TinyPOS and TinyPOS Cloud: which one does your shop need?
Understand the TinyPOS mobile app and TinyPOS Cloud: local selling, web catalog tools, backups, account requirements, and separate service access.
TinyPOS and TinyPOS Cloud are parts of the same product experience, but they do different jobs. The mobile app is where everyday selling happens. Cloud is a web workspace for supported connected tasks. Understanding the distinction prevents unnecessary setup and helps you choose the services your shop actually needs.
Use the mobile app for everyday selling
Start with TinyPOS on your selling device. Core local use does not require an account, and daily checkout remains in the app. This is the place to evaluate the counter workflow before you decide whether connected tools would help.
Keep local records protected even if you never enable Cloud services. Device security and recoverable backups remain useful operating habits. A Cloud account is not a substitute for knowing where your business data lives.
Use Cloud for a specific connected task
The web workspace supports catalog and category work, backup metadata review, activity, and supported store connections. Different services have different access requirements. Sign in with the account associated with your store, then check the plan and status shown in the workspace.
A larger web screen can be helpful for organizing products, but do not assume the portal duplicates every mobile screen. Check the current scope before expecting customer records, sales history, reports, or local images to appear across devices.
Keep purchases and service access separate
Mobile app access, Cloud plan access, and AI credits serve different purposes. A mobile lifetime purchase does not by itself establish a Cloud subscription. Likewise, a credit balance is not evidence that every connected feature is unlocked.
Review the current in-app purchase and restore flow and the Cloud plan screen before deciding what to buy. This guide deliberately avoids a fixed price because availability and offers can differ across stores, accounts, and regions.
Choose the smallest setup that solves your problem
If you want a local register, begin in the app. If you want to prepare products on the web, review the catalog tools. If you want an external product source, verify the supported connector and the required plan before starting an import.
| Task | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Daily in-person checkout | TinyPOS mobile app |
| Review backup metadata | TinyPOS Cloud; restore in the app |
| Organize the web product catalog | Cloud catalog with the appropriate access |
| Import an external store's products | Supported Store Connect flow and eligible plan |
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need TinyPOS Cloud to keep selling locally?
- Core local selling does not require a Cloud account. Connected features have their own sign-in, network, and access requirements.
- Does the portal keep my backup file?
- No. The portal displays backup metadata. The backup file remains with iCloud or Google Drive and is restored through the mobile app.