As a modern retailer, having a flexible and reliable Point of Sale (POS) system is critical to business success. But what happens when your internet connection goes down? Can you still make sales, access your product catalog, or serve your customers without disruption? In this in-depth guide, we’ll answer the key question: Does Shopify POS work offline?
Spoiler: Yes, Shopify POS does work offline – but with important limitations you should understand to avoid operational hiccups.
Overview
What Is Shopify POS?
Shopify POS (Point of Sale) is a retail management system that allows merchants to sell products in person, whether at a brick-and-mortar store, pop-up shop, event, or market. Integrated directly with the Shopify platform, the POS system connects physical sales with your online store to keep products, inventory, and customer data in sync.
Shopify POS comes in two versions:
- Shopify POS Lite: Included with all Shopify plans; great for simple sales.
- Shopify POS Pro: A more advanced solution with features like smart inventory management, staff permissions, and omnichannel sales tools.
Can Shopify POS Work Without an Internet Connection?
Yes, Shopify POS can function in offline mode. This means you can continue making sales even if your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection temporarily drops. However, the system has limited functionality while offline, and certain features require reconnection to sync data to your Shopify admin.
What You Can Do with Shopify POS Offline
When your device is offline, Shopify POS stores data locally and allows basic selling operations. Here’s what still works:
Process Cash Transactions
You can accept cash payments and record them in the system. These transactions are stored on your device until you reconnect to the internet.
Add Products to the Cart
Previously downloaded product information is available, allowing you to search and add items to the customer’s cart.
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Apply Discounts and Custom Prices
You can manually apply discounts or change prices on the spot.
Issue Printed or Emailed Receipts
As long as your receipt printer is connected via Bluetooth or USB, you can print receipts. Email receipts can also be queued.
Collect Customer Information
Customer data can still be added, and new profiles created offline will sync when the device goes back online.
What You Cannot Do with Shopify POS Offline
While you can still ring up sales offline, some advanced features won’t work until the internet connection is restored:
Card Payments via Shopify Payments
Shopify Payments card readers (like WisePad 3 or Tap & Chip) require an active internet connection. If you’re offline, you won’t be able to process credit or debit card transactions unless using a third-party terminal that supports offline mode.
Real-Time Inventory Updates
Inventory levels will not update across locations or your online store until your POS reconnects. This can lead to overselling if not carefully managed.
Customer Profile Lookup
Looking up existing customers or accessing full order history requires internet access.
Automatic Discounts and Promotions
Some discount rules tied to online data may not apply correctly offline.
Third-Party App Integrations
Apps like loyalty programs, advanced analytics, and CRM POS integrations won’t function without real-time access.
What Happens When You Reconnect?
Once the POS device regains internet access, Shopify automatically syncs:
- Sales made offline
- Customer data entered
- Inventory adjustments
- Receipts and transaction records
This ensures accurate reporting and stock levels across all connected channels. It’s seamless, but you should confirm that everything has synced properly after reconnecting.
Best Practices for Using Shopify POS Offline
To ensure smooth operations even when offline, follow these tips:
1. Preload Your Product Catalog
Before going offline (e.g., at a trade show), make sure your entire product catalog is downloaded to your POS device.
2. Train Your Staff
Educate employees on what works offline and what doesn’t. Have clear procedures for handling card payments when offline.
3. Use a Backup Payment Method
Consider having a separate third-party payment terminal (like Square or Zettle) that supports offline mode for card transactions.
4. Check Sync Status After Reconnecting
Always confirm that sales, customer data, and inventory have fully synced once back online.
5. Avoid Making Inventory Changes While Offline
Limit inventory edits during offline sessions to prevent conflicts or data loss.
Offline Mode Use Cases
Shopify POS’s offline mode is ideal for:
- Pop-up shops or outdoor markets with unreliable internet
- Events or festivals where the mobile signal is weak
- Brick-and-mortar stores that experience temporary outages
- Traveling merchants selling on the go
It’s a powerful fail-safe that helps ensure business continuity.
Shopify POS Offline Mode: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keep selling during internet outages | No card payments via Shopify Payments |
| Access preloaded product catalog | Inventory sync delayed |
| Collect customer data | No access to real-time data or promotions |
| Transactions auto-sync when online | Limited app functionality |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take credit card payments offline with Shopify POS?
No. Shopify Payments card readers need an internet connection. You can use a third-party terminal that supports offline processing as a workaround.
Will inventory automatically update when I’m back online?
Yes. All offline sales and inventory changes are synced automatically when your POS device reconnects to the internet.
Can I use gift cards offline?
You can sell gift cards offline, but redeeming or checking balances requires an internet connection.
Is Shopify POS reliable for markets or pop-ups?
Yes. Many merchants use Shopify POS at events with poor connectivity. Just be prepared for payment limitations.
Conclusion
So, does Shopify POS work offline? Absolutely. Shopify POS offers a reliable offline mode that lets you process sales, manage customers, and keep your store running even without internet access. While it has some limitations—especially around card payments and real-time syncing—it’s a powerful feature that ensures your business stays open, wherever you are.
With proper preparation and an understanding of how offline mode works, you can use Shopify POS confidently in any retail environment.