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Setting up the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader

This guide helps you set up and connect your BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader so you can accept payments in person with Shopify POS. Review the available connection options, power and charge the device, and follow the in-app instructions on Shopify POS to complete your reader's setup.

You can use this guide to learn how to set up and connect the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader with your Shopify POS device.

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Using the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader

  • 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.

Powering the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader on and off

To turn the BBPOS 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 BBPOS 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.

Charging the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader

You can charge the BBPOS 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.

If you charge the reader using a laptop, the reader might enter sleep mode if the laptop sleeps. Use a dedicated USB power adapter for uninterrupted power.

The BBPOS 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 on the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader by looking at the battery icon in the top right-hand corner of the display screen.

Choose how to connect your BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader

You can connect the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader in the following ways:

Card reader connection types
Connection typeConsiderations
USB with the Shopify POS HubRecommended for the most reliable setup. Compatible with iPad and Android devices.
BluetoothCompatible with iPad, iPhone, or Android device. The reader automatically connects whenever both devices are turned on and in range.
USB-C cableCompatible with Android devices. After the initial setup, the reader connects automatically when you plug in the cable.

Pair and connect the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader to your POS device

To use the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader with Shopify POS, you need to pair the reader with your device through Shopify POS.

Bluetooth
  1. To turn on the reader, press and release the power button.
  2. From Shopify POS, tap Connectivity Icon and then tap + Add hardware.
  3. Tap Card reader.
  4. On the Select device type screen, tap WisePad 3.
  5. On the Select your connection type screen, tap Bluetooth.
  6. When the card reader displays beneath Available card readers, tap Connect.
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. From Shopify POS, tap Connectivity Icon and then tap Set up hardware.
  3. Tap Card reader.
  4. On the Select device type screen, tap WisePad 3.
  5. On the Select your connection type screen, 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:
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Tap Connect > Done.

Connect the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader using Shopify POS Hub

Use the Shopify POS Hub to connect the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader by USB to a compatible iPad or Android device.

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. To turn on the reader, press and release the power button.

  3. From Shopify POS, tap Connectivity Icon and then tap + Add hardware.

  4. Tap Card reader.

  5. On the Select device type screen, tap WisePad 3.

  6. On the Select your connection type screen, tap USB.

  7. Connect the USB-C cable to the port on the right side of the card reader, and then connect the other end to a USB port on the Shopify POS Hub.

  8. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the connection.

  9. 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 Icon.

Unpair the BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader from your POS device

You can only use the BBPOS 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 Connectivity Icon.
  2. Tap the name of your connected card reader.
  3. Tap Forget card reader.

If your BBPOS 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 BBPOS WisePad 3 Card Reader

You can select the language used for the BBPOS 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.