WisePad 3 card reader

The WisePad 3 card reader is a PCI-compliant device that connects wirelessly to iPads and iPhones, and either wirelessly or through USB-C to Android devices. You can use the WisePad 3 card reader to accept contactless and chip card payments with the Shopify POS app.

List of supported countries for WisePad 3 usage

The WisePad 3 card reader is available for purchase and use in the following supported countries:

  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom

Requirements for using the WisePad 3 card reader

To use the WisePad 3 card reader, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Your store and physical retail locations are based in a supported country for Shopify POS where the WisePad 3 is available to purchase.
  • Your store and physical retail locations are based in the same country.
  • Your payment provider is Shopify Payments, and test mode is turned off.
  • Transactions are processed in the local currency of your physical retail location.
  • The Shopify POS app is installed on a compatible device.

Compatibility requirements for mobile devices with WisePad 3

You must use a compatible iPad or iPhone that is running iOS 15 or higher, or an Android device running version 10 or higher. Either type of device must support Bluetooth 4.2 or higher.

Shopify POS app iOS and Android device compatibility requirements

The Shopify POS app is available for only iOS and Android devices. It's not available for laptop or desktop computers.

The Shopify POS app works with devices that meet the following requirements:

List of iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and POS Go, plus the required generations and operating systems, that work with the Shopify POS app.
DeviceDescription
iPadGeneration 5 or higher running iPadOS 15 or higher
iPad Air Generation 2 or higher running iPadOS 15 or higher
iPad miniGeneration 4 or higher running iPadOS 15 or higher
iPad ProAll iPad Pro models running iPadOS 15 or higher
iPhoneiPhone 7 or higher running iOS 15 or higher
POS GoPOS Go running the latest Shopify-provided software updates
AndroidPhone or tablet running official Android version 10.0 or higher, with Google Play Services and Google Mobile Services enabled

The Shopify POS app no longer supports iOS 14 or lower. With older versions of iOS, you can continue to use the app but you can no longer update it. To take advantage of bug fixes and new features, you need to update your device to iOS 15 or higher. If that isn't possible, then switch to using Shopify POS on another device that is running iOS 15 or higher.

iOS 15 permission requirements

If you update your device to iOS 15 or higher and use third-party Shopify apps, then you might need to activate Cross-Website tracking in your iOS settings. Cross-Website tracking lets third-party Shopify apps that you install in your Shopify admin stay connected in Shopify Inbox, Shopify Point of Sale, and the Shopify app.

To activate Cross-Website tracking, complete the following steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your device.
  2. Tap Shopify, Shopify POS, or Shopify Inbox.
  3. Activate Allow Cross-Website Tracking.

Supported payment types by country for the WisePad 3 card reader

You can use the WisePad 3 card reader to accept payments from the following payment types:

  • Visa and Visa Debit
  • Mastercard and Debit Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover (only for locations in United States, Canada, and United Kingdom)
  • Diners Club (only for locations in United States, Canada, and United Kingdom)
  • JCB (only for locations in United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand)
  • Union Pay (only for locations in United States and Canada)
  • eftpos (Australia only)
  • Interac (Canada only)

Most national debit cards such as Interac, girocard, or eftpos cards that are co-badged with Visa or Mastercard can process payments outside the card issuer's country using Visa and Mastercard. Some co-badged debit cards that don't process payments through Mastercard or Visa might not work outside the card issuer's country.

On hardware that supports contactless payments, customers might also present any supported card brand that they've loaded on a digital wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Purchasing the WisePad 3 card reader: Availability and locations

The WisePad 3 card reader is available from the Shopify Hardware Store in supported countries.

Using the WisePad 3 card reader overview

  • 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.

Power 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.

Charge 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
  1. To turn on the reader, press and release the power button.
  2. In Shopify POS, tap > Connectivity > Set up Hardware.
  3. Tap Card reader.
  4. On the Select Reader page, tap WisePad 3.
  5. On the Select your connection type page, tap Bluetooth.
  6. 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.

  1. To turn on the reader, press and release the power button.
  2. In Shopify POS, tap > Connectivity > Set up Hardware.
  3. Tap Card reader.
  4. On the Select Reader page, tap WisePad 3.
  5. On the Select your connection type page, tap USB.
  6. Connect the USB-C cable to the port on the right side of the card reader. Connect the other end to the POS device.
  7. If it's your first time connecting the reader, then you need to configure the reader with Shopify POS:
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
  8. 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:

  1. From Shopify POS, tap , and then tap Settings.
  2. Tap Manage connected hardware.
  3. Tap the name of your connected card reader.
  4. 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:

  1. Press the power button.
  2. Press the down arrow three times to enter the language menu.
  3. Press the enter button to select your language choice.

Accept a payment with the WisePad 3 card reader

You can use the WisePad 3 card reader to accept chip and PIN or contactless tap payments.

Contactless payments can be limited to purchases under a specified amount, depending on the payment type or the country where your business is based. To make purchases for larger amounts, or when your customer has exceeded their tap limit, your customer can insert the card, and then enter their PIN.

Steps:

  1. From the Shopify POS, tap Checkout. If the WisePad 3 card reader is connected and ready, then a Tap or insert card option becomes available.
  2. Allow the customer to tap or insert their card. The chip needs to face up, towards the Shopify logo.
  3. When the transaction is successful, the customer can remove their card.
  4. Choose whether to provide a receipt and the delivery method.

Troubleshooting common issues with the WisePad 3 card reader

Common issues with your WisePad 3 card reader include pairing problems, connection drops, and payment processing errors. Ensure your device's Bluetooth is active, the reader is charged, and that you have a stable internet connection. Try the following troubleshooting steps to help resolve issues with your WisePad 3 card reader.

The WisePad 3 card reader won't pair with my POS device

Troubleshoot your WisePad 3 card reader's wireless or wired connection using the following steps:

  • Verify that Bluetooth on your Shopify POS device is turned on.
  • Verify that the POS app has permission to connect to Bluetooth in your device settings.
  • If your reader is connected using a USB-C cable, then try unplugging the reader and re-plugging it in.
  • If you use a Retail Stand, then try undocking and re-docking the tablet.
  • Verify that you have a stable internet connection. Shopify POS needs to connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or your device's cellular data to process payments. If you can't connect to the internet, then you need to use a different payment type when you're offline.
  • Verify that your WisePad 3 card reader is charged above 50% battery. If it's not, then charge it to above 50% before trying again because the device might experience trouble pairing with less than 50% battery, even if it's plugged in.
  • Verify whether the WisePad 3 card reader is connected to a different device. If it is, then unpair it from that device before trying to pair it with a new device.
  • Turn off the POS app on your device and then turn it on again.
  • If you use a USB-C cable, then try connecting the reader using Bluetooth. If you have an Android tablet and you connect the reader using Bluetooth, then try connecting the reader using a USB-C cable.

The WisePad 3 card reader disconnects from my POS device

If your WisePad 3 card reader disconnects from your POS device, then troubleshoot the connection with the following steps:

  • Verify whether the WisePad 3 card reader has sufficient battery. Charge the card reader if necessary.
  • Press and release the WisePad 3 card reader's power button to wake it up.
  • Verify whether the WisePad 3 card reader is within Bluetooth range of the POS device.
  • Verify that you have a stable internet connection. Shopify POS needs to connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or your device's cellular data to process payments. If you can't connect to the internet, then you need to use a different payment type when you're offline.
  • Unpair and repair the WisePad 3 card reader with your POS device.
  • Reset the POS app on your device.

System tampered

If your WisePad 3 card reader displays a Tamper Detected screen error, then the reader can no longer be used, and you'll need to replace it.

Connection issues

If your WisePad 3 reader displays a Wake card reader message and can't reconnect, then click Not working? from the card reader details page. After you click Not working?, the WisePad 3 reader's connection reinitializes.

Freezing, stalling, or over-the-air updates failing

To use your WisePad 3 reader, make sure that the following requirements are met:

  • your WisePad 3 reader is charged to at least 50%
  • your iOS or Android device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi connection
  • you've updated to Shopify POS version 6.34 or higher

Steps:

  1. Force close the Point of Sale (POS) app.
  2. Re-open the POS app.
  3. Tap ☰ in the bottom right of the POS app and tap Settings
  4. Go to Manage connected hardware > WisePad 3 > Forget the reader.
  5. Tap ☰ again in the bottom right of the POS app and tap Settings.
  6. Go to Set up hardware > Card readers > WisePad 3.

If the issue persists, then do a pinhole reboot by using a pin or paper clip to press and hold the reboot button for 5 seconds. This action re-pairs the device. The reboot button is located on the right side of the device, underneath the charging port.

Paired to a different device

If the WisePad 3 card reader is paired to a different iOS or Android device, then the WisePad 3 card reader won't display in the list of available card readers when you try to set up the card reader in the POS app.

Unable to process payments

If you're unable to process payments because the POS app payment failed, then try the following troubleshooting:

  • ensure that location services for the POS app set to either Always or Only when using the app
  • restart the POS app and attempt a payment again
  • ensure that Shopify Payments isn't in test mode

Switching from Tap, Chip, and Swipe to WisePad 3

Keep your Tap, Chip, and Swipe card reader nearby, but powered off in case you have issues with your WisePad 3, or prefer to go back to the Tap, Chip, and Swipe reader. Leaving the Tap, Chip, and Swipe reader powered off helps ensure that the POS app remains paired to the WisePad 3 as the main card processing unit.

Card reader isn't responding when inserting a card

If the card reader isn't responding when you insert a card, then you might need to clean the chip slot.

Steps:

  1. Fold a piece of paper to be the same thickness as a credit card.
  2. Insert the folded piece of paper into the chip slot and move the paper side-to-side and back-and-forth.
  3. Remove the paper from the slot, and then use a can of compressed air to clean out the chip slot.

Further troubleshooting tips before sending a report to Shopify Support

If your card reader isn't working, then make sure you review these steps before sending a report to Shopify Support:

  • Never blow into the chip slot, as the saliva particles can corrode the chip contacts.
  • Don't use an adhesive, such as a sticky note or tape, as this can leave residue that can collect debris.
  • Use a can of compressed air to dislodge any debris inside the chip slot.
  • Use isopropyl alcohol and thin cotton swabs to gently clean the contacts in the chip slot.
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