Swipe (audio-jack) card reader
Available only from Shopify
The Swipe (audio-jack) card reader is a lightweight, low-cost solution for stores that are often mobile.
The card reader plugs into the audio jack of your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. If you're using an iOS device, then you can disable the card reader from the General settings to access the audio jack for music playback.
Who is this card reader for?
The Swipe (audio-jack) card reader is lightweight and low-cost, which makes it a good option for merchants who are just getting started with taking credit card payments. The card reader plugs into the audio jack of your POS device and has no wires, so it's ideal for use at fairs, markets, or pop-up locations.
Compatible devices and payment providers
The following table shows which devices and payment providers are compatible with the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader.
| Device | Supported payment providers | Do I need to be on the Shopify plan or higher? |
|---|---|---|
|
Shopify Payments (United States and Canada) | No |
| Authorize.net (United States and Canada) | Yes | |
| First Data Payeezy (United States) | Yes | |
| Shopify Payments (United States and Canada) | No |
Where to buy the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader
The Swipe (audio-jack) card reader is available only from the Shopify Hardware Store in Canada.
Install the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader
You can install the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader in a few easy steps.
Steps:
Make sure that the volume on your iPad is set to maximum and not set to silent.
Plug the card reader into your iPad's headphone jack. If you're using the Windfall iPad Stand, then the reader rests on the face of the stand.
When you're prompted to allow access to your iPad's microphone during your next credit payment, tap Ok.
Make sure that the volume on your iPhone is set to maximum and not set to silent.
Plug the card reader into your iPhone's headphone jack.
When you're prompted to allow access to your iPhone's microphone during your next credit payment, tap Ok.
Make sure that the volume on your Android device is set to maximum and not set to silent.
Plug the card reader into your device's headphone jack.
How to swipe a card
Swipe the credit card across the card reader with the card's magnetic strip facing towards you:
Troubleshoot the card reader
If you have trouble using the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader, try these troubleshooting steps.
Does Shopify POS have permissions to use your device's microphone
Have you disabled the Use audio jack for card reader option (iOS only)?
Can you process the payment by entering the credit card information manually?
1. Are you seeing a Swipe failed error?
If you see a Swipe failed error when you swipe a card, then make sure that you're swiping the card correctly.
2. Do you have an internet connection?
To process payments, Shopify POS needs to connect to the internet through wi-fi or your device's cellular data. If you can't connect to the internet, then you won't be able to process card payments.
3. Are you using a compatible payment provider and currency?
You can use the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader only if:
- your store's based in the United States or Canada
- you're using a compatible payment provider
- your store's currency is in USD or CAD.
If one of those requirements isn't true for you, then you can still take credit card payments using an external payment terminal.
4. Are you tapping Credit at checkout?
To accept payment with the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader, tap Credit at the payments screen. You should tap External terminal only if you're using an external payment terminal instead of a card reader that's supported by Shopify.
5. Is your POS device in a case?
Some cases prevent the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader from fitting properly in the device's audio jack. If your device is in a case, then remove your device from its case, plug in the card reader, and try processing the payment again.
6. Is your device being used to play music?
The Swipe (audio-jack) card reader uses your device's audio framework, and so you can't use your POS device to play music and to accept credit card payments at the same time. If you want to take a card payment, then disconnect your POS device from any Bluetooth speakers, check that the device has microphone permissions, and then try taking the payment again.
7. Does Shopify POS have permission to use your device's microphone
Shopify POS needs permission to use your device's microphone to use the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader to take credit payments. If you declined giving the app permission, then you can grant it at any time from your device settings.
Steps:
On your iPad's home screen, tap Settings.
From your iPad's Settings screen, find the Shopify POS app, and then tap it.
Under ALLOW SHOPIFY POS TO ACCESS, make sure that the Microphone toggle button is enabled:
On your iPhone's home screen, tap Settings.
From your iPhone's Settings screen, find the Shopify POS app, and then tap it.
Under ALLOW SHOPIFY POS TO ACCESS, make sure that the Microphone toggle button is enabled:
From your Android device's home screen, find and tap Settings.
Tap Apps.
From the list of apps, find and tap Shopify POS.
Tap Permissions:
Make sure that the Microphone toggle button is enabled:
8. Is the volume on your device at maximum?
Shopify POS won't recognize the Swipe (audio-jack) card reader unless your device is unmuted and its volume is at its maximum. Unplug the card reader, make sure that your device isn't muted and the volume is at its maximum, and then plug in the card reader and try to take the payment again.
9. Have you disabled the Automatically detect swipe reader option (iOS only)?
You might have disabled the Automatically detect swipe reader setting in Shopify POS, for example if you wanted to use the device to play music.You need to enable the Automatically detect swipe reader setting.
Steps:
From Shopify POS, tap Store, and then tap Hardware.
Enable Automatically detect swipe reader.
10. Can you take a credit payment using a different card?
Try to take a card payment using a different credit card. If the payment is successful, then there is a problem with your customer's credit card.
11. Can you process the payment by entering the credit card information manually?
Try to take the card payment by entering the card information manually. If the payment is successful, then there's a problem with the card reader.