With the launch of Square KDS we wanted to share some information about how to connect your iPad device running Square KDS to a larger screen. This post includes information about both wireless and hardwired set up options.
Getting Started
Square KDS can be displayed on a widescreen TV or monitor in your kitchen to make the screen larger and more visible for your staff. Because iPads can easily connect wireless via AirPlay as well as output to HDMI monitors using a simple adapter, you can use practically any external display you already own or use. Depending on the type of iPad you’re using, you may need a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter. While these are both Apple branded adapters, they’re also available on sites like Amazon.com. We recommend using Apple brand adapters due to their warranty and customer service.
Apple TV devices can be used to display the KDS on-screen, or you can use any Airplay 2 compatible TV, including TVs from brands like Roku, Samsung, LG, and Sony may be used. This allows the KDS iPad to project to the HDMI TV wirelessly and is the recommended option for kitchens using Square KDS.
This guide outlines these options, in order to help you decide which makes the best sense in your restaurant.
Wireless option (recommended): Using an Apple TV or Airplay 2 compatible TV
For a long-range wireless solution, and in instances where an HDMI cable is unworkable, Apple TV and Airplay 2 compatible devices can be used to display Square KDS on-screen completely wirelessly.
If you’re using an Apple TV, you’ll first want to make sure the Apple TV is connected to your TV or monitor via the included HDMI cable. Once your Apple TV is connected, you can easily send your iPad’s video signal wirelessly to your TV or Monitor by connecting via Airplay Screen Mirroring (see example below for the image to look out for).
From here, follow these instructions:
- Connect your iPad to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
- Open Control Center: if you’re using iPadOS 13 or later, you can do this by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen.
- Tap Screen Mirroring. The icon for Screen Mirroring looks like this:
- Select your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV from the list. Not seeing it? Click here for help.
- If an AirPlay passcode appears on your TV screen, enter the passcode on your iPadOS device.
- Your TV uses your iPad’s screen orientation and aspect ratio. To fill your TV screen with the mirrored device screen, change your TV's aspect ratio or zoom settings.
- To stop mirroring your iPad device, open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring, then tap Stop Mirroring. Or press the Menu button on your Apple TV Remote.
- Full instructions with visual references can be found here.
Hardwired option: HDMI Connection with a Lightning Digital AV Adapter or USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
Both the Lightning Digital AV Adapter and the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter require that you use an HDMI cable to physically connect your iPad to your TV. You will be required to source your own HDMI cable, which are relatively inexpensive and come in different lengths. We recommend using HDMI cable that comes with coil wire protection that can handle the hot and humid conditions of a restaurant kitchen.
Most iPads use a Lightning connector to charge the device, and this can also be used to to keep your iPad charged while connected to external monitors. Second generation iPad Pro models may have a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. If the iPad you are using with your KDS features a USB-C connector, you’ll need a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter to connect to your display.
From here, follow these instructions:
- Connect your iPad to your Lightning Digital AV Adapter or USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
- Insert one end of your HDMI cable into the Lightning Digital AV Adapter or USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
- Connect the other end of your HDMI cable to your TV. Most modern TVs and external monitors will have multiple ports you can choose from, such as “HDMI 1” and “HDMI 2” - either will work as long as your TV is set to display that input once powered on.
- Your iPad screen should begin displaying on your TV or external monitor. You can keep your iPad charged by connecting your charging cable to the charging port available on the adapter.
