The Helcim Card Reader is a convenient tool for accepting in-person payments. This guide will walk you through the steps to get your Card Reader ready for its first use.
In this article
Unboxing your Helcim Card Reader
When you receive your Helcim Card Reader, the box will contain:
The Card Reader: This is the device that allows you to accept card payments.
USB cables: You'll receive two USB cables - one with an "L" connector and one for charging the device.
Helcim stand and sled: These accessories provide a stable base for your Card Reader.
Helcim stickers: Display these stickers to inform your customers of the payment types you accept.
Charging your Helcim Card Reader
Before using your Card Reader, it's a good idea to ensure it's fully charged.
Use the provided USB cable to connect the Card Reader to a power source.
Allow sufficient time for the device to charge completely.
Connecting your Helcim Card Reader
The Helcim Card Reader works in conjunction with the Helcim POS app on your smartphone, tablet, or workstation.
Here's how to connect it to your device.
Mobile or Tablet
Download and open the Helcim POS app on your mobile device or tablet.
Log in using your Helcim account credentials.
You'll be prompted to create a nickname for the device and set up a PIN for quicker logins in the future.
To connect the Card Reader via Bluetooth, ensure that the Helcim app has Bluetooth access enabled in your device settings.
Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Card Reader.
Desktop or Laptop
Open the Helcim POS app on your workstation.
Log in with your Helcim account credentials.
Configure your device by entering a nickname and selecting your preferred terminal. You can also set up a PIN for faster logins.
Choose whether to connect the Card Reader via USB or Bluetooth (Bluetooth is only available on Mac devices).
Follow the on-screen prompts to establish the connection.
Finding your Card Reader's serial number
You can find your Card Reader's serial number in the device's settings menu. This number is required when connecting via Bluetooth.
Press the power / settings button on the keypad
The device’s serial number will show on the screen, along with the bootloader version, hardware number, and firmware number
Allowing Bluetooth access
To connect via Bluetooth, you may need to grant the Helcim app permission to access Bluetooth in your device's settings. The steps for doing this vary slightly depending on whether you're using an Apple or Android device.
Here are some common device steps as examples:
Next steps
Once you've set up your Helcim Card Reader, you're ready to start accepting payments! For detailed instructions on processing transactions, please refer to the Take a payment with the Helcim POS article.
FAQ
I'm having trouble connecting the Card Reader to my phone/tablet via Bluetooth. What should I do?
First, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone/tablet and the Card Reader. Also, ensure that the Helcim app has permission to access Bluetooth in your device's settings. If you're still having trouble, try restarting both devices.
My computer isn't recognizing the Card Reader when I plug it in. What's wrong?
Try using a different USB cable or a different USB port on your computer. If that doesn't work, ensure that you have selected USB as your connection method within the Helcim Payments app.