions v3.0.9 and below.
  • Lightspeed Pocket performs best with iOS 10 and above for iOS devices and with Android 4.1 and above for Android devices.
  • Not sure what version of iOS you have? Follow the steps in the Check iPad Model / iOS Version section at the end of this article.
  • Running an old version of iOS? Visit our support article to learn how to update.
  • If you run into issues while using Lightspeed Pocket, visit our troubleshooting guide for help. Have questions about Pocket? Visit our FAQ page.

    Check Pocket Version

    1. In the Lightspeed Pocket app, tap ‘More’.
    2. The current Pocket version is displayed in the upper right corner.

    Lightspeed Pay App

    Update the Lightspeed Pay app when a new version is released to ensure that you receive the newest features and most reliable app performance.

    Supported Lightspeed Pay Versions

  • The current version of Lightspeed Pay for iOS is: v6.6.0.
  • If you are running any version between v6.5.0 and v5.18.2, we strongly advise that you update the Lightspeed Pay app to the latest version.
  • Visit our Introduction to the iPad article to learn how to update Lightspeed Pay.
  • The Lightspeed Pay app runs on devices updated to iOS 12 or above.
  • Lightspeed Pay is not supported on iOS 11.4.1 and below.
  • Not sure what version of iOS you have? Follow the steps in the Check iPad Model / iOS Version section at the end of this article.
  • Running an old version of iOS? Visit our support article to learn how to update.
  • Check Lightspeed Pay Version

    1. In the Lightspeed Pay app, open the Main Menu.
    2. Tap ‘System Diagnostics’.
    3. Look for the current app version listed beside ‘Lightspeed Pay (S-Series) Version’.

    iPad and iOS

    Lightspeed Retail builds for the future by utilizing the newest iPad hardware and iOS software updates. To keep your Lightspeed Retail Register running smoothly, follow the additional recommendations below.

    Supported Models / iOS Versions

  • The Retail POS (S-Series) app works on the iPad (5th gen and newer), iPad Air (1st gen and newer), iPad Pro (1st gen and newer), and iPad Mini 2 and newer.
  • Older iPad models will experience increased performance issues in Lightspeed Retail, especially in high-volume settings.
  • Lightspeed Retail is not supported on the 1st gen iPad, iPad 2/3/4, or 1st gen iPad Mini.
  • The Retail POS (S-Series) app runs on iPads updated to iOS 12 or above.
  • If using the Retail POS (S-Series) app v5.0.0 or above, we strongly recommend updating to iOS 12.4.8 or above.
  • Lightspeed Retail is not supported on iOS 11.4.1 and below.
  • If you have multiple registers, Lightspeed Retail works best when each iPad register is on the same version of iOS. Visit the Update iOS article for help updating to the latest version of iOS.
  • Having problems with your iPad? Visit this page for links to Apple support and troubleshooting guides that deal with issues affecting your iPad and its settings.

    Check iPad Model / iOS Version

    iPad Model

    1. Remove the iPad from its stand or enclosure.
    2. Check the back for a 5 character model number beginning with the letter 'A'.
    3. Look up 'your' model number on Apple's support site.

    iOS Version

    1. Open 'Settings'.
      Click to Enlarge
    2. Tap 'General'.
    3. Tap 'About'.
    4. The current iOS version is listed beside ‘Version’.
      Click to Enlarge

    For the Retail POS (S-Series) app for iOS to run most effectively, configure the following iPad settings in the Settings App.

    Automatic Updates

    Disable Automatic Updates to keep the iPad from automatically installing app updates. This puts you in control of when to update the Retail POS (S-Series) app which ensures minimal disruption to your business day.

    1. Scroll down and tap 'iTunes & App Store'.
    2. Toggle 'Updates' off.

    Auto-Lock

    Auto-Lock puts the iPad to sleep after a preset amount of time. Set Auto-Lock to ‘Never’ so the register screen remains on and active during transaction.

    1. Tap 'Display & Brightness'.
    2. Tap 'Auto-Lock'.
    3. Select 'Never'.

    Ask to Join Networks

    This setting prevents the iPad from disconnecting from your Wi-Fi and automatically joining other nearby networks. If the iPad leaves the business’s Wi-Fi, it can no longer communicate with ethernet printers, credit card readers, or other registers on that network.

    1. Tap 'Wi-Fi'.
    2. At the bottom, toggle 'Ask to Join Networks' on.
      If your iPad does happen to connect to an outside network, try forgetting that network.

    Android Tablets and OS

    Lightspeed Retail builds for the future by utilizing the newest hardware and Android software updates. To keep your Lightspeed Retail Register running smoothly, follow the additional recommendations below.

    Supported Models / Android Versions

  • The Retail POS (S-Series) app works on Android tablets running Android v7.0 Nougat and above.
  • We recommend using a Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2019) tablet, which runs Android v10, as it is officially supported by Lightspeed Retail.
  • The Retail POS (S-Series) app runs best when your tablet is updated to Android v9.0 Pie or above.
  • Lightspeed Retail is not supported on Android v6.0.1 Marshmallow and below.
  • If you have multiple registers, Lightspeed Retail works best when each tablet is updated to the same version of Android.
  • Check Android Version

    The steps below show how to check the Android version on our supported Samsung Galaxy Tab A (2019) tablet, but steps for other devices may vary. For help, contact your device manufacturer or visit Android support.

    1. Open the ‘Settings’ app.
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    2. Tap ‘About tablet’.
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    3. Select ‘Software information.
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    4. Look for the number under ‘Android Version’.
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    Automatic App Updates

    If you want to be in control of when the Retail POS (S-Series) app is updated, turn off Automatic Updates. Disabling this optional setting prevents the Android tablet from automatically downloading app updates and helps minimize disruptions to your business day.

    1. Open the Play Store.
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    2. Tap the menu button.
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    3. Select ‘Settings’.
      Click to Enlarge
    4. Tap ‘Auto-update apps’.
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    5. Select ‘Don’t auto-update apps’, then tap ‘Done’.
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