What is Handheld?
Handheld is a next-generation mobile POS solution designed to replace all other mobile devices in the Shift4 Dine ecosystem. It combines full POS functionality, a mobile-optimized UI, and sleek, durable hardware. Handheld is ideal for full/table service environments and will expand to cover all use cases previously handled by Shift4 Duo and Shift4 One.
Is Handheld a hardware or software solution?
Both. Handheld includes a modern 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 the new Shift4 Dine packages
- 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
- Configurable receipt printing and digital receipt options
- Compatible with SMS/email receipts with auto-filled details
- Designed to support future feature growth and hardware expansion, please visit Hardware Ordering for details.
Is Handheld available internationally?
The Handheld is fully available in the U.S. and Canada. There is a plan to bring the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia (and more) locations on board to use the 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 will follow 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?
Our support team is available for assistance. Contact us for hands-on setup help.
Can Handheld be used as a standalone device without a full POS system?
Handheld is designed to work seamlessly with your existing Shift4 Dine system right from the start, extending its power and flexibility. While our initial focus ensures a robust and reliable experience for key workflows, we are actively enhancing Handheld's capabilities. As we continue to innovate and optimize the platform, we anticipate supporting a wider range of standalone functionalities in future updates, empowering your business with even greater versatility.
What payment options and features are available on Handheld, such as adding tips, signature capture, contactless payment, and digital receipts?
Handheld empowers a complete, guest-facing payment experience. Customers can effortlessly select tender types, add tips, utilize seamless contactless payment options, and receive convenient digital receipts. This focus on modern, efficient transactions enhances the guest experience and streamlines your payment process.
Note: Signature capture is not currently required or supported.
Is ticket splitting and pay-by-seat functionality available?
Handheld supports multiple ticket splitting options, such as 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?
Details regarding the pricing of the convenient 5-bay drop-and-go charging station will be announced in Q1 2026. For immediate charging needs, each launch edition Handheld includes a standard USB-C wall charger and cable.
What is the price or cost of Handheld for merchants?
Handheld is available at a competitive monthly cost of $29.99 per device.
Is cellular connectivity available, and how seamless is the transition between WiFi and cellular on Handheld?
Connectivity is key, and every Handheld is equipped with cellular capability in addition to WiFi right out of the box. Experience seamless transitions between WiFi and cellular networks, ensuring reliable performance similar to modern mobile devices. WiFi is automatically prioritized when available for optimal speed and cost-effectiveness.
Does Handheld support table layout or floor plan functionality?
Handheld supports graphical table layouts, using the same layouts configured in Shift4 Dine. To accommodate the device's portrait orientation, layouts are automatically rotated 90° clockwise. Users can also pinch to zoom and pan within the Table View for easier 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 functions as a seamless client of your Shift4 Dine system, ensuring consistent and reliable print job routing to your existing network printers, just like your workstations. Please note that 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 quick item lookup based on associated UPCs. Enhanced functionality, including support for fast checkout workflows using barcode scanning, is planned for a future update. In the meantime, merchants looking for a fast, contactless checkout option 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 offers flexible payment acceptance, supporting non-cash payments seamlessly 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 will be guided to their assigned terminal to finalize cash transactions, ensuring proper cash management procedures. It provides the full capability for both order taking and payment processing, empowering your staff on the floor.
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?
Comprehensive Loyalty and Customer Database features are planned for a future enhancement to Handheld. Currently, Handheld can be configured to prompt for Customer Name or Loyalty information based on Order Type or location-wide settings, laying the groundwork for deeper customer engagement capabilities to come.
How does Handheld handle pre-authorization, and is pre-auth with digital tips available?
Pre-authorization is available on Handheld, allowing staff to start a tab directly from the handheld by placing a temporary $1 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?
Reliability is built into Handheld. As a core component of the Shift4 Dine system, it supports offline payment processing, ensuring business continuity even if your primary network connection is disrupted. Furthermore, with its integrated cellular connectivity, the offline payment mode is primarily a safeguard against disruptions beyond typical in-store network issues, providing an extra layer of resilience where cellular coverage is strong.
Does Handheld qualify for the Advantage promotion, and how will dual pricing be displayed?
Handheld seamlessly integrates with your pricing structure. Dual Pricing or any configured Advantage program pricing will be clearly displayed within the payment flow, ensuring transparency during the transaction process.
Is the font size adjustable on Handheld?
While Handheld is optimized for a clear and efficient mobile user experience, adjustable font sizing is a planned enhancement for a future update, offering greater customization for user preference.
Will Shift4 Gift Cards be integrated with Handheld from the start?
We are pleased to confirm that Handheld fully supports Shift4 Gift Card transactions, leveraging the existing integration with Shift4 Dine. Plans for deeper, enhanced integration with the Shift4 gift card functionality will be announced at a later date, further expanding its capabilities.
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?
Go to Android Settings > Apps > Shift4 Dine, then tap Force Stop. When you reopen the app, it should prompt you again to grant the required permissions.
If the issue continues or you need assistance, please contact Support.
Can the Handheld use employee swipe cards?
Yes, the Handheld is enabled to use employee swipe cards.
Internal:
Is there a free trial or demo available?
Direct sales and partner teams will facilitate demos. All direct sales staff will receive a Handheld unit for live demonstrations.
What is the plan for sunsetting or replacing existing devices like Shift4 Duo, Glass, and Shift4 One with Handheld?
Handheld represents the future of mobility for Shift4 Dine, designed to evolve and eventually encompass the full capabilities of our existing mobile solutions. While Handheld launches with powerful core functionalities to enhance your current Shift4 Dine setup, our strategic roadmap includes a phased transition plan for existing applications and devices. We are committed to providing comprehensive communications and streamlined upgrade paths to ensure a smooth migration experience to the advanced Handheld platform.
When will demo units of Handheld be available for partners?
Demo units for our valued partners will be available through our standard demo hardware program. For specific details on availability and how to secure your demo unit, please contact your dedicated Relationship Manager (RM), who will be happy to assist you.
Will an APK be available for emulators or phones to demo Handheld?
We understand the importance of effective demonstration tools. As soon as Handheld begins shipping, we will share information regarding emulator demo setups, providing you with valuable resources for showcasing its capabilities.
When will the software for Handheld be available, including the capability to install it on the A800?
Specific timelines for the availability of Handheld software, including its potential for installation on devices like the A800, will be communicated later this year as part of our comprehensive announcements regarding the evolution of our mobile strategy and the transition from Shift4 Duo.
Will the Handheld be proprietary, or could other competitors use the same hardware?
The initial Handheld device is a proprietary solution, developed through a close and dedicated partnership between Shift4 Dine, Shift4, our hardware team, and a key vendor partner. This focused development ensures the device is specifically optimized for the Shift4 Dine ecosystem to deliver a superior and integrated experience.
Will Handheld be available on Micros Simphony 2026?
While not currently a committed deliverable, enabling Handheld support on platforms like Simphony is being explored as a potential future option to further unify our comprehensive mobile strategy across different environments.
What sales documents are available for selling the Handheld to new merchants for an early June deployment?
Comprehensive sales enablement materials and information specifically designed for presenting and selling Handheld for early June deployments will be provided by our Commercial and Marketing teams as part of our official launch preparation.
How can I provide feedback on the Handheld?
Feedback is welcome and can be submitted:
- Through support channels
- Via direct contact with commercial or product teams
- Through feedback links or surveys, when available
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