> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.alternativepayments.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.alternativepayments.io/payments-and-invoicing/pos/setting-up-your-terminal.md).

# Unboxing and First-Time Setup

**Your terminal is ready to take payments after a short setup — charge it, load the paper, and connect to Wi-Fi.**

***

When your POS terminal arrives, you do not need a technician. Unbox it, power it on, load the printer paper, connect to Wi-Fi, and you are ready to collect payment.

***

### **What's in the box**

* The POS terminal (S1F2)
* The charger that shipped with the terminal
* A starter roll of printer paper

The terminal's serial number is on the device. Once the device is linked to your account, that serial also appears under **Team Preferences** > **Preferences** > **Point of sale** in [Your terminals](/payments-and-invoicing/pos/managing-pos-in-the-portal.md), and on each POS payment as **Device serial number**.

***

### **Charge the terminal**

Use **only the charger that came in the box**. The port looks like a standard USB-C port, but other USB-C cables will not charge the device.

Charging can be slow, even with the correct cable. Plug it in and give it time before the first shift.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Tip:** If the terminal will not power on after charging, do not force it. Open the battery compartment, take the battery out, seat it again, and power on. See [POS Troubleshooting](/payments-and-invoicing/pos/pos-troubleshooting-and-faq.md).
{% endhint %}

***

### **Load the printer paper**

Blank receipts are almost always a paper-loading issue, not a broken printer.

1. **Open the printer cover** on the top of the terminal.
2. **Set the roll on top of the roller.** The paper should rest on the roller. Do not thread it through the roller.
3. **Confirm the orientation.** The paper should feed so the printed side comes out cleanly. If receipts print blank, flip the roll and try again.
4. **Close the cover** and print a test receipt from the terminal.

Use paper that matches the width of the roll that shipped with the terminal. A roll that is slightly too wide will crease and jam.

***

### **Connect to Wi-Fi**

Your terminal needs Wi-Fi to take payments.

1. Power the terminal on.
2. Open the terminal's network / Wi-Fi settings.
3. Join the Wi-Fi network at that location.
4. Wait until the terminal shows it is connected.

If you take the terminal to a customer's site, you will need to join **their** Wi-Fi before you can collect payment.

***

### **You're ready**

Once the terminal is charged, paper is loaded, and Wi-Fi is connected, you can [take a payment](/payments-and-invoicing/pos/taking-a-pos-payment.md).

**Love our platform?** Rate us on [Channel Program](https://channelprogram.com/v/alternativepayments) and check out our [Referral Program page](https://www.alternativepayments.io/referral-partners/)!


---

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