Use this guide if your Nomni POS for Android, kiosk, KDS or EFTPOS terminal keeps losing its connection. For example, kiosk orders stop reaching the KDS, or the terminal drops off, and it comes back after a reconnect. For iPads, see Venue Wi-Fi or internet down: what to do on Nomni POS.
Why it keeps happening
Addresses change. After a power cut or router restart, the router can give each device a new IP address. Devices that were set up with the old address can't find each other.
Android changes its Wi-Fi identity. By default, Android uses a random hardware (MAC) address for each Wi-Fi network. Some routers then treat the device as new after a restart.
Busy Wi-Fi. In shopping centres and food courts, the 2.4 GHz band is crowded by neighbouring networks, which causes short dropouts.
These are fixed once in the network setup. You don't need to reconnect devices every time.
Step 1: Give each device a fixed IP address
Set a DHCP reservation (static IP) on your router for the Master POS, kiosk, KDS and EFTPOS terminal. Each device then keeps the same address after every restart. Your IT or internet provider can do this. If you use a router supplied by Nomni, contact us and we'll set it up.
After the address is reserved, turn the device's Wi-Fi off and on again, or restart the device.
Step 2: Turn off random MAC addresses on each Android device
Open Settings on the device.
Go to Network & Internet (or Connections) > Wi-Fi.
Tap the gear or pencil next to your POS network, or press and hold the network name.
Tap Advanced.
Find Privacy (or MAC address type) and choose Use device MAC (sometimes called Phone MAC).
Reconnect to the Wi-Fi.
Do this on the Master POS, kiosk and KDS.
Step 3: In busy venues, use 5 GHz only
If your router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, ask your IT provider to put the POS devices on 5 GHz only. Then reconnect every device and check it kept its fixed address.
Step 4: Check each device points to the right address
KDS: check the Master POS address entered on the KDS matches the Master's fixed address. Then send a test order and check it appears.
Android KDS permissions: Nomni KDS needs Location to find the POS on the Wi-Fi. If you see a warning icon in the top bar, tap it, then tap Request again, or Open Settings and turn on Location.
EFTPOS terminal: check the terminal address in the POS or kiosk payment settings matches the terminal's fixed address. Run a test payment.
Scales: if you see “Scale disconnected. Please reconnect the scale to continue.”, reconnect the scale after the address change.
Check your internet source
Mobile hotspots and 4G dongles often drop out in busy areas at peak times, and we can't fix that from the POS. If the internet keeps dropping, talk to your internet provider about fixed-line broadband, and keep a mobile connection as a backup only.
Still dropping out?
Check every device is on the same Wi-Fi network, not the guest network.
Check the router and any switches show normal lights.
Restart the router outside service hours, reconnect all devices, and send a test order.
If it still happens, contact us with each device's model, Android version and Nomni app version, the router model, and when the drop-outs happen. Email support@nomni.ai or message us from the chat in Nomni Console.