The Benefits of Restaurant iPad POS Systems

How an iPad POS system can benefit your restaurant

Restaurants have unique POS needs and tablet-based systems are often a great solution. If you are considering a restaurant iPad POS system, here are a few of the features and benefits these types of POS systems offer restaurants.

Tableside payment processing

With iPad POS systems, sales have the luxury of being mobile. Many restaurants today put iPads at tables so customers can order and pay without talking to a server. When customers’ checks are ready, you can process their payments right at the table. Instead of waitstaff taking a credit card or gift card to the POS cash register and bringing back a receipt for signature, the diner can provide their payment and signature directly on the iPad. This streamlines the payment process for both customers and your employees.

Inventory management

An iPad POS system can help you track your inventory automatically, adjusting stock counts as tableside orders are placed. It can also provide you with a detailed list of which items need to be restocked as well as send you email notifications. A good iPad POS system can show you which ingredients are popular. This lets you stay on top of your ordering and enables you to see which items are customer favorites. 

Cloud access

The information your iPad POS processes is stored in the cloud. This means that you can access your account from any internet-enabled device. If you need to make changes to your inventory, you can do so easily from your desktop computer. When you make changes from there, the system will update automatically so you can see your changes on the iPad in real time. 

Easy setup

One of the most significant benefits of using an iPad POS system is how easy it is to set up and use its POS features. All that is required to operate an iPad POS system is an iPad, the cloud-based software and a credit card reader, which is often provided by the credit card processor your POS provider partners with. [Read related: The Best Credit Card Processors of 2024]

After setting up your account, employees can use their assigned iPad instantly to assist customers and place orders. The simplicity of an iPad system ensures that nearly everyone can use the program without needing in-depth training. If you need to offer employees training, many POS system providers can help you get started.

Best iPad POS systems for restaurants

There are several highly rated iPad POS systems on the market, but the right one for your business will depend on your specific needs and your budget. We spent countless hours researching and analyzing various options to help business owners like you find the best POS system for your restaurant. Here are a few of our top choices for iPad POS systems.

Lightspeed

Lightspeed offers POS systems for the restaurant, retail and golf industries. For those looking for a restaurant POS system, pricing starts at $69 per month. You can add restaurant-specific features like a customer-facing display system, a kitchen display system (KDS), an order pickup screen, accounting and property management integrations, gift card capabilities and delivery integrations. Check out our Lightspeed review to learn how it can benefit your business.

Lightspeed’s platform gives you all the tools to track your customer data. Source: Lightspeed

CAKE

Another top iPad POS system is CAKE by Mad Mobile. It is especially useful for restaurants needing an efficient POS system. Plans start at $69 per month and include hardware, menu management, payment processing, quick response code payments and 24/7 support. It also offers commission-free online ordering, gift cards, marketing, loyalty programs, kiosks, KDS and a guest manager. Read our review on CAKE to learn more.

CAKE’s iPad POS system gives the flexibility to take orders tableside with a tablet and send them straight to the kitchen. Source: CAKE

Square

Square is an excellent POS option for quick-service, fast-service and fast-casual restaurants as well as bars, breweries and ghost kitchens. It is one of the only POS systems we analyzed that offers a free plan. It also offers monthly paid plans starting at $60 per device plus credit card processing fees. It has several restaurant-specific features, such as menu management, table management, floor plan customizations and contactless order and delivery. Read our Square review to learn more.

Square has a simple interface that makes it easy to navigate. Source: Square

TouchBistro

This all-in-one POS system is compatible with iPads, iPad Pros and iPad Minis. Plans start at $69 per month. TouchBistro has more than 200 restaurant-specific features, such as ingredient-level tracking, tableside ordering and payments, drag-and-drop table management tools, customer management and loyalty programs. Check out our TouchBistro review to learn more about how it can benefit your business.

TouchBistro’s iPad POS system gives restaurants complete control over their reservations and table management. Source: TouchBistro

How to turn your iPad into a POS system

There are only a few things that you must have when using your iPad as a POS system. These are the iPad, a card reader and the POS software you choose. Follow these steps to set up your iPad as a POS.

1. Set up the iPad.

Since they are generally meant for personal use, the default iPad settings are often geared toward non-business use. You’ll want to change them before you use an iPad as a POS. First, create a new Apple ID for business purposes only. If you use your personal ID, your personal information will be available on the device.

Next, you will want to turn off automatic updates and disable Siri. You aren’t likely to need her when using your iPad as a POS. Updates are important but you don’t want them occurring during business hours.

You may need to disable the screen lock and turn off the auto-sleep setting, particularly if you use it as a kiosk. You may need to turn off the auto-brightness function as well so you can select the brightness that works best in your environment. If you are concerned about what employees or customers may do on the iPad, you can set up guided access. When the tablet is in guided access mode, it will allow you to access only the apps that you choose.

2. Find and set up a POS.

Once your iPad is ready for business, download your chosen POS app. You can find these in the App Store.

Once you’ve downloaded the POS software, sign into your merchant verification service to begin processing payments. You’ll also need to add your menu items and the number of tables at your restaurant. You may need to enter your inventory as well so that the POS system can keep track of it for you. The POS system will guide you through this process.

3. Add peripherals.

Many businesses find that they need peripherals for the iPad POS. These include a receipt printer, tablet stand and cash drawer. You can purchase equipment bundles to ensure that everything is compatible. Be sure that they’re also compatible with your POS software and iPad device. Once you have connected your card reader and peripherals to your iPad, you are ready to use your iPad as a POS.

Whitney Sanchez contributed to this article.