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How to Log into Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS)?

Authorize.net offers a Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS) that works using Google Chrome and a browser plugin. To login, visit Virtual Point of Sale and enter your Authorize.net username and password.

  • Please make sure you are using a Windows operating system (Windows 7 or higher) on a PC-based system using the Google Chrome browser. You will also need to have downloaded and installed the .NET Framework, version 4.6.1 or greater, from Microsoft’s Download Center.
  • After entering your login info, the system will prompt you to install the Authorize.net VPOS extension. Once the extension is installed you will be prompted to install the Authorize.net VPOS application. You will need permission to install applications onto your computer. If you do not have sufficient permissions, please contact the owner of your computer for assistance.
  • You will now want to plugin the card reader into a USB port on your computer. If the USB port provides power, it will recharge the card reader.
    • 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.
    • While you have the option to manually enter transactions, we strongly recommend that you use a card reader. To ensure compatibility, purchase your card reader from POS Portal. If you purchase the card reader from any other page or vendor, the reader may not work with Authorize.nets VPOS.
  • If you do not plug in the card reader, you will be prompted to do so when you load the VPOS website. You may bypass the prompt if you choose to enter manual transactions.

What OS and Browser can be used?

VPOS will only work with Windows 7 and higher OS and Google Chrome Browser.

Do I need a new account to use VPOS?

Any Authorize.net merchant can use this service by going to the following URL: https://vpos2.authorize.net

What readers can be used with VPOS?

We support the following readers:

ManufacturerModel NameModel/Part #Availability for Purchase with POS Portal
Anywhere CommerceWalkerC2XNo - Not Available
BBPOSChipper2XNo - Not Available
BBPOSChipper2X BTNo - Not Available
IDTechAugustaIDEM-251PYes

To use these readers with our VPOS application they must be purchased through our partner POS Portal.

Note: If you are currently using Wells Fargo or PaySafe as your merchant service provider, please contact their support to get further information on obtaining a card reader.

Is it possible to update my reader?

We now allow remote updates for our readers in VPOS. Each time you log into VPOS we will check and see if an update is available. If an update is available, it can take up to 15 minutes for the card reader to download and install them to the reader. You can disable the update check in the VPOS settings page. Note: Reader updates are currently only available for BBPOS or Anywhere Commerce readers.

What processor can be used with VPOS?

You will need to be on a supported EMV processor to run EMV transactions. A list of supported processors are found on the EMV FAQs. If you are using a processor that does not support EMV you can still use a card reader to run swipe transactions. In the VPOS Settings page you can disable EMV Reader, once this is disabled it will run in swipe only mode for any non-EMV supported processor.

What settings are available in VPOS?

You will be able to make the following changes in the VPOS Settings page:

  • Configure Card Reader (Set the reader you are using)
  • EMV Reader (Enabled or Disable)
  • Check Reader Update on Login (Enable or Disable)
  • Signature (Enabled or Disabled)
  • Auto Print Receipts (Enabled or Disabled)
  • Manually check for card reader updates - This is only available for BBPOS or Anywhere Commerce readers
  • Details about the Card Reader and VPOS Application
  • Printer Settings (Setting the default printer for receipts)

What transaction types are supported?

VPOS supports the following transaction types:

  • Authorize and Capture
  • Authorize Only (manual card entry only)
  • Prior Authorization and Capture (full amount only, no Partial Captures)
  • Credit (full amount only, no partial refunds)
  • Void

Which receipt printers work with Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS)

Any Windows printer will work with Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS). We have tested a number of printers using 8.5 X 11 inch, standard paper. If you have installed your printer already and have successfully printed other documents, it will work with VPOS. All printers should work without incident, but the form factor is not typical of a receipt. Further, the print quality and layout may differ from printer to printer.

For narrow paper printers, more typical of a POS receipt, we have tested and support the following models for VPOS v2

ModelConnection
EPSON TM-T88IVUSB
Star TSP100 (TSP143IIIU) FuturePrintUSB ( USB Type B To MicroUSB Cable)
Star TSP100 (TSP143IIIBI) FuturePrintBluetooth

When installing a Windows printer, please be aware of the following:

  • Authorize.net cannot help you install and configure your printer.
  • You may need to purchase your own USB printer cable. Check the printer documentation for details.
  • Drivers that come with the printer may not be current. Up-to-date drivers are usually available on the manufacturer's website.
  • You may need to install a fresh roll of thermal paper to prevent out-of-paper errors.
  • In case of any problems please refer to the manufacturer website for current documentation and support options.

How do I update to the latest version of the VPOS application?

When logging into the VPOS application, if a new update is available merchants will be prompted to download the latest version of the application. Please take these steps to complete the installation:

  1. Download and save the file to your computer
  2. After you finish downloading, you will see the installer in the install bar at the bottom of the browser window. Click the installer to set up the application.
  3. Once completed go back to the VPOS login page and log into the application

You will need permission to install applications onto your computer. If you do not have sufficient permissions, please contact the owner of your computer for assistance.

Does VPOS support Level 2 or Level 3 Data?

No, level 2 or 3 data is not supported.

What troubleshooting steps can I take with VPOS?

If the reader is not responding, please check the following:

  • Confirm you are using a supported card reader from POS Portal.
  • Check that its cord is fully plugged in at both ends.
  • Look for the power indicator on the side of the reader closer to the audio jack. If the light is red, the unit needs recharging. Plug the cord into the reader’s Micro USB port, above the power indicator, and into a powered USB port. Unpowered USB hubs may drain the reader’s battery, or may not supply power.
  • Enable the setting to Check Reader Update on Login. Once you log in again we will check to see if an update is available for your reader. If one is available, please update to the latest version.

If the application is not responding please take the following steps:

  • Uninstall the browser extension and VPOS application.
    • To remove the Google Chrome extension, go to chrome://extensions/ in your browser and click on the Trash can icon next to the Authorize.net Point of Sale extension.
    • To remove the Mozilla Firefox extension, in Firefox click on the menu button and choose Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will open. In the Add-ons Manager tab, select the Extensions or Themes panel. Select the Authorize.net Point of Sale extension and click Disable.
    • To remove the Microsoft Edge extension, in Edge select More (…) to open the menu. Select Extensions from the menu. Right-click the Authorize.net Point of Sale extension and click the Remove button.
    • To uninstall the VPOS application, go to the Control Panel in your PC settings and click on Uninstall a program. Select the VPOS by Authorize.net application and click Uninstall.
  • Once you have uninstalled the extension and application they can go to https://vpos2.authorize.net to re-install both again.

If you cannot install some or all of the VPOS components, check with your computer owner to confirm you have the right permissions to install applications.

Virtual Point of Sale (VPOS) Printer Troubleshooting

Direct the customer to follow the installation instructions indicated by printer vendor. Ask the customer to test the printer by executing the "print test page" functionality. This is done by using the following steps:

Windows Visa through 7Windows 8 or higher
  1. Click the Windows logo/Start button.
  2. Click Devices and Printers.
  3. Right-click the printer.
  4. Click Printer Properties.
  5. Click Print test page.
  1. Activate the Charms Bar (Windows Key + C) or moving the mouse to the upper right corner of the display
  2. Click Search.
  3. Click Control Panel.
  4. Using the drop down menu in the upper-right corner, next to View by: select Category
  5. Click View devices and printers
  6. Right-click on the printer being used
  7. Click Printer Properties
  8. Click Print Test Page

Set the Printer initially to the default printer for VPOS to start printing to it. Alternately, you can click the "Print test receipt" link in VPOS and select the printer to make VPOS print to it.