Offline mode in POS: Does it matter to your business?

In the digital world, most applications and software, including POS systems, are based on the Internet. Internet access is a must for on-the-go businesses, such as restaurants and fast-food chains. If you can not process the orders on time, you will miss out on the sales opportunities. Ergo, many POS users require offline mode in their systems to ensure a smooth operation. If you still wonder what the offline mode in POS means, let’s run down for more details and check out an example of offline mode in ConnectPOS. 

So, what does offline mode in POS mean? 

Offline mode in a POS (Point-of-Sale) system means that the system can continue to operate even when there’s no internet connection.

Instead of shutting down or showing errors, a POS with offline mode will still let you:

• Process sales transactions
• Print receipts
• Apply discounts or promotions
• Track inventory (locally)
• Collect customer data

All this information is stored locally on the device and then synced to the cloud or main server automatically once the internet connection is restored.

No internet connection. Wireless connectivity disconnect, error connection wifi. Annoyed people and unplugged computer vector illustration. Bad signal wifi wireless web page on screen

It is the ability of the POS system to function when the internet goes down. 

Most POS continues to work during the internet downtime, but not all functions. To get to know which certain features are used for offline, let’s check your POS type and your provider.

In common practices, POS can not import and export information on the cloud system when there is poor internet connectivity. Furthermore, synchronization with other devices requires your POS to be online. 

Must-have features of offline mode in POS

Here is a short list of features that a POS system should maintain while it is on the offline status: 

• One of the must-have functions is the ability to create, edit, and add on customer profiles. Do not miss out on any chance to collect customer data, just due to the internet disruption. It is the very first step in the long road of building customer relationships. 
• A proper POS should enable you to look up products and add them to carts without the backup of the internet. You won’t want to let your customers go because you lose Wi-Fi connectivity. 
• When you turn on the offline mode, POS should also accept basic payment methods. In the era of digital transactions, credit cards make up over 34 percent of total card payment transactions. That being so, your POS should enable you to store the payment data, then actually process the transaction when it has the wifi re-connection. 

Types of POS have offline mode

Here’s a helpful guide to the types of POS systems that offer offline mode, perfect for businesses that need to stay operational even during internet disruptions:

Hybrid POS system

It works as it calls. Like hybrid cars consume petrol and electricity, hybrid POS can work in two ways – online and offline. If there is an internet outage, POS keeps working a fixed function. It stores data to the hard disc then synchronizes at the time when the internet comes back. For instance, TouchBistro is a hybrid POS where the system can operate on a hardwired, local connection without the Internet. 

Examples:

• Toast POS (for restaurants)
• Revel Systems
• Clover POS

Best for: Restaurants, full-service businesses, and multi-location retailers

Cloud-Based POS Systems with Offline Mode

The web-based POS depends strongly on the Internet to run smoothly. Despite this fact, more suppliers are now adding the offline mode function to improve the customer experience.  It does not need an Internet connection to perform basic functions, for example, attach customer transactions and store payments in the hard drive. 

These are internet-first systems that save data to the cloud, but also allow sales during internet outages by storing data locally.

Examples:

• Square POS
• Shopify POS
• Lightspeed Retail
• Vend by Lightspeed

Best for: Retail stores, mobile vendors, cafes, and small-to-medium businesses

Traditional On-Premise POS

Traditional On-Premise POS refers to systems that are installed locally on a business’s own hardware (like a desktop computer or server) rather than being hosted in the cloud. These systems are self-contained and function entirely offline, making them especially useful for businesses with unreliable internet or high security requirements.

Examples:

• NCR Counterpoint
• QuickBooks POS (desktop version)

Best for: High-volume businesses or locations with consistently poor internet.

Mobile POS (mPOS) with Offline Capabilities

Mobile POS (mPOS) systems are lightweight, portable solutions that allow businesses to complete transactions using smartphones, tablets, or dedicated handheld devices. Many modern mPOS systems are cloud-based but also come with offline functionality, ensuring uninterrupted sales even during internet outages.

Examples:

• Zettle by PayPal
• SumUp POS
• Square mPOS

Best for: Market stalls, trade shows, delivery services, pop-up shops.

Offline Mode in ConnectPOS

ConnectPOS offers you the offline mode function that your POS still runs with the essential features in the no internet environment. 

You can turn on Offline mode whenever you want, such as: When you come to events, fairs, and workshops, the wifi connection is poor or unstable. 

Be mindful of the fact that ConnectPOS will request you to connect the wifi at first. It is for the system to synchronize all your store information, such as customers, inventory, tax info, etc. 

Just make sure you are online when you make any changes on your POS database, such as you want to adjust product prices or you add new arrivals, holiday promo, new events, etc. That ensures you can access the most up-to-date information when you go offline. 

Here’s how it works:

• When internet drops, ConnectPOS switches to offline mode automatically
• Sales data is stored locally on the device
• Once reconnected, all transaction data syncs securely to the cloud
• The system ensures that inventory updates, customer data, and reports are accurate and up-to-date after reconnection

Last words, 

The Internet will never fail in the perfect world. Unfortunately, it is not our globe. That being so, you should make a contingency plan for your business. Choosing a POS system that has offline mode will be the perfect ally to maintain your flawless performance. You don’t have to rely on the internet anymore heavily! Let’s contact us for the world-class POS system that offers you a seamless experience even without Internet connection!