Set up your Helcim Smart Terminal

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You are currently viewing instructions for the newest model of the Helcim Smart Terminal. If you have the 1st generation Smart Terminal (white), please click here for the relevant article.

The Helcim Smart Terminal is designed to be an all-in-one solution for your payment processing needs. This guide will walk you through the initial setup process, from unboxing your new terminal to configuring its basic settings, ensuring you can start accepting payments quickly and easily.


In this article


Unboxing your Helcim Smart Terminal


When you receive your Helcim Smart Terminal, the box will contain:

  • Helcim Smart Terminal: This is the all-in-one device that will process your payments.

  • Charging cable and brick (USB-C): Use this to connect the Smart Terminal to the wall for charging.

  • Bonus USB-C cable: This is a supplementary cable you can use for charging.

  • Receipt paper rolls (2.25” by 50’): The terminal comes loaded with a roll so you can start printing customer receipts right away. An extra roll is included in a separate box.

  • Payment type stickers: These can be applied at your storefront to show your customers which card types are accepted.

    • Note: Interac is a debit network specific to Canada. Stickers distributed in the US will not include the Interac logo.

  • QR Code: Scan this code (on the back of the welcome card) to access additional information and support resources for your Smart Terminal.

We recommend that you unbox and set up your Helcim Smart Terminal at least 24 hours in advance. This will give you ample time to charge the terminal and install any necessary updates before you begin processing.

Setting up your Helcim Smart Terminal


Before you start taking payments with the terminal, there’s a few steps you’ll need to complete to set it up.

For a visual walkthrough of these steps, check out the video below. Otherwise, keep reading to learn more!


Charge the terminal

Before you begin using your Smart Terminal, it's important to ensure it's fully charged.

  1. Plug included USB-C into the charging port on the left-side of the terminal.

  2. Connect the other end to the charging brick, and then plug the brick into a wall outlet.

  3. Allow approximately 2.5 hours for the terminal to reach a full charge.

For more convenient charging, consider purchasing the optional charging cradle for Smart Terminal, which keeps your device powered up and ready for transactions.

A fully charged Helcim Smart Terminal can last up to 12 hours with typical printer usage.


Power on your Helcim Smart Terminal

To turn on your Helcim Smart Terminal:

  1. Press the power button located on the right-hand side of the device.

  2. The terminal will display the "Get Started" screen.


Connect to a network and set your time zone

To ensure your Helcim Smart Terminal can connect to the internet for updates and process transactions, you'll need to connect it to a network and set the time zone:

  • Connecting to Wi-Fi or 4G/LTE:

    • When you turn on the Helcim Smart Terminal for the first time, you will be prompted to set up your network connection.

    • Select your preferred Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your network password, then press Connect.

    • If your Smart Terminal is equipped with a 4G/LTE SIM card, give us a call at 1-877-643-5246 to activate it. Read more on using data with your Smart Terminal.

  • Setting your time zone:

    • Scroll through the list and select your preferred time zone for the device.

The time zone selected on the Smart Terminal only applies to the device itself and does not change the time zone settings of your Helcim account.


Configure your POS software

Now that your Smart Terminal is connected to the internet, you can follow the steps on the screen to set up your Helcim POS software.

  • Helcim app updates: The Smart Terminal will automatically search for and install the latest version of the Helcim app. This ensures you have access to the most up-to-date features and improvements. After the update is installed, the device will automatically reboot.

  • Logging into your Helcim account for the first time: After the device reboots, you'll see a welcome page.

    • Select "Continue" to log in to your Helcim account. You'll need your Helcim account email and password.

    • If you haven't yet signed up for a Helcim account, you can do so at hub.helcim.com/signup/register/ on your computer or mobile device.

For faster login in the future, you can set up a PIN for each user on your team. Click here for instructions on setting up a PIN login.


Configuring hardware settings


The Helcim Smart Terminal has several hardware-specific settings that you can customize:

  1. There are two ways to access these settings:

    • When turning on or rebooting the device: On the welcome screen, select "Settings" under "Continue."

    • From within the Helcim POS App: Select the three lines in the bottom right corner, then select "Settings" and choose "Hardware Settings."

  2. The following hardware settings are available:

    • Network: Change the Wi-Fi network your Smart Terminal is connected to.

    • Device Info: View device information, firmware version, and model number. You can also reinstall the Helcim app from here. Note that reinstalling the app will not affect any custom settings in your Helcim account.

    • Display: Adjust the screen brightness and configure sleep mode.

    • Time Zone: Change your device's time zone.

    • Support: View contact information for the Helcim support team.

Next steps


Now that you've set up your Helcim Smart Terminal, you're ready to start processing payments!

Check out our guide on Taking a Payment with Your Helcim Smart Terminal to learn how.


FAQ

What are some general troubleshooting tips for the Smart Terminal?

Before troubleshooting specific issues, please ensure the following:

  • The Helcim Smart Terminal has sufficient battery life.

  • The device has the latest version of the Helcim app.

  • The device's date and time are accurate.

  • Your Helcim account is active.

My Smart Terminal is not connecting to the internet. What should I do?

If you're experiencing connectivity issues:

  • Toggle the device's Wi-Fi or 4G/LTE connection off and on to check connectivity.

  • Restart your router and the Smart Terminal, then try connecting again.

  • Check your current Wi-Fi speed. If it's weak, you may need to switch to another network.

  • Reboot the Helcim Smart Terminal.

My Smart Terminal printer is not working. What should I do?

  • Ensure the printer latch is closed and the receipt paper is loaded correctly.

  • Check that your device has the latest version of the Helcim app.

  • Reboot the Helcim Smart Terminal.