Barcode scanners
You can use Shopify-supported barcode scanners to quickly add products to the cart at checkout. Cordless barcode scanners can be used up to 100 meters away from your iPad or iPhone.
Shopify POS supports the following barcode scanners:
- Socket Mobile 1D barcode scanner
- Socket Mobile 2D barcode scanner
- Zebra DS2208 barcode scanner
- Zebra DS2278 barcode scanner
- Any HID (Human Interface Device) barcode scanner
You can also use your device's camera to scan both 1D and 2D barcodes.
On this page
Considerations for barcode scanners
Review the following considerations before using barcode scanners with Shopify POS:
Scanning functionality
- Adding products to cart: Barcode scanners can quickly add products to your cart during checkout by scanning product barcodes.
- Inventory management: Barcode scanners cannot add products directly to inventory in the Shopify POS app. Scanning a product barcode only adds it to the checkout cart. To scan inventory, you need to use an HID scanner with the Stocky app.
- Variant selection: When you scan a variant's barcode, the master product displays in search results. You need to manually select the specific variant from the product list.
Scanner modes
- Application mode: Keep your barcode scanner in Application mode for standard POS transactions. In this mode, scanning automatically adds products to the cart.
- HID (Keyboard) scanners: HID barcode scanners emulate a keyboard and can be used with Shopify POS. Learn more about HID scanners.
Search capabilities
- External scanners: With an external barcode scanner, you can scan barcodes directly into the search bar to find products, orders, and customers.
- Camera scanner: Your device's camera scanner can scan products and receipts, but cannot scan directly into the search bar. You need to tap the barcode icon in the search bar first.