Handheld FAQs

What is Handheld?

Handheld is a mobile POS solution designed to replace other mobile devices in the Shift4 Dine ecosystem. It combines full POS functionality, a mobile-optimized UI, and durable hardware. Handheld is designed for full and table service environments and will expand to cover use cases previously handled by Shift4 Duo and Shift4 One.

Is Handheld a hardware or software solution?

Both. Handheld includes a handheld UI built into the Shift4 Dine software, packaged with new hardware. Future versions may support legacy devices like the A800.

How do I purchase the Handheld?

You can order the Handheld:

• Through direct or partner sales
• As part of a Shift4 Dine package
• Through Launch Control and Grow My Business features in the Shift4 Dine Customer Hub

What are the key features of Handheld?

• Mobile-optimized UI/UX aligned with Shift4 Dine
• Full POS logic in one codebase for seamless updates
• Pay-at-the-Table flow optimized for guests and employees
• Built-in 4G cellular connectivity
• Configurable receipt printing and digital receipt options
• Compatible with SMS and email receipts with auto-filled details

For details on hardware and future feature expansion, visit Hardware Ordering article.

Is Handheld available internationally?

Handheld is available in the United States and Canada. There are plans to bring the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and other locations onto Handheld in the coming months.

Is customer support available for Handheld?

Yes. Support is the same as Shift4 Dine, with resources available via phone, chat, and support portals.

Will there be updates to the Handheld?

Yes. Handheld follows the same quarterly update cadence as Shift4 Dine. Beta testers may join the Test Pilots program for early access to new features.

What if I have technical issues or need help with installation?

Contact Support for setup help.

Can Handheld be used as a standalone device without a full POS system?

Handheld is designed to work with your existing Shift4 Dine system. Its initial release focuses on key workflows, and additional standalone functionality is planned for future updates.

What payment options and features are available on Handheld, such as adding tips, signature capture, contactless payment, and digital receipts?

Customers can select tender types, add tips, use contactless payment, and receive digital receipts on Handheld.

Note: Signature capture is not currently required or supported.

Is ticket splitting and pay-by-seat functionality available?

Handheld supports multiple ticket splitting options, including auto split by seat, manual split, item split, and even split. For more details, visit the Auto Split by Seat and Split Check Methods articles.

What are the charging options for Handheld, and what is the price of the charging dock?

The multi-bay charging station is a separate add-on purchase. For charging station specifications, availability, and pricing, visit the Charging Station specifications article and Charging Station FAQs article.

What is the price or cost of Handheld for merchants?

Handheld is available for $29.99 per device per month.

Is cellular connectivity available, and how seamless is the transition between WiFi and cellular on Handheld?

Every Handheld includes cellular connectivity in addition to WiFi. WiFi is automatically prioritized when available.

Does Handheld support table layout or floor plan functionality?

Handheld supports the graphical table layouts configured in Shift4 Dine. Layouts are automatically rotated 90 degrees clockwise to accommodate the device's portrait orientation. You can pinch to zoom and pan within the Table View for readability on the smaller screen. For full details on table behavior, status indicators, and navigation, visit the Table View article.

How is kitchen printing routed from Handheld, and does it work with network, Bluetooth, or pocket printers?

Handheld routes print jobs to your existing network printers, just like workstations do. Bluetooth and pocket printers are not supported in the initial release.

Can Handheld's dedicated barcode imager scan barcodes for fast checkout, including for e-gift cards?

The integrated barcode scanner currently provides item lookup based on associated UPCs. Support for checkout workflows using barcode scanning is planned for a future update. In the meantime, merchants can use QR Pay, which lets guests complete payment by scanning a QR code displayed on Handheld with their smartphone.

How does cash handling and cash drawers work with Handheld, and can order taking be disabled for payment-only use?

Handheld supports non-cash payments for all cash handling configurations (Employee Bank or Cash Drawer). For cash transactions, Employee Bank users can complete payments directly on the device, while Cash Drawer users are directed to their assigned terminal to finalize cash transactions. Handheld supports both order taking and payment processing.

How does Online Ordering interact with the Handheld, and is it sufficient for managing online orders?

Handheld does not currently support displaying or managing Online Order tickets from external sources. This functionality is planned for a future software update.

Are Loyalty and Customer Database features included or accessible on Handheld?

Loyalty and Customer Database features are planned for a future enhancement to Handheld. Handheld can currently be configured to prompt for Customer Name or Loyalty information based on Order Type or location-wide settings.

How does Handheld handle pre-authorization, and is pre-auth with digital tips available?

Pre-authorization is available on Handheld. Staff can start a tab directly from the device by placing a temporary one-dollar hold on the guest's card. Orders can be added under the open tab, and when the guest is ready to close out, the pre-auth converts into the final charge for the full balance due.

Is offline payment capability available on Handheld?

Handheld supports offline payment processing as a core component of the Shift4 Dine system, allowing continued operation if your primary network connection is disrupted. Because Handheld also includes integrated cellular connectivity, offline payment mode is primarily a safeguard for disruptions beyond typical in-store network issues.

Does Handheld qualify for the Advantage promotion, and how will dual pricing be displayed?

Dual Pricing or any configured Advantage Program pricing displays within the payment flow on Handheld.

Is the font size adjustable on Handheld?

Adjustable font sizing is planned for a future update.

Will Shift4 Gift Cards be integrated with Handheld from the start?

Handheld supports Shift4 Gift Card transactions, using the existing integration with Shift4 Dine. Plans for expanded gift card integration will be announced at a later date.

I accidentally declined a permission during Shift4 Dine app setup on my Handheld, and now my app won't open up without an error. What should I do?

1. Go to Android Settings > Apps > Shift4 Dine.
2. Select Force Stop.
3. Reopen the app. It should prompt you again to grant the required permissions.

If the issue continues, contact Support.

Can the Handheld use employee swipe cards?

Yes, Handheld supports employee swipe cards.