How to Connect a Star TSP143IIIU via USB

    A step-by-step guide to connecting a Star TSP143IIIU to MeeD POS on iPhone or iPad via a Lightning to USB-A cable. Setup takes about 5–10 minutes.

    Interface: USB (Lightning to USB-A)iPhone / iPadPaper: 80mm thermal

    What You'll Need

    • A Star TSP143IIIU
    • A power cable
    • A Lightning to USB-A cable
    • 80mm thermal paper
    • An iPhone or iPad with the MeeD POS app installed

    How to Set It Up

    Step 1 — Connect the Power Cable

    1

    Plug the Power Cable into the Printer and Outlet

    Plug the power cable into the port on the back of the Star TSP143IIIU, then plug the other end into a power outlet — no need to turn it on yet.

    Connecting the power cable to the port on the back of the Star TSP143IIIU

    Step 2 — Connect the USB Lightning Cable

    2

    Plug the USB-A End into the Printer, and Lightning into Your iPhone/iPad

    Plug the USB-A end into the printer's USB port, then plug the Lightning end into your iPhone or iPad.

    A Lightning to USB-A cable for connecting a Star TSP143IIIU to an iPhone or iPad
    A USB connection ties the printer to a single POS device only — it can't be shared across multiple devices at once.

    Step 3 — Turn On the Printer

    3

    Press the Power Button and Wait for the Indicator Light

    Press the Power button on the printer to turn it on, then wait until the Power light turns solid (not flashing) — this means the printer is ready.

    Pressing the Power button on a Star TSP143IIIU and waiting for the indicator light to turn solid
    If the light flashes for more than 30 seconds, check that the power cable is plugged in firmly and try turning it off and on again.

    Step 4 — Load the Thermal Paper

    4

    Open the Printer's Cover

    Push the lever on the right side of the printer outward, then lift the cover open.

    5

    Insert the Paper Roll

    Place the thermal paper roll into the paper compartment, with the paper feeding out from the bottom of the roll as shown below. Pull it snug so it isn't loose while loading.

    Loading a thermal paper roll into a Star TSP143IIIU, with the paper feeding from the bottom of the roll
    6

    Pull Out the Paper and Close the Cover

    Pull the paper out past the cutting blade at the front of the printer, then press the cover down until it clicks shut.

    Once the cover is closed, the printer feeds the paper into position automatically and is ready to print.

    Step 5 — Connect It in the MeeD POS App

    7

    Open the Settings Menu

    Open the MeeD POS app on your iPhone or iPad, then tap Settings in the bottom menu.

    Opening the Settings menu in the MeeD POS app
    8

    Select the Receipt Printer Menu

    On the settings screen, tap Receipt Printer to open the printer settings screen.

    Selecting the Receipt Printer menu in MeeD POS settings
    9

    Add the Star TSP143IIIU Printer

    Tap Add Printer, select Star TSP143IIIU from the list, then choose USB as the connection type.

    Adding a Star TSP143IIIU printer and selecting a USB connection
    10

    Confirm the Printer Was Found

    The app automatically searches for the printer — once found, it shows "Star TSP143IIIU" in the list. Tap to select it.

    The MeeD POS app finding a Star TSP143IIIU printer
    If the app doesn't find the printer, unplug the Lightning cable and plug it back in, then search again.
    11

    Print a Test Page

    Tap Print Test — if the printer outputs paper, the connection was successful.

    Printing a test page to confirm the Star TSP143IIIU connection to MeeD POS
    Additional settings are available too, such as setting this printer as a kitchen printer or a receipt printer.

    Basic Troubleshooting

    My iPhone/iPad doesn't find the printer in the MeeD POS app

    Try unplugging and reconnecting the Lightning cable, then close and reopen the app. Check that the cable isn't damaged and is plugged in firmly on both ends.

    The printer doesn't respond after powering on

    Check that the power cable is plugged in firmly on both the printer and the outlet. Try turning it off and on again, and wait until the indicator light turns solid.

    No paper comes out, or it won't print

    Open the cover and check the paper roll is loaded facing the right direction (feeding from the bottom of the roll), and close the cover until it locks securely.

    The text on the receipt shows as boxes or is unreadable

    Check in the MeeD POS app that the printer model is set to Star TSP143IIIU, and that you're using standard 80mm thermal paper.

    Need More Help?

    Set it up but still can't connect, or want the team to help remotely? Get in touch.

    Chat on LINECall 086-499-9299View All GuidesAll Supported Receipt Printers