Most likely causes
Staff sleeping the iPad (pressing the power button) after closing a tab
iPad storage nearly full
A lot of Accounts with many assigned orders on them (try a clean up)
Network/router struggling (dropouts, weak signal, power issues)
Cash ups not done daily on all iPads and/or you have older versions of Bustle on some iPads
If you are only getting delays with Bustle Online order printing - try this article.
Step 1 - Stop the iPad “sleeping” (causes printing delays until re-opened)
If staff carry iPads to tables:
Don’t press the top Sleep button straight after closing a tab.
Doing so cuts off communication in those last few seconds.
Train staff: leave it 5-10 seconds before hitting Sleep, or don't hit sleep at all.
Make sure your iPad is on Bustle Till version 6.6.0 or greater - and head to Settings Printers - switch on the toggle called Notify me if printing fails while the iPad is locked
Step 2 - Quick fixes to try
Restart Bustle + iPad: Fully close Bustle, reboot the iPad, reopen.
Cash up all iPads daily: Even unused ones. Cash up at end of shift, then leave at the login screen (locked position).
iPad compatibility: Check your iPad still supports the latest iOS and Bustle. Find out here
Update check: Make sure Bustle and iOS are up to date in the App Store. (If your iPad is old an unable to run Bustle then you'll need to replace it ASAP)
Printer lights:
Flashing blue/green = losing router connection. Check/replace cables or try a different router port.
Plug printer power direct to wall socket (not power board) to avoid surge dropouts.
iPad storage: Go Settings → General → iPad Storage. Free up space if under 20% left.
Router reboot: Power off for 2-3 minutes (time it), then restart. For Star printers this may change their IP address - re-search in Bustle → Settings → Printers → Search for printers.
Step 3 - Slightly more advanced checks (to try outside of service)
Network reset:
You could try forgetting your Wi-Fi and reconnecting. On iPad: Settings → Wi-Fi Locate your network → press (i) → Forget This Network → then reconnect to it with your password.
Router location:
Is the signal strong near the till?
Avoid hiding it behind walls or near heavy electrical gear.
Dedicated network recommended:
Ideally Bustle devices (iPads, printers, EFTPOS) should be on their own network.
Too many devices (staff phones, customers, cameras, Sonos, etc.) will choke the connection.
Test:
Reset your Wi-Fi password, connect only Bustle devices. Does performance improve?
Step 4 - If still unreliable
Wi-Fi networks can overload. You may need stronger gear (business-grade router, separate network).
Before contacting Bustle support, note:
Bustle version, iPad model, iOS version
What printer lights are doing (are they flickering on occasion?)
Are you getting errors on the till for missed prints, or only missed / delayed order printing?
Any recent power outages, tradesmen work, or network changes
Why a print job may show as printed when nothing comes out
On Bustle Till app version 6.6.0 or later, there is a Printing history queue that helps manage failed print jobs.
Bustle can track a print job almost all the way to the printer. If the iPad sends the job successfully and the printer accepts the connection, the print queue may show it as printed.
In rare cases, something can still go wrong after that point, and the printer may not send an error back to Bustle. For example, a busy network with lots of connections, weak Wi-Fi signals, or printer/router power interruption can mean the job does not physically print, even though the iPad was told the send was successful.
Because of this, the best protection is a strong and stable local network:
Keep printers and iPads on the same reliable network.
Use wired ethernet for printers where possible.
Avoid placing iPads in weak Wi-Fi areas.
Restart routers/printers if printing becomes inconsistent.
limit the amount of devices that can connect to your wi-fi
Check printer paper, covers, cables, and warning lights regularly.
See the button below for our guidelines.
Extra — For your IT / network tech
Watch for IP conflicts
Is there anything else running on the network that may be taking up the bandwidth (e.g. closed circuit cameras, streaming audio like SONOS)
Ensure tills are only devices on network
Use a business-grade router, not the ISP freebie
Check Bustle Network Setup Guidelines