Cash Drawer of Windows Cashier Register Terminal Cannot Open Automatically

As an essential peripheral of a Windows cashier register terminal, the cash drawer is primarily used to store coins. When connected to the receipt printer, the cash drawer is designed to open automatically once a cash or check payment is confirmed, while the printer simultaneously prints the receipt. However, in some cases, the cash drawer may fail to open as expected. According to Sunany engineers, the problem is usually caused by one of the following reasons:

1. The cash drawer is typically connected to the receipt printer via an RJ11 or RJ12 cable. If the cable is not connected properly, the drawer won’t open automatically. Check whether the cable is inserted into the correct port—usually labeled “Drawer Kick” or “Drawer Start”—on the back of the receipt printer.

2. If the software or printer driver is not configured correctly, the cash drawer may not receive the necessary signal to open. On Windows cash register terminal systems, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click the receipt printer, and choose Printer Properties. Under the Device Settings tab, locate the cash drawer settings and enable options like “Open before printing” or “Open after printing.”

3. Most receipt printers require a specific ESC/POS “drawer kick” command to trigger the opening of the cash drawer. If the drawer does not open, verify whether the Windows cashier register terminal software is set to send the drawer command. Also, check whether the printer driver or Windows cashier register terminal software includes options such as “Open cash drawer after printing” or “Send open drawer command.”

4. If the solenoid inside the cash drawer is faulty, it won’t open even when the proper command is sent. To diagnose the issue, test the drawer with another receipt printer or test the printer with a different drawer. If the problem persists across devices, the solenoid may need to be replaced.

In addition to the above precautions, we should also pay attention to the performance of the cash drawer’s pulleys, tracks, and internal springs in the daily use of the cash drawer, and pay attention to whether the relay is aging. Wear and tear in these parts can also affect the drawer’s ability to open automatically. Sunany recommends timely replacement of aging or damaged components to ensure reliable performance.