HID barcode scanners

HID (Human Interface Device) barcode scanners are simple plug-and-play scanners that emulate a keyboard. When you scan a barcode, the scanner inputs the barcode number directly into your POS device, as if you had typed it on a keyboard. You can use HID scanners to add products to cart, search orders, and search customers in Shopify POS.

You can use most HID scanners with Shopify POS. HID scanners don't require any special software or drivers. These scanners can scan only one barcode at a time, so they might not be suitable for high-volume scanning needs. This guide outlines how to use HID scanner technology with Shopify POS, rather than a specific brand of barcode scanner.

Choose how to connect your HID barcode scanner

You can connect your HID barcode scanner in the following ways:

Connecting your HID scanner

Before you use your HID scanner with Shopify POS, you need to pair and connect it through your device's system settings. Most simple scanners are already in HID mode by default. After connecting, you can test the scanner by scanning a barcode into any text field and the barcode enters as text.

To put your scanner in HID mode, refer to the manufacturer's documentation.

Activate HID mode in Shopify POS

After you connect your scanner, activate the Allow HID mode setting in Shopify POS. When active, you can scan products on the home screen to add them to the cart.

Steps:

1. In Shopify POS, tap > Settings.
2. Turn on Allow HID mode.

Connect an HID scanner using Shopify POS Hub

Use the Shopify POS Hub to connect an HID scanner by USB to a compatible iPad or Android device. When you connect an HID scanner to the Shopify POS Hub, the scanner might initially be detected as a keyboard. To have the scanner treated as a barcode scanner, you need to change the device type in the POS app.

Steps:

1. Before you connect your hardware to the Shopify POS Hub, set up the POS Hub:

   1. Plug the Shopify POS Hub power cord into a power source.
   2. Connect the Shopify POS Hub's USB-C or Lightning cable to your POS device.
   3. Plug the other end of the Shopify POS Hub's USB-C or Lightning cable into the tablet port on the bottom of the Shopify POS Hub. Don't use any other USB-C port on the Shopify POS Hub for the tablet cable.

2. Connect the scanner's USB cable to a USB port on the Shopify POS Hub.

3. From the POS app, open the Connectivity panel.

4. Tap the keyboard entry for the scanner.

5. Tap Device type.

6. Select Barcode scanner.

The POS Hub briefly disconnects while it reconfigures itself. After the POS Hub reconnects, the scanner is treated as a barcode scanner.

To learn more about switching between keyboard and scanner modes, refer to Keyboard and scanner interactions.

Troubleshoot Shopify POS Hub connection issues

If your POS hardware doesn't connect through the Shopify POS Hub, then complete the Shopify POS Hub troubleshooting steps.

Display the on-screen keyboard

When you use an HID scanner, the on-screen keyboard is hidden by default. You can display the on-screen keyboard by following the steps for your device type.

Steps: