Bluetooth & Pairing FAQs

Apple Devices

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth in your Apple device
2. Find your data reader and select "Forget This Device"
3. Attempt pairing again

Android Devices

This is a common issue when pairing Socket Mobile readers to Android devices in Application Mode. To resolve the issue please follow the instructions below, which use a Samsung tablet as an example.

1. Open Settings in the Samsung Tablet or Smartphone.
2. Find "Apps", tap it, and select the relevant option menu from the two below (depending on which is displayed on your screen.)

3. Either toggle "Show system apps" to on or select "show system apps" (depending on which option is displayed on your screen.)

4. Select Bluetooth from the list of Apps

5. Select "Storage "

6. Select "Clear Data "

7. Return to the Companion app and attempt the pairing again.

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  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  app and add your reader. (Skip if you've already done this.)

Step 3: Download and install the SM Keyboard  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.

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.

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

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

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

Please download and install the Companion App for Windows .

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

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.

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

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

5. Open Bluetooth settings in the host device.
6. When the Socket reader is discovered, tap it on the screen to start the pairing process.
7. 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

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:

• Apple App store
• Google Play store 
• Windows version 

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

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

The reader will play a tune and shut down.

3. 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.

4. Open Bluetooth settings in the host device.
5. After a few seconds, when the Socket Mobile reader is discovered, tap it on the screen to start the pairing process.
6. 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.
7. 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 .

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.

Yes. The S370 can be paired in Basic Keyboard Mode/Keyboard Emulation Profile (HID). You will need a configuration card to switch modes. Please contact support@socketmobile.com to request one.