card reader active but only manual present in POS

[TAGSAngel]

I finally got the card/chip reader active (omg what a chore that was) now when I try to do a $1.00 test with POS it's only giving me the options of non swiped transactions (manual credit card entry, manual gift card entry, card on file [- what does that mean anyway] invoice or more ) There is nothing to swipe / tap / chip etc.  

[pessosices]

Hey @TAGSAngel

Glad you finally got all set up!

As long as the reader is connected, it might only give you the written option of non-swiped transactions, but swipe/tap/chip will all work automatically when you insert a card.

It only gives you those written options becasue those are all manual methods of charging a card - so they're the only ones you would have to click on to use. If you use the card on that screen, it should just work!

To answer your other question, Card on File means that you've stored a customer's card information, and can charge them by looking up their name/phone number and charge them without their card physically present or without manually typing it in. Works great for special customers & clients.

Hope this helps,

Pesso

[TAGSAngel]

~I thought that might be the case so I did put in a card.  That did nothing!
~What do you mean by "use the card on the screen"  when card is inserted is it supposed to show the card on the pos screen on the ipad?  if so, that's not happening.
~ I have an event in 2 weeks and hoping to get this all ironed out and working seemlessly by that time.  Once its all set up, I don't have to re-do anything correct?
~In order to get it active I had to delete the pos app and reinstall and then send a code from the dashboard (although at this point I don't even remember how I found that.  All of the instructions are outdated and are giving menu items that are not accurate.
I wont have to do all that again on the morning of the event correct?
~Also, once turned on, does it stay on or do you have to re press the button for green light for every use (during the same day)
I only get green when I press  It does not stay green. Is that the way it's supposed to be?
This is very frustrating.  I bought this for this one event.  Spending 50.00 for one event is hard enough as it is but to be so confused and not having it easily managed is worse!
I do appreciate your help though!!!

[pessosices]

Sorry for the confusion and frustration.

Here's the Troubleshooting Guide which should be able to solve your issues:

https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/5673-square-contactless-and-chip-card-reader-troubleshooting

When you enter in an item and then press Charge and get to the Payment Methods Screen, if the card reader is connected, then by putting in a card it should charge the card automatically.

Once you are all set up, you should not have to re-do anything.

You can make sure your card reader is connected by going to the Settings tab on the left side, and scroll down to Card Readers and see if it is connected.

There should also be a bar across the top of the POS app screen saying Reader Connected.

The reader should automatically connect and stay connected whenever your POS app is open on the iPad - if for some reason it disconnects, or you haven't used it in a while, then pressing the button on the reader will re-connect it. The light will turn green for only a few seconds, but the reader will stay connected.

Hope this helps,

Pesso

[TAGSAngel]

And here lies my frustration!   I have read the troubleshooting guide.
#1  there is nothing across the top of the POS
#2  Going to the "settings tab on the left" (three menu [fafa] bars Assuming you mean on the dashboard that I bring up through my browser .....there is NO settings!
There is, however, Account and settings.   So assuming that's what you and the instructions mean so, I go there.
When I go to Card Reader  (which is ONLY under Accessories - They're just trying to sell me the accessory that I already bought!
So now, either all those instructions are wrong, or there are different versions and I'm not on the correct one, but my ios is on the latest version and I updated the pos.  So........
Please see images below

[pessosices]

So in the app itself, you see the Blue Box with the number 2 on the bottom left corner? That's actually your menu button (the 3 bars), but it's being covered by 2 notifications.

If you tap on that number 2, then you'll find your menu with the settings button where you can do all of the things.

[TAGSAngel]

And just incase by "card reader"  you mean "Devices" in the menu  if I go there it is marked Active

[TAGSAngel]

Well Dang!  That solved that! Maybe the trouble shooter should give images so you know what you're looking for 😞   And why would they cover up a menu bar with a number (or put it on the bottom) [As there's a number 1 right next to it for the products which I now assume means I have 1 product listed 😞    
So confusing!!!!
So now I'm updting firmware.  Let's hope that doesn't bring on a whole new set of problems.
Thank you  I would not have gotten there without you.

[pessosices]

Glad that worked!

Yea it's a little silly they way the notifications appear and block the menu, absolutely agreed!

The number 1 in the circle means that it's Page 1 of your Product Grid, you can add pages to that, and they will be automatically numbered or you can change the name too!

Let me know how it goes!