POS Offline Mode: When the Internet Goes Down
It's Saturday night, you're packed, and the internet dies. Now what?
Internet reliability is a real concern for any business that depends on cloud services. Here's how different POS systems handle outages and what you can do to prepare.
How Cloud Systems Handle Offline
Good Offline Mode
- Orders continue to work normally
- Credit cards processed via "store and forward" (authorized when connectivity returns)
- Full menu available
- Data syncs automatically when back online
Bad Offline Mode
- Cash only (credit cards don't work at all)
- Limited functionality
- Risk of data loss
- Manual reconciliation required
"Store and forward" means cards are captured but not authorized until later. You're taking a risk that the card will clear. For small transactions, this is usually fine. For a $500 bottle service tab? You might want cash.
Preparing for Outages
- Test your offline mode - Unplug the router and see what actually happens
- Have a backup ISP - Cellular backup (4G/5G) can save you during cable outages
- Train staff on procedures - They need to know what to do without panicking
- Keep manual imprinters - Old school, but they work (and still valid for payment capture)
- Cash drawer policy - Know your cash-only procedure
- How long can the system run offline?
- What features work offline vs. require internet?
- How are credit card transactions handled?
- What happens to data during extended outages?
- Is there a cellular backup option?
The Reality Check
Most internet outages last minutes, not hours. For most bars and restaurants, good offline mode plus a cellular backup is sufficient protection. If you're in an area with truly unreliable connectivity, a server-based system might make more sense.
Worried About Reliability?
I'll help you evaluate systems based on their offline capabilities for your specific situation.
Let's Talk Reliability