Discontinued card readers for the Shopify POS app
To provide the best retail and payment acceptance experience possible, the Shopify POS app is built to work with specific card readers. As we launch new and improved card readers, these existing card readers are removed to ensure Shopify merchants are using the latest hardware that will deliver the most optimal retail experience.
On this page
Canada only - Tap & Chip and Swipe (Audio Jack) card reader sunset starting May 24, 2023
Effective October 31, 2023, the Tap & Chip and Swipe (Audio Jack) readers in Canada will no longer be supported on POS. After this date, you’ll no longer be able to connect these readers to POS or process transactions.
With the introduction of WisePad 3 and POS Go readers in Canada, older readers will now be phased out. Our new readers offer merchants an improved checkout experience including customer-facing display screens, integrated PIN pads, and more.
Merchants still using Tap & Chip and Swipe readers should refer to the email sent by Shopify with instructions on how to replace card readers.
Discontinued card readers and recommended replacement products
The affected hardware and regions are as follows:
| Hardware | End of support date | Device model and Region | Recommended replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap & Chip Reader (Canada only) | Oct 31, 2023 | iOS: Canada
|
Canada: Wisepad 3, POS Go |
| Swipe (audio-jack) card reader | January 31, 2022 | iOS: United States and Canada
Android: United States and Canada |
United States: Tap & Chip, POS Go
Canada: Wisepad 3, POS Go |
| Swipe (Lightning) card reader | January 31, 2022 | iOS: United States and Canada | United States: Tap & Chip, POS Go
Canada: WisePad 3, POS Go |
| Tap, Chip, and Swipe card reader | January 31, 2022 | iOS: United States, United Kingdom, Ireland | United States: Tap & Chip
United Kingdom, Ireland: WisePad 3 |
FAQs about discontinued card readers
Some commonly asked questions about discontinued hardware.
Why did you discontinue these card readers?
We aim to provide merchants with optimal checkout experiences. As the Shopify POS app and hardware offerings improve, out of date card readers are discontinued and replaced with newer and more reliable hardware. You can migrate to the supported integrated card readers and take advantage of using Shopify Payments.
If I don't update my POS app after the end of support, then can I still use my hardware?
If you do not update the POS app, then your hardware might continue to work with limited functionality or be blocked completely from accepting payments. To avoid unexpected errors or losing ability to accept payments, please ensure you have migrated to the recommended card reader options by the end of support date.
What do I do with my discontinued reader?
To recycle your outdated card reader, drop it off at your local e-waste recycling center.