When an EFTPOS terminal stops working mid-transaction, everything pauses. The customer waits, the queue builds, and staff scramble to process the payment another way or troubleshoot on the spot. No matter how often this happens, this leaves money on the table.
Most merchants troubleshoot the obvious things first (restarting the terminal, checking cables, or calling their provider). But if the same issues keep coming back, the problem is often deeper than the device itself. In many retail environments, the often-overlooked cause is the mobile connectivity within the building.
This article discusses why EFTPOS terminals fail in store environments and what retailers can do when a restart isn't the fix (spoiler alert: it'sbetter in-building coverage).
EFTPOS errors can be triggered by a range of issues. Some are device-related, but many trace back to the terminal-to-network connection.
Sometimes an EFTPOS machine simply needs a charge, a restart, or a replacement cable. If the terminal screen is unresponsive, the battery is flat, or the device won't power on, these are worth checking first.
Basic hardware troubleshooting includes:
These are the steps your payment provider will typically walk you through. They're important, but they may only explain part of the picture.
For retailers experiencing recurring EFTPOS issues, connectivity is usually the root cause. Every EFTPOS terminal needs a stable connection to process a transaction (whether that's Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or mobile (cellular) data). When that connection drops or becomes unstable, the terminal either throws an error or falls back to offline mode.
That can look like:
If your terminal works fine in one part of the store but not another, or works some days and not others, the problem is more likely the connection than the device.
Many modern EFTPOS terminals rely on mobile connectivity (4G/5G) rather than a fixed internet line. That works well in areas with a strong signal. But inside commercial buildings, mobile signals often degrade due to the building's structure.
Common blockers include:
From the outside, carrier coverage might look fine. But once the signal passes through layers of building material to reach your EFTPOS terminal, it can weaken enough that transactions fail or time out.
This is one of the most overlooked causes of EFTPOS problems in retail, and one of the hardest to diagnose from the terminal alone.
When an EFTPOS terminal isn't working, the immediate impact is obvious: a transaction can't be processed. But for retailers, the consequences extend beyond a single failed payment.
If you've already checked the basics (restarted the terminal, confirmed your internet connection, contacted your provider) and the issues persist, it's worth checking the mobile coverage in your building.
Poor in-building mobile signal is a common root cause of EFTPOS failures in retail, particularly in:
The challenge is that this type of issue doesn't always appear as a clear error in the terminal. It often presents as intermittent dropouts, slow transaction processing, or devices that toggle between connected and offline throughout the day.
In-building coverage (IBC) systems are designed to deliver a reliable mobile signal into spaces where the external network can't reach effectively.
A mobile signal booster captures an existing signal from outside the building, amplifies it, and redistributes it indoors through internal antennas. For smaller retail sites with a specific problem zone, this can be a practical, cost-effective fix.
For larger retail environments such as shopping centres, multi-level venues, or sites with widespread dead zones, a DAS provides engineered coverage across the entire premises. It uses a network of antennas to ensure a consistent signal throughout the building, including areas where EFTPOS connectivity typically drops out.
In Australia, signal boosting equipment must meet ACMA standards and comply with carrier requirements. Non-compliant installations can cause network interference and regulatory issues. A professional site assessment ensures the solution is properly designed, carrier-aligned, and fit for your specific building.
If your EFTPOS terminals keep dropping out and basic troubleshooting hasn't resolved the issue, it's worth investigating the mobile signal environment inside your store.
A site audit will identify where coverage breaks down, what's causing it, and what solution will deliver reliable connectivity, not just for EFTPOS, but for every device and process that depends on mobile signal indoors.
MobileCorp is an Australian in-building mobile coverage specialist. We work with retailers, venues, and commercial operators to diagnose coverage failures, design the right IBC or DAS solution for the site, and manage the full process, from site assessment to installation. If your EFTPOS terminals are dropping out and basic troubleshooting hasn't fixed it, we can help you find and resolve the underlying connectivity issue (without disrupting normal business).
Repeat connectivity issues are often caused by weak or inconsistent mobile signals inside the building. If the terminal relies on cellular data, building materials like concrete, steel, and Low-E glass can reduce the signal to the point where transactions fail or time out.
Yes. Many EFTPOS terminals use mobile data (4G/5G) to process transactions. If the in-building mobile signal is weak or unstable, the terminal may not stay connected long enough to complete a payment (even if signal bars appear adequate).
A signal booster amplifies an existing outdoor signal into a targeted indoor area. A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) delivers engineered coverage across a larger footprint using a network of internal antennas. DAS is typically better suited to shopping centres, large venues, and multi-level retail environments.
Start with your payment provider to rule out terminal or account-related issues. If the device is working correctly but connectivity problems persist, the issue is likely the in-building mobile signal, and that's where an in-building coverage specialist like MobileCorp can help.
Yes. In Australia, all signal boosting equipment must meet ACMA requirements and be carrier-compliant. Unauthorised equipment can interfere with networks and may result in penalties.