Setting up the WisePad 3 card reader
You can use this guide learn how to set up and connect the WisePad 3 card reader with your Shopify POS device.
On this page
Using the WisePad 3 card reader
- Powering on/off: Press and release the power button to turn on. The reader enters standby mode after 30 seconds of inactivity and shuts off after 10 hours of inactivity.
- Charging: Use the supplied USB cable. Charging takes 3 to 4 hours, and a full charge lasts for about 500-600 transactions.
- Pairing and Connection: Pair the reader by Bluetooth or connect with a USB-C cable to your device. Follow on-screen instructions in the Shopify POS app to complete setup.
Powering the WisePad 3 card reader on and off
To turn the WisePad 3 card reader on or off, press and release its power button. When the card reader turns on, the status lights illuminate. If you've already paired and connected the reader with your POS device, then the reader automatically reconnects to the device.
After 30 seconds of inactivity, the WisePad 3 card reader enters standby mode and the screen dims. The card reader stays connected to Shopify POS during standby mode and automatically exits standby mode when you resume activity.
When running on battery power, the card reader automatically shuts off after 10 hours of inactivity. To turn the card reader off manually, press and hold the power button until the screen displays a confirmation to power off the card reader, then press the green button. You don't need to turn the reader off to conserve power.
Charging the WisePad 3 card reader
You can charge the WisePad 3 card reader by using the USB cable that's supplied with it. To charge the reader, plug the small end of USB connector into the card reader and then plug the large end into a phone charger or a computer. Best practice is to use a 5V / 1A (5W) charger.
The WisePad 3 card reader takes 3 to 4 hours to charge fully. After the reader's fully charged, its battery should last for about 500-600 transactions. Charge the card reader daily to ensure that it's always ready to process transactions. You can check the amount of charge remaining in the card reader on the WisePad's by looking at the battery icon in the top right-hand corner of the display screen.
Pair and connect the WisePad 3 card reader to your POS device
To use the WisePad 3 card reader with Shopify POS, you need to pair the reader with your device through Shopify POS. You can connect the WisePad 3 reader in the following ways:
- With Bluetooth to an iPad, iPhone, or Android device.
- With a USB-C cable to an Android device.
If you connect your reader to Bluetooth, then the reader automatically connects to the device whenever both are turned on and in range.
If you connect your reader with a USB-C cable, then you only need to manually set it up within Shopify POS one time. After you set it up the first time, then the reader connects to Shopify POS automatically when you connect the USB-C cable.
Steps:
Bluetooth
- To turn on the reader, press and release the power button.
- In Shopify POS, tap ☰ > Connectivity > Set up Hardware.
- Tap Card reader.
- On the Select Reader page, tap WisePad 3.
- On the Select your connection type page, tap Bluetooth.
- When the card reader displays beneath Available card readers, tap Connect beside it.
USB-C
If you use a POS Tablet Stand (USB-C), then depending on the tablet model, then you might experience issues. To learn more about supported Android tablets, refer to Shopify POS Support on Android.
- To turn on the reader, press and release the power button.
- In Shopify POS, tap ☰ > Connectivity > Set up Hardware.
- Tap Card reader.
- On the Select Reader page, tap WisePad 3.
- On the Select your connection type page, tap USB.
- Connect the USB-C cable to the port on the right side of the card reader. Connect the other end to the POS device.
- If it's your first time connecting the reader, then you need to configure the reader with Shopify POS:
- A pop-up window displays that says "Open Shopify POS to handle WPC#####". In this window, select Always open Shopify POS when WPC##### is connected, and then select OK.
- A second pop-up window displays that says "Allow Shopify POS to handle WPC####". In this window, select Always open Shopify POS when WPC##### is connected, and then select OK.
- Tap Connect > Done.
Switching between Bluetooth and USB connection
If you've manually set up Bluetooth and USB connections, then you can automatically switch the two connection types. When the card reader is plugged in with the USB-C cable, the connection defaults to USB connection. When you unplug the card reader, the connection switches to Bluetooth.
When switching between connection types, your reader disconnects for a few seconds before it reconnects. You can view the connection status in your Shopify POS app by tapping ☰ > Connectivity.
Unpair the WisePad 3 card reader from your POS device
You can only use the WisePad 3 card reader with one device at a time. If you want to use the card reader with another device, then you need to first unpair it from its current device.
Steps:
- From Shopify POS, tap ☰, and then tap Settings.
- Tap Manage connected hardware.
- Tap the name of your connected card reader.
- Tap Forget card reader.
If your WisePad 3 card reader is connected using Bluetooth, then go to your device's Bluetooth settings and forget the reader from the list of previously connected devices.
Change the language setting on the WisePad 3 card reader
You can select the language used for the WisePad 3 card reader. The language options in the settings are pre-set per region, and so vary by country.
Steps:
- Press the power button.
- Press the down arrow three times to enter the language menu.
- Press the enter button to select your language choice.