This article will guide merchants through using compatible card readers with Authorize.nets mPOS and VPOS applications.

Purchasing a compatible card reader

To use a compatible card reader with the mPOS/VPOS application, you will need to purchase the reader from our partner, POS Portal. Currently, the only reader available for purchase from POS Portal is the ID Tech Augusta, and it is only compatible with the VPOS. This reader supports swiped transactions, but if you want to process EMV or chip read transactions, you will need to be on one of the supported processor connections. To verify if your account supports EMV chip transactions, please see: Merchant EMV Chip FAQs.

Check the version of the Authorize.net Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) App being used

For users of the mPOS app there are two version and depending on the version of the app will determine what readers can be used with it.

• Authorize.Net - This version will be in maintenance mode and will just receive security and maintenance updates.
  • Reader support - This version will will support older/existing readers, including audio jack readers.
  • Google Play Store - Authorize.Net Mobile POS
  • Apple App Store - Authorize.Net
• Authorize.net 2.0 - This version will be our go forward version that will be enhanced and update with new feature and reader support.
  • This version will not support legacy/older reader using audio jack.
  • Google Play Store - Authorize.net 2.0
  • Apple App Store - Authorize.net 2.0

Using a compatible card reader with Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS)

Bluetooth readers:

1. Download the latest version of the app in the Google Play or iOS App Store.
2. Ensure that you are using an Android device (phone or tablet) running OS 5.0 - 12.0 or an Apple device (iPhone, iPad or iPod touch) running iOS 9.0 - 15.7.
3. Ensure the reader is fully charged before your first use. It will take two hours to fully charge the reader.
4. Once the reader is fully charged, the LED indicator light on the side will turn green.
5. Turn on your Bluetooth card reader.
6. Ensure the app has access to the microphone on your device.
7. Open the Authorize.net mPOS app on your device.
8. Log in using your Merchant Interface Login ID and Password.
9. Tap the Menu button.
10. Tap Settings > Card Readers > Connect > BT Connection
11. Select your card reader’s brand by tapping the radial button next to the reader name.
12. If your account can process EMV transactions, set the reader to Chip.

Once you have taken these steps, you can add an item to your cart and checkout. The mPOS application should now recognize that the reader is connected and ask you to swipe/insert a card.

Audio Jack readers:

This applies to older readers and devices - IDTech (Unimag II, Shuttle)

1. Ensure you are using a compatible device. A list of compatible devices can be found here.
2. Download the latest version of the app in the Google Play or iOS App Store.
3. Ensure that you are using an Android device (phone or tablet) running OS 5.0 - 12.0 or an Apple device (iPhone, iPad or iPod touch) running iOS 9.0 - 15.7.
4. Ensure the reader is fully charged before your first use. It will take two hours to fully charge the reader.
5. Once the reader is fully charged, the LED indicator light on the side will turn green.
6. Plug in the reader and ensure that the volume on the device is all the way up and mute is not enabled.
7. Ensure the app has access to the microphone on your device.
8. Open the Authorize.net mPOS app on your device.
9. Log in using your Merchant Interface Login ID and Password.
10. Tap the Menu button.
11. Tap Settings > Card Readers > Connect > Audio Jack
12. Select your card reader’s brand by tapping the radial button next to the reader name.
13. If your account can process EMV transactions, set the reader to Chip.

Once you have taken these steps, you can add an item to your cart and checkout. The mPOS application should now recognize that the reader is plugged in and ask you to swipe/insert a card.

Using a compatible card reader with Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS)

USB readers:

1. Plug the card reader into a USB port on your computer. If the USB port provides power, it will recharge the card reader.
2. Log into VPOS.
3. If prompted, please allow up to 15 minutes for the card reader to check for updates, and to download and install them to the reader.
4. Click Settings.
5. Select your card reader’s brand by clicking the radial button next to the reader name.
6. If your account supports EMV transactions, enable EMV Reader.
7. Select New Transaction

You can enter the amount of your transaction and click on the Charge button. The VPOS application should now recognize that the reader is plugged in and ask you to swipe/insert a card.

Bluetooth readers:

1. If your computer does not natively support Bluetooth, plug in a Bluetooth USB adapter and let Windows recognize the device.
2. Turn on your Bluetooth card reader.
3. In Windows, enable Bluetooth and pair it to your reader.
4. Log in to VPOS.
5. Click Settings.
6. Select your card reader’s brand by clicking the radial button next to the reader name. A pop-up window appears, showing the reader you paired earlier.
7. Click on the reader. Your Bluetooth reader is now connected to VPOS.
8. If your account supports EMV transactions, enable EMV Reader.
9. Select New Transaction

You can enter the amount of your transaction and click on the Charge button. The VPOS application should now recognize that the reader is plugged in and ask you to swipe/insert a card.