> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://commanderhelp.verifone.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://commanderhelp.verifone.com/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/receipt-prints-gibberish-random-characters.md).
# Receipt prints gibberish / random characters
### Use this when receipts print gibberish or random characters
Use this when receipts print symbols or unreadable text.
This is usually a **COM port** or **baud rate** mismatch between the POS and printer.
{% hint style="danger" icon="octagon-exclamation" %}
#### Stop rule
After each step, print a test receipt.
If it prints normally, stop.
{% endhint %}
Also called / keywords
**Also called:** Printer printing symbols, gibberish on receipt, printer printing garbage, unreadable receipt text, corrupted receipt printing
**Keywords:** receipt printing gibberish, random characters on receipt, printer symbols instead of text, garbled receipt, baud rate mismatch, COM port wrong, RP330 baud rate, TM-88 gibberish, RP300 gibberish, RP310 gibberish
***
### Symptoms
You may see one or more of the following:
* Receipts print random symbols or unreadable text.
* Paper feeds normally, but the text is wrong.
* The printer **self-test** prints clearly, but POS receipts are gibberish.
**Most often this means:** The POS and printer settings don’t match. Check **COM port** first, then **baud rate**.
{% hint style="warning" %}
#### Not your issue?
* POS shows **Receipt Printer Unavail.** → [“Receipt Printer Unavailable” Error Fix](/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/receipt-printer-unavailable-error-fix.md)
* Reprints work, but **new sales** don’t print → [New receipts not printing (reprints work)](/printer-help/receipt-printer-troubleshooting/new-receipts-not-printing-reprints-work.md)
{% endhint %}
{% hint style="info" %}
#### Before you start (quick checks)
* Is it gibberish on **every** receipt?
* Were any cables moved or replaced today?
* Printer model: **TM-88**, **RP300**, **RP310**, or **RP330**
{% endhint %}
***
### How to fix receipts printing gibberish / random characters
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
#### Confirm the printer COM port assignment
On the register go to: **Device Control → Managed Modules → System Resources**
Or via Config Client: **Tools → Managed Modules → System Resources**
Find the receipt printer entry and note the COM port number shown. Example: COM1 or COM3.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Match the cable to that COM port, then reboot
Look at the back of the register.
Make sure the printer cable is plugged into the same COM port you found in Step 1.
* If it’s in the wrong port, move it to the correct COM port.
* Reboot the register.
* Print a test receipt.
If it still prints gibberish, go to the Step 3.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Check and set the printer baud rate (target: **38400**)
If the COM port is correct and it still prints gibberish, match the printer’s baud rate.
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="TM-88 / RP300 / RP310 (dip switches)" %}
These models use internal **dip switches**.
1. Power off the printer.
2. Open the cover to find the dip switch panel.
Dip switches after opening the panel
3. Match your switches to the standard settings below.
Standard Dip switch positions for TM-88 model printer
Standard Dip switch positions for RP-300/RP-310 model printers
4. Close the cover, power on, and print a test receipt.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="RP330 " %}
RP330 baud rate is set from the printer’s button menu.
**Verify baud rate**
1. Paper loaded.
2. Power **off**.
3. Hold **FEED** and power **on**.
4. On the self-test print, confirm baud rate is **38400**.
**Change baud rate (if not 38400)**
1. Power **off**.
2. Hold **FEED** and power **on**.
3. On the printout, find `SELECT MODE BY BUTTON`.
4. Press **FEED** twice to select **BAUDRATE MODE**.
5. Press **FEED** until **38400** is selected.
6. Wait for the confirmation print, then power cycle.
7. Print a POS test receipt.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
#### Still printing gibberish?
* **No on-site contract:** Contact a VASC(Verifone Authorized Service Contractor)Technician for further on-site troubleshooting
* **Valid on-site/contract:** Contact the Verifone Helpdesk:
📞 Phone: 1-800-837-4366 (1-800-VERIFONE)
💬 Chat
Tell them exactly the troubleshooting steps performed, this saves your time and gets you the right support faster.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% hint style="info" %}
N**eed assistance? Contact Verifone Helpdesk at anytime.**
* Use our **Chat** platform
* Or call **1.800.VERIFONE (837.4366)**
Tell us the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. This saves time and gets you the right support faster.
{% endhint %}
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