1/14/2025

Common Shopify POS Errors & How to Resolve Them

Are you an entrepreneur using Shopify POS (Point of Sale) for your retail business? If yes, you might have encountered some frustrating errors and glitches that can disrupt your checkout process and impact your customer experience. In this blog post, we're diving into some COMMON Shopify POS ERRORS & presenting simple solutions to resolve them so you can keep your operations running smoothly.

1. Performance Issues

One of the most COMMON complaints from Shopify POS users is related to performance issues. Many merchants report that the app can be slow, often leading to a lag during checkout. This can be particularly frustrating on busy days or peak hours when every second counts! Here’s how to tackle performance issues:

a. Make Sure Your Software is Up-to-Date

Ensure that your device is running the latest version of both the Shopify POS app and your operating system. Regular updates contain important bug fixes & performance improvements. To do so:

For iOs, check your software by tapping
1☰ More > Support > View device information
in the Shopify POS app.
For Android, visit your Google Play Store and search for updates.

b. Check Your Internet Connection

Sometimes, poor network connectivity can slow down your POS app. Check your WiFi or mobile data settings. If your network is unreliable, consider transitioning to a different service provider.

2. Errors at Checkout

Ah! The dreaded checkout error! This can leave both you & your customers feeling disgruntled.

a. Network Error Codes

You may encounter error codes like 401 or 500 indicating issues with your network connectivity.

Error Code 401: This typically means that your session has expired. To fix this, sign out & sign back into the app or reset your account through the app settings.
Error Code 500: This usually indicates a server error. In this case, you may need to contact Shopify Support.

b. App Lagging During Checkout

If your POS app is lagging during the checkout process, it may be due to various reasons. To resolve this:

Restart the Shopify POS app.
Force close the Shopify POS app if it seems stuck.
- For iOS: Open the App Switcher, find the Shopify POS app, & swipe up to close.
- For Android: Tap the three vertical lines on your home screen, find the app, & swipe it away.

3. Syncing Issues

Sometimes your Shopify POS may not reflect the changes made in the Shopify admin, leaving your inventory out of sync.

a. Resync Shopify POS with Shopify Admin

If you notice discrepancies:

Open the POS app & tap
1☰ More > Connectivity > Data Synchronization
and check the sync status.
If it indicates a problem, tap ‘Refresh all’ to sync again.

b. Check Firewall Settings

Your network firewall may inadvertently block the app’s ability to sync properly. Add the following domains to your allow list:

1shopify.com
1myshopify.com
1stripe.com
and others featured in the Shopify documentation.

4. Equipment Connectivity Issues

Shopify POS often uses various hardware such as barcode scanners & receipt printers. If you experience issues with connectivity:

a. Reconnect Hardware

Try reconnecting the hardware that you’re using:

Socket Scanners: Disconnect & reconnect to ensure they are linked correctly.
Receipt Printers: Ensure your printer is connected & the correct settings are selected in the POS app.

b. Device Compatibility

Always check that your hardware is compatible with Shopify POS. Ensure your iPad or Android device meets the APP's compatibility requirements specified here.

5. Other Common Issues

Beyond the common errors, you might also come across several other frustrations:

a. Payment Processing Problems

If your payment processing fails, confirm that you are using supported payment methods & that your hardware is functioning correctly. Consider switching to another payment terminal if it continues to malfunction. See Shopify's extensive guide on payment processes.

b. App Crashes

Crashing might feel like a deal-breaker, especially during chaotic sales. If your POS app crashes frequently:

Make sure you're NOT using multiple apps simultaneously that require extensive resources.
Close any fixed apps running in the background before opening your POS app again.

How Arsturn Can Help

While this guide provides vital troubleshooting steps for common Shopify POS errors, you might still find tech support or engagement from your customers a challenge. This is where Arsturn shines! With Arsturn, you can instantly create custom ChatGPT-powered chatbots to engage your customers BEFORE they face issues.

Benefits of Using Arsturn:

Build Custom AI Chatbots: Easily create chatbots tailored to customer needs without coding skills.
Boost Engagement & Sales: Have chatbots address FAQs & offer assistance at any hour, improving customer satisfaction while increasing conversions.
Instantly Service Your Customers: Chatbots can connect customers with info quickly, reducing the burden on your support team.

Join thousands of businesses using Arsturn to transform customer interactions and streamline their services. No credit card is required to launch your chatbot today!

Conclusion

Shopify POS can have its share of issues, from performance woes to connectivity struggles & payment glitches. However, with the right troubleshooting steps and robust support tools, you can effectively resolve these problems. And for enhancing customer engagement, don’t forget to leverage Arsturn. Start creating impactful chatbot solutions & bring your customer communications to a NEW level!

Happy selling, everyone!