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What's New: January 2026 - Faster KDS updates, smarter ordering, built-in promos, and more

From Back Office enhancements to POS updates and more, here’s what’s been added or improved.

Some features take effect automatically, but others require an update. To access everything new, update the Lightspeed Restaurant app via the App Store outside of business hours on all POS devices.

New

Spotlight of the month: Sync KDS statuses with your POS

Front-of-house staff can now see real-time course statuses and timestamps directly in the POS. Servers know exactly when food is cooking, ready, or picked up, ensuring smoother service.

This update brings:

  • KDS statuses directly into the POS order view.
  • Clear timestamps showing when items change status.
  • No setup required for KDS users.

This feature is enabled automatically for all Lightspeed Restaurant KDS users.

Learn more in the Help Center

POS and KDS updates

New

Stronger security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Protect your business with an extra layer of security. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) helps prevent unauthorized access by requiring a second verification step beyond a password. Once enabled, users will also have the option to disable MFA at any time.

How to set it up

  1. Log in to the Back Office.
  2. Click My Account.
  3. Click My Account details.
  4. Select Configure MFA to enable the feature.

Get started

Learn more in the Help Center

Smarter permissions for KDS and online orders

Reduce operational risk by controlling who can manage KDS and online orders. New permission settings help ensure accuracy in order management and prevent unwanted changes during service.

How to set it up

  1. Log in to the Back Office.
  2. Click POS > Users.
  3. Select a user.
  4. Toggle Manage KDS or Manage online orders under Configurations.

Get started

Faster, safer, smarter ordering

Make ordering clearer and quicker with built-in notes. Add instructions directly to orders, seats or courses. Update your POS with special requests, dietary restrictions and other specific notes to the kitchen instantly.

No configuration needed. These features are enabled by default.

Get started

New in reporting

New

Track gift card performance with ease

The redesigned gift card statistics page offers improved layout and clearer visibility, making it easier to monitor sales and performance at a glance.

This update is available automatically, no setup required.

Get started

Learn more in the Help Center

Order Anywhere updates

Update

No more out-of-stock surprises

Items now automatically become unavailable in Order Anywhere (OA) when POS stock hits zero and reappear when stock is restored. This keeps orders accurate and prevents guest frustration.

How it works:

  • OA automatically subscribes to POS sales restriction updates via API webhook.
  • POS triggers item count changes and OA updates availability in real-time.
  • Manual snoozing is still fully supported and separate.
  • No setup needed, items at 0 stock are automatically marked unavailable in Order Anywhere.

New

Boost sales with Buy One, Get One Free promotions

Drive repeat visits and increase order value with Buy One Get One Free promotions in Order Anywhere. Set up in Order Anywhere to help more orders and boost engagement.

Learn more in the Help Center

Partner spotlight

Manage reservations from Lightspeed and TheFork

Manage TheFork reservations directly from the Lightspeed POS. Reservations now appear with full details, allowing staff to seat guests faster and manage tables more accurately.

Restaurants can choose whether seating happens in Lightspeed or TheFork Manager during onboarding.

Get started:

  • Connect TheFork Manager and Lightspeed via the Integration Hub.
  • During onboarding in TheFork Manager, select the option to send reservations to Lightspeed before service or when created.
  • For existing users who want to switch, disconnect the integration in both systems or reconnect and select the new seating option.
  • Add the Manage Reservations button to the POS menu from the Lightspeed Integration Hub to access the reservation list.

Get started

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