# Standalone mode for Terminal 

**Availability: Public Preview**
For users looking for a no-code solution to accept payments in-person, Stripe offers standalone mode on supported Terminal smart readers ([Stripe Reader S710/S700](https://stripe.com/terminal/s710), [Verifone V660p](https://stripe.com/terminal/v660p)).
Users can order a smart reader from the [hardware shop](https://dashboard.stripe.com/terminal/shop?standalone_mode=true) in the Dashboard.
## Creating a location and enabling standalone mode
Before registering a reader and enabling standalone mode, you'll need to create a location. [Locations](https://docs.stripe.com/terminal/fleet/locations-and-zones) represent the physical places where you accept in-person payments on your readers, like a store or kiosk. If you don't have a fixed location for accepting in-person payments, you can still create and use a single location. In that case, we recommend using the location most closesly associated with your business, like your business incorporated address.
To create a location, from the [Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com/login?redirect=/Terminal) go to **Terminal** > **Locations**.
Select the new location. Under **Local configurations**, for standalone mode you’ll need to click **Edit**. The standalone mode tab will populate on your Dashboard. Toggle the switch to enable standalone mode, then click **Update** at the bottom of the tab to save changes.
## Registering the device
During order checkout, users can select an existing location to pre-register your reader. If you do, Stripe automatically registers your reader to that location once your order ships. If you don't select a location at checkout, you'll need to register your reader manually when it arrives.
In the smart reader's settings, select [Generate a Pairing Code](https://docs.stripe.com/terminal/fleet/register-readers#registration-code) and follow the pairing instructions to complete device registration and enable standalone mode in the Dashboard. Reboot the device after to enter standalone mode.
## Accepting Payments
For payment reconciliation, an [internal note can be added to a charge in standalone mode](https://docs.stripe.com/terminal/payments/standalone-mode/get-started#payment-reconciliation). The note is stored on the PaymentIntent under the key `x_terminal_standalone_note`, and is only displayed in the Dashboard or through the API. Internal notes are not visible to customers.
Standalone mode doesn't support setting a fixed charge price or a product catalog for frequently used payment amounts. Payment amounts must be entered in for each payment attempt, although you can use the calculator to sum multiple amounts if needed.
## Receipts
Customers will be automatically offered the option to enter an email address after each successful payment and refund.
Email receipts cannot be sent for failed transactions.
## Refunds
Users can issue [refunds](https://docs.stripe.com/terminal/features/refunds?terminal-sdk-platform=server-driven#refunds) directly from the reader in standalone mode, from the Dashboard, or through the [Refunds API](https://docs.stripe.com/api/refunds).
Users can also set a PIN on the device to be required for issuing refunds from the reader.
## Using standalone mode as a backup
When standalone mode is enabled, the entire splash screen becomes clickable to enter standalone mode. If you lose connection to your POS but the device maintains an internet connection, you can use standalone mode as a backup. Standalone mode requires an internet connection and doesn't support offline payments.
You have three options for how to set this up:
1. **Keep standalone mode enabled all the time.** Your POS can take over on any screen at any time and always takes priority. To prevent accidental entry into standalone mode, go to Settings to either show the splash screen immediately if it's accidentally touched, or set an inactivity timer (minimum one minute).
1. **Disable standalone mode until you need it.** When needed, enable it by logging into the Stripe Dashboard to update the configuration, or build your own experience in your POS to enable standalone mode via the API.
1. **Create a dedicated standalone mode setup.** Disable standalone mode in most configurations, but maintain a dedicated location, configuration, and device used solely for standalone mode.
## Fiscalization
Standalone mode is an ancillary payment tool for accepting card payments without a connected point of sale (POS) application—for example, when your primary POS is temporarily unavailable. It is not a substitute for a certified fiscal or POS system and cannot:
- Provide an auditable record of transactions for tax or regulatory purposes
- Interact with tax authorities to provide merchant fiscal transaction data
You are solely responsible for your fiscal compliance. If your jurisdiction requires a certified cash register, fiscal device, or POS system, you must use one to record sales and issue compliant documents to customers.
If you're unsure whether these requirements apply to your business, consult your local tax authority or a qualified tax adviser.