Quick answer: Only one iPad can be the Master; set every other iPad to Slave. In Settings > Connection, choose Master or Slave (Nomni Support gives you the validation PIN), then on each Slave enter the Master's Device Address and tap Connect.
In Nomni POS, the Master iPad is the primary device responsible for handling sales data, managing table status, and coordinating printing tasks in restaurant environments. The Slave iPads are secondary devices that process orders and send them to the Master. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up and connect Master and Slave iPads.
Only one device can operate in Master mode at a time, and if a device will continue as the Master, there is no need to revert it to Slave mode. Ensure that all other devices are set to Slave mode to avoid conflicts.
Requirements
Local Network Enabled: Ensure that the POS iPads have Local Network access enabled. Go to iPad Settings > Nomni POS > Local Network and toggle it on (green).
Accessing the POS Connection Page
Open the POS App on your iPad.
Press the dropdown menu located at the top right corner of the POS App.
Select Settings.
On the gray bar at the top of the settings page, select Connection.
You will now see the Connection Page showing:
Your Device Address
Two buttons under "Server Mode" labeled Master and Slave.
How to Set POS to Master
By default, the POS is set to Slave mode. Follow these steps to change it to Master:
Remember, only one device should be set to Master mode at any given time to ensure proper synchronization.
On the iPad you're making Master: Clear any connected devices: Check if there are any devices listed on the right side of the server list. If there are, press the X next to each device to remove them.
On the iPad you're making Master: Press Master under "Server Mode."
On the iPad you're making Master: You will be prompted to enter a validation PIN. The PIN is provided by Nomni Support, so contact us when you need to switch an iPad to Master or Slave.
On the iPad you're making Master: After entering the PIN, the POS iPad will now be set as the Master.
How to Set POS to Slave and Connect to Master
If the POS is currently set to Master and you wish to switch it to Slave:
On the iPad you're changing to Slave: Clear connected devices: Make sure no devices are listed on the server list by pressing the X next to each connected device.
On the iPad you're changing to Slave: Press Slave under "Server Mode."
On the iPad you're changing to Slave: You will be prompted to enter a validation PIN. The PIN is provided by Nomni Support, so contact us when you need to switch an iPad to Master or Slave.
On the Slave iPad: A box will appear beneath the Slave button with a portion of a Device Address and a Connect button.
On the Master iPad: Get the Device Address of the Master POS: note down the Device Address (e.g., 192.168.9.101).
On the Slave iPad: Enter the Master POS Device Address in the box next to the Connect button.
On the Slave iPad: Press Connect to link the Slave POS to the Master POS.
If you regain access to the original Master device and need to revert a temporary Master back to Slave mode, repeat the steps above, selecting "Slave" on the temporary Master device and confirming the change. Then, on every other Slave iPad, connect to the original Master's Device Address.
How to Connect Slave to Master POS
To connect a Slave POS to the Master POS:
On the Slave iPad: Go to Settings via the dropdown menu at the top right of the POS screen.
On the Slave iPad: Select the Connection tab.
On the Slave iPad: Enter the IP Address/Device Address of the Master POS (e.g., 192.168.9.101).
On the Slave iPad: Press the Connect button.
Once connected, the Slave POS will now communicate with the Master POS, sharing orders, table status, and other data.
Troubleshooting: Unable to Switch from Master to Slave
If you are unable to switch the POS from Master to Slave, check the following on the iPad you're changing to Slave:
Unsettled Orders: You may have held orders that need to be settled before switching modes. Go to the Held Orders section from the dropdown menu and finalize all active orders.
Devices Still Connected: Check if there are devices reconnecting to the Master POS. Clear all devices from the server list before switching to Slave.
Best Practices for Managing POS Devices
Always ensure that only one device is set to Master mode at any given time.
Regularly check the configuration of your devices to avoid synchronization issues
When switching modes, follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition.
"Table is locked" on a Slave POS
On the Slave, open Held Orders and settle or clear any unsettled orders.
Restart the Slave and the Master.
If it continues, clear the Server List on the Slave, enter the Master's DEVICE ADDRESS and connect again.
What you should see: you can open the table on any iPad.
Need help?
Email support@nomni.ai or call 1300 445 483.