Where to buy iPads & recommended hardware
For full specs, recommended models, and links to purchase, see:
Meadow Hardware Catalog — full overview of supported hardware and recommended models
Meadow Amazon Wishlist — quick links to recommended hardware on Amazon
iPads
The Meadow POS app is only available on iPads — it does not run on iPhones, Android tablets, Macs, or PCs. Every register, packing station and customer-facing display in your shop will be running on an iPad, so iPads are the foundation of any Meadow setup. You may opt for refurbished iPads to reduce cost, or Minis for packing or customer facing display since they are only used as displays.
Using the iPad camera in place of a barcode scanner
Newer iPads have excellent built-in cameras, and some dispensaries opt to use the iPad's camera to scan barcodes directly in the Meadow app instead of pairing a dedicated barcode scanner. This can be a great fit for lower-volume scanning or when you want to keep the countertop clean.
Best for: Smaller shops, mobile use cases, or as a backup when a scanner is offline
Tradeoff: A dedicated Zebra DS2278 or Socket S740 scanner will still be faster and more ergonomic for high-volume checkout
USB-C iPads & receipt printer compatibility
⚠️ Heads up: Newer iPads use a USB-C port instead of Lightning. Our supported receipt printers connect via a standard USB-A cable, so a USB-C iPad cannot plug directly into a USB receipt printer.
You have two options if you're using a newer USB-C iPad:
Use a USB-C to USB Cable. If you want to keep the wired USB connection (recommended for reliability), you'll need an Apple USB-C to USB cable to bridge the connection between the iPad and the printer.
Go Bluetooth. If you'd rather avoid an adapter, opt for the Bluetooth connection on your receipt printer instead. Bluetooth pairs directly with a USB-C iPad, no extra cables required.
Receipt Printers
Meadow works with Star Micronics and Epson TM-M30II receipt printers. These thermal printers connect to your iPad via USB (recommended) or Bluetooth and automatically print receipts after each transaction. The receipt printer also controls your cash drawer.
Connection: USB (recommended) or Bluetooth
Key feature: Prints receipts and triggers cash drawer open
Pairs with: One iPad at a time
Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners speed up checkout and improve inventory accuracy. Meadow supports two scanner models:
Zebra DS2278
Connection: Bluetooth (uses cradle for charging)
Best for: High-volume scanning, reads 1D and 2D barcodes
Pairing: Uses configuration barcodes to set up iOS Bluetooth mode
Socket Mobile S740
Connection: Bluetooth
Best for: Compact, portable scanning
Pairing: Scan iOS Application Mode barcode, then pair via Bluetooth
For general barcode scanner tips, mode switching, and using product barcodes in Meadow:
Label Printers
Meadow supports the Zebra ZD410 label printer for printing product labels. Label printers connect to your computer (Mac or PC) via USB.
Connection: USB to Mac or PC
Key feature: Print product labels, Metrc barcodes, and package labels
Label sizes: Supports multiple sizes including 2.25" x 1.25" and 2" x 1"
🗒️ Note: The label printer connects via USB to a Mac or PC only — it cannot connect to an iPad.
Cash Drawers
Cash drawers connect directly to your receipt printer (not to the iPad). When a cash transaction is completed, the receipt printer sends a signal to automatically open the drawer.
Connection: Cable from cash drawer to receipt printer
Key detail: The cable has two different-sized plugs — the smaller plug (phone jack size) goes into the printer, the larger plug goes into the drawer
Cash drawer setup and troubleshooting is covered in the receipt printer articles.
Payment Terminals
Meadow integrates with payment terminals so you can accept card payments directly from POS. Totals are sent automatically to the terminal — no manual entry required.
Nexgo N82
Connection: Wi-Fi + Bluetooth to iPad
Payment processor: PayAuth / PayNex
Key feature: Integrated tipping, automatic totals
Dejavoo
Connection: Wi-Fi or Ethernet
Payment processor: 2Accept
Key feature: Integrated tipping, cash back, charge to the penny
Quick Reference
Device | Model | Connection | Connects To |
iPad (POS / Display) | Any current iPad | Wi-Fi (USB-C on newer models) | Runs the Meadow app |
Receipt Printer | Star Micronics | USB (recommended) or Bluetooth | iPad |
Receipt Printer | Epson TM-M30II | USB (recommended) or Bluetooth | iPad |
Barcode Scanner | Zebra DS2278 | Bluetooth | iPad |
Barcode Scanner | Socket S740 | Bluetooth | iPad |
Label Printer | Zebra ZD410 | USB | Mac or PC |
Cash Drawer | Various | Cable | Receipt Printer |
Payment Terminal | Nexgo N82 | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | iPad |
Payment Terminal | Dejavoo | Wi-Fi / Ethernet | iPad |
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardware do I need to get started with Meadow POS?
At minimum, you need an iPad with the Meadow app. A receipt printer and barcode scanner are recommended for most dispensaries. Label printers and payment terminals are optional depending on your retail workflows.
Can I use my own barcode scanner or printer with Meadow?
Meadow is tested and supported with the specific models listed above (Star Micronics and Epson TM-M30II printers, Zebra DS2278, Socket S740, Zebra ZD410). Other scanners may work if they support Bluetooth HID mode, but we can only provide support for the recommended models.
Where can I buy Meadow-compatible hardware?
Check our Meadow Hardware Catalog and Amazon Wishlist for recommended models, or contact Meadow support via chat or email support@getmeadow.com.
Can I connect multiple scanners or printers to one iPad?
Each iPad should connect to one receipt printer and one barcode scanner at a time. If you have multiple registers, each one needs its own printer and scanner.
My device is connected to the iPad's Bluetooth but Meadow doesn't see it. What do I do?
Go to Menu → Manage Devices in the Meadow app and select the device. If it still doesn't appear, try forgetting the device in iPad Bluetooth settings, restarting the iPad, and re-pairing. See the specific device article for step-by-step instructions.
Need Help?
If you run into any issues with your hardware, check the specific device article linked above. You can also reach out to Meadow support via chat or email at support@getmeadow.com.