Q: How do I set up my S550?

To set up the S550, please refer to the Quickstart guide .

Q: How do I pair my Socket Mobile scanner in Application mode on my PC?

Please download and install the Companion App for Windows . Once downloaded please run the application and follow the on-screen instructions.

Q: How do I pair my Socket Mobile reader in Basic Keyboard Mode (HID)?

Basic Keyboard Mode Set-Up Instructions The barcodes contained within the set-up instructions can be read directly from the screen. However, if you have a laser engine model (S730, D730, DS900, XS930, XG930, 7Mi, 7Pi) you will need to print the barcodes. If the Socket Mobile reader has previously been paired to your host device, please remove it from Bluetooth settings. Turn on the Socket Mobile reader. Scan the Factory Reset barcode below, the reader will shut down. Turn the reader back on and scan the Basic Keyboard Mode barcode below. Open Bluetooth settings in the host device. When the Socket reader is discovered, tap it on the screen to start the pairing process. After a successful pairing, the connection status will change to "Connected", the blue light will turn solid and the reader will emit a single beep. You are now connected in Basic Keyboard Mode

Question 1

How do I connect my S550 to my Apple device in Application Mode?

Accepted Answer

To configure your S550 for use in Application mode, please refer to page 5 of the Quick Start guide.

Question 2

How do I connect my D600 to my Apple device in Application Mode?

Accepted Answer

To configure your D600 for use in Application mode please refer to the connection profiles starting on page 10 in the User Guide.

Question 3

How do I set up my S550?

Accepted Answer

To set up the S550, please refer to the Quickstart guide Opens Worldwide site .

Question 4

My host device cannot find the reader.

Accepted Answer

Possible Cause:

Solution:

The reader is already paired with another host device.

Scanner is connected to Android

Unpair the reader. Then pair the reader and new host device.

Scanner is not connected to iOS

Possible Cause:		Solution:
The host device is too far from the reader. The Bluetooth is out of range, over 33 ft. (10m) from host device.		Move the devices closer together. The Bluetooth range is within 33ft. (10m) from host device.

Possible Cause:		Solution:
The reader is not powered on.		Power on the reader.

Possible Cause:

Solution:

Your host device does not have Bluetooth enabled.

iOS Bluetooth is OFF

Enable Bluetooth on your device.

iOS Bluetooth is on

Question 5

Does my barcode reader need to be in Application Mode or Basic Keyboard Mode?

Accepted Answer

The mode you need to be in depends on the software application you are using your Socket Mobile reader with.

Application Mode

Below is a list of the most common apps that require the reader to be in Application Mode to work correctly.

Shopify
Square
Lightspeed
Zettle by PayPal
Shopkeep
NCR Silver
Vend
Building Reports

A more comprehensive list can be found on your region's Business Applications page: WW, AU, EMEA, UK.

Application Mode Set-Up Instructions - If you are using one of the apps listed above, or one that is found on our Business Apps page, you can set up your barcode reader after downloading the Companion application:

Once the reader has been paired using Socket Mobile Companion, launch the required software application, the reader will connect to it and you’re all set.

Basic Keyboard Mode (HID)

Below is a list of the most common Apps that require the reader to be in Basic Keyboard Mode (HID) to work correctly.

Notes
Microsoft Excel / Spreadsheet
Microsoft Word
Google Docs online
Safari
Any text field in a web-based application

Basic Keyboard Mode Set-Up Instructions – No additional software is required. The Socket Mobile reader is paired directly to the host device in Bluetooth settings and when a barcode or RFID tag is read, the data is delivered to the available text field or where the cursor is flashing on the screen. In Basic Keyboard Mode, if there is no active text field or flashing cursor, the reader will still read the barcode or tag, but no data will be delivered to the software application. In this situation, touch the screen to activate the field or cursor and read the barcode/tag again.

For Barcode Readers Only

Basic Keyboard Mode (HID) set-up steps

Remove any existing Socket Mobile reader from the host device’ Bluetooth settings.
Turn the reader on and scan the factory reset barcode below.

The reader will play a tune and shut down.

Power the reader back on and scan the Basic Keyboard Mode (HID) barcode below. The reader will emit 3 tones and will now be discoverable in HID mode.

Open Bluetooth settings in the host device.
After a few seconds, when the Socket Mobile reader is discovered, tap it on the screen to start the pairing process.
After a successful pairing, the connection status will change to "Connected", the blue light will turn solid and the reader will emit a single beep.
To test – Open your application, position the cursor as required and scan a barcode.

Important - If connecting to an Apple device in Basic Keyboard Mode, the Apple on-screen keyboard will be disabled. Simply double-tapping the power button will toggle the keyboard up / down. See this video for details Opens new site .

Question 6

When I read a barcode or NFC tag, no data appears on my screen.

Accepted Answer

Possible Cause:

Solution:

Although your device says it's connected, you are in the wrong mode.

Device is in wrong mode

If you are scanning into an application such as Shopify, Square or Zettle by Paypal, restart the host device and pair your reader to your host in Application Mode using Socket Mobile Companion App Opens Worldwide Website (AU, EMEA, UK).

Watch : How to pair Using Companion App .

If you are scanning into an application such as Notes, MS Word, MS Excel or you are scanning into a text field in a web browser, please follow these instructions Opens Worldwide Website (AU, EMEA, UK).

Possible Cause:

Solution:

The barcode reader is too close / too far from the barcode or the scanning angle is incorrect.

Practice scanning barcodes from different distances and angles.

Reading distance may vary according to barcode size and aspect ratio, symbology, label type and reading angle.

Barcode at a proper distance

Possible Cause:

Solution:

The barcode is either incorrectly formatted, damaged or badly printed.

Bad barcodes

Try to scan a barcode that is correctly formatted, clearly printed and of good quality.

Scanner is always on barcode

Possible Cause:

Solution:

The symbology function is disabled or not supported by the barcode reader.

Enable symbology.

If you don't know the barcode symbology, please contact us at

support@socketmobile.com.

Possible Cause:

Solution:

No application is activated to receive scanned data.

Screenshot of no apps open

Open an application (e.g. Notes). Position the cursor where you wish to enter data and try scanning again.

iOS notes app

Question 7

My reader isn’t found when I try and pair it in Companion.

Accepted Answer

Power on the reader
Press and hold the scan button and power button simultaneously until the barcode reader plays 3 tones and shuts down.

Watch:
Open Settings > Bluetooth in your Apple or Android device.
Find your data reader and select "Forget/Delete/Unpair This Device" to remove the reader.
Power the reader back on and attempt pairing again.

Question 8

My reader is no longer connected.

Accepted Answer

Possible Cause:

Solution:

The host device or your software application has performed an automatic update and affected the Bluetooth pairing.

iOS software update

If you are scanning into an application such as Shopify, Square or Zettle by Paypal, remove/unpair the reader from Bluetooth settings within the host device, close all running apps, restart the host device and pair your reader to your host in Application Mode using Socket Mobile Companion App ( AU, EMEA, UK)

Watch: How to Pair Using Companion App Opens new site

If you are scanning into an application such as Notes, MS Word, MS Excel or you are scanning into a text field in a web browser, remove/unpair the reader from Bluetooth settings within the host device, reset the reader Opens new site and pair directly to the host device in basic HID (Keyboard Emulation) Mode.

Possible Cause:

Solution:

The scanner powers off and disconnects after 2 hours of no activity by default.

Turn off your host device's Bluetooth then scan the "scanner is always on" barcode below to configure your scanner.

Scanner is always on barcode

Possible Cause:		Solution:
The reader is low on battery, less than 5%.		Ensure the reader is connected to power.

Question 9

My reader frequently disconnects from Bluetooth.

Accepted Answer

Possible cause:

Solution:

Your software application or device's operating system may have updated in the background, or your device may be older and struggling to maintain a Bluetooth connection.

Force close your software application and relaunch it.
If relaunching your software application doesn't resolve the issue, reset/restart your device.

Possible cause:

Solution:

Your iPad/tablet's Auto-lock feature is enabled.

iOS auto Lock on

Disable iPad/tablet's auto-lock feature.

iOS auto lock off

Question 10

My reader turns off randomly on its own.

Accepted Answer

Possible Cause:

Solution:

Your batteries need to be reset.

Remove the batteries from your reader, leave them out for 10 minutes, re-insert and recharge the scanner overnight.

Batteries

Possible Cause:

Solution:

The reader is being charged incorrectly.

Important! - Charging your reader using an incorrect source (such as a computer USB port) will not provide enough current to charge reader. This may result in the reader registering as having more charge than it does and shutting down.

We recommend charging your reader using a suitable AC Power Adapter Opens Worldwide site .

AC Power Adapter

Possible Cause:

Solution:

Your reader has not been used in 2 hours. By default, the reader powers off and disconnects after 2 hours of no activity.

Turn off your host device's Bluetooth then scan the "reader is always on" barcode below to configure your reader (barcode readers only).

Scanner is always on barcode

Question 11

I still can't connect my reader.

Accepted Answer

Possible Cause:

Solution:

Your reader does not have enough power.

Please ensure your reader is sufficiently charged. If your reader is brand new it requires an initial charge of up to 8 hours.

If your reader does not fully charge, please submit a Hardware Support request for your region: WW, AU, EMEA, UK.

Question 12

Can I pair and connect my Socket Mobile scanner to multiple host devices at the same time?

Accepted Answer

In short, no. Socket Mobile readers can only be paired and connected to one host device at any one time. To switch your reader to a different host device please reset the reader to make it discoverable and follow the relevant pairing instructions to pair and connect to the desired host.

To re-pair to a previous host device, the Socket reader must also be removed from the host device's Bluetooth settings.

Question 13

The iPad's keyboard won't pop up.

Accepted Answer

Possible Cause:

Solution:

You are paired and connected in Basic Mode (HID).

Double tap the power button to enable/disable the on-screen keyboard.

Watch: How to Enable On-Screen Keyboard for Apple iOS

Question 14

How do I pair my Socket Mobile scanner in Application mode on my PC?

Accepted Answer

Please download and install the Companion App for Windows Opens Worldwide site .

Once downloaded please run the application and follow the on-screen instructions.

Question 15

I cannot download or use the Companion app to pair. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Possible Cause:

Solution:

Password not available to download the app.

Use the instructions below.

Turn off host device's Bluetooth.
Power on the scanner.
Scan Factory Reset.

Watch: How to Perform a Factory Reset
Power on the scanner again and scan Bluetooth connection barcode.

Basic Mode for all OS:

Application Mode (MFi-SPP) for Apple iOS:

Application Mode (SPP) for Android or Windows PC:
Turn off host device's Bluetooth back on and pair.

Complete user guide

Possible Cause:

Solution:

You have a laser barcode scanner that can only scan printed barcodes.

Use instructions below.

Complete user guide

Question 16

How do I pair my Socket Mobile reader in Basic Keyboard Mode (HID)?

Accepted Answer

Basic Keyboard Mode Set-Up Instructions

The barcodes contained within the set-up instructions can be read directly from the screen. However, if you have a laser engine model (S730, D730, DS900, XS930, XG930, 7Mi, 7Pi) you will need to print the barcodes.

If the Socket Mobile reader has previously been paired to your host device, please remove it from Bluetooth settings.
Turn on the Socket Mobile reader.
Scan the Factory Reset barcode below, the reader will shut down.

Turn the reader back on and scan the Basic Keyboard Mode barcode below.

Open Bluetooth settings in the host device.
When the Socket reader is discovered, tap it on the screen to start the pairing process.
After a successful pairing, the connection status will change to "Connected", the blue light will turn solid and the reader will emit a single beep.

You are now connected in Basic Keyboard Mode

Question 17

Reader scans perfectly into my tablet-based POS application but not into a web-based inventory management application.

Accepted Answer

The Problem:

Most supported applications, such as Lightspeed, Shopify, Square, etc., require our scanners to connect to tablets in Application Mode. However, in many instances, corresponding web-based inventory software require scanners to connect in Basic Keyboard Mode. Previously, the workaround required resetting the scanner each time you needed to change applications and pair it in the required mode.

The Solution:

Our SM Keyboard Opens Worldwide Website app allows you to remain in Application Mode for both POS and inventory without resetting and re-pair the scanner.

Instructions for IOS

Step 1: (Skip if you haven't previously paired a scanner.) Go into Bluetooth settings on your iPad and forget the scanner

Step 2: Download and install the Socket Mobile Companion Opens New Window app and add your reader. (Skip if you've already done this.)

Step 3: Download and install the SM Keyboard Opens New Window application.

Open the app and follow the ‘Take Me There' link to the iPad/iPhone Keyboard Settings
Toggle ‘Allow Full Access' and exit out of Settings

Step 4: Open Socket Mobile Companion and add your scanner in ‘Add a Reader'. (Skip if you've already done this.)

Step 5: Open your web-based application and make sure the keyboard is visible by selecting a text input field.

Step 6: In the bottom left-hand corner should be a globe – press and hold it and then select SM Keyboard.

SM Keyboard for iOS

Step 7: The on-screen keyboard will change to our keyboard and the scanner should show as connected.

You should now be able to switch between POS and your web-based application without having to reset the scanner each time.

Question 18

Can I pair the SocketScan S370 to my host device in Basic Keyboard Mode (HID)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the S370 can be paired in Basic Keyboard Mode/Keyboard Emulation Profile (HID).

Double-tap the power button on the back of the S370 to start the scan engine. With the scan engine illuminated, scan the barcode below. The S370 will power off.

s370 pair 2d code

Power the S370 back on - it will announce 'Keyboard'.
Go to the Bluetooth settings of your tablet, smartphone or computer and pair the S370 as you would any other Bluetooth peripheral.
Once paired, the S370 will announce 'Connected', and the scan illumination will be lit.
When scanning a barcode or NFC tag, the data will be delivered to wherever the flashing cursor is on the page. No cursor = no data.

Companion FAQs

Troubleshooting

FAQ

My barcode reader isn’t found when I try and add it in Companion.

My barcode reader beeps once when I scan the Activate Pairing Mode barcode.

I have unpaired the barcode reader and reset it, but it gets stuck on ‘Connecting’ indefinitely when I try and add it to Companion.

How-To

FAQ

How to Setup a Socket Mobile Reader on an iOS Device?

FAQs

FAQ

How do I delete an existing pairing in Companion?

How do I send feedback about the Companion app?

What do the reader's beeps and tones mean?

Side Navigation

MORE FAQS & TROUBLESHOOTING

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