Enhancing security with the Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader

On this page, you can find the security features designed to protect your Shopify Tap & Chip Card Reader and ensure safe transaction processing. The Tap and Chip Card Reader has security features that allow it to run security checks and to protect sensitive information if the reader is tampered with. Learn how to activate these security settings and respond to security alerts.

Note

The Tap & Chip Card Reader is exclusively available in the United States. For businesses located outside of the United States, review the supported card readers for Shopify POS by region help article to find a card reader that's compatible and available for your specific region.

Location permissions

Location permissions must be activated for the POS app to successfully perform security checks. To activate Location permissions, follow these steps:

iPhone

Steps:

1. Open your device's settings.
2. Scroll down to Shopify POS, and then tap it.
3. Tap Location > While using this app.

Android

Steps:

1. Open your device's settings.
2. Select Apps > Shopify POS.
3. Tap Permissions > Location.
4. Select Allow only while using the app.

Tampered state

Tampered state is a security feature that makes the reader unusable. Tampered state is indicated by red LEDs illuminated on both the left and right of the reader. The following situations might cause a tampered state:

• If the reader is tampered with.
• If the reader is dropped with a severe impact.
• If the reader is connected to an unstable power source.
• If a metal credit card is inserted into the reader. Instead of inserting metal credit cards, you can tap or manually enter the credit card details.

After the reader has entered the tampered state, it needs to be replaced.