---
title: "How to set up and use the Helcim Card Reader"
slug: "using-helcim-card-reader"
description: "Learn how to set up and use your Helcim Card Reader for seamless in-person payments with the Helcim POS app."
updated: 2026-10-29T16:12:59Z
published: 2026-10-29T16:12:59Z
canonical: "learn.helcim.com/using-helcim-card-reader"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.helcim.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using the Helcim Card Reader

Whether you’re just unboxing your very first reader or you’ve been a Helcim merchant for years, we want to make sure you have the right tools to get paid. Because we’re always looking for ways to make your checkout experience faster and more affordable, our hardware has evolved over time.

This directory will help you identify **which version of the Helcim Card Reader** you’re using and point you toward the right setup and troubleshooting steps.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/cursor.png) | To get the 3rd Generation Card Reader, order it from the **Equipment** tool in your Helcim account. See [Order Helcim equipment](https://learn.helcim.com/docs/order-helcim-equipment) for the steps. |
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## 3rd Generation Helcim Card Reader

![The 3rd generation of the Helcim Card Reader](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/gen-3-cr(1).png)

Our latest reader is built for modern businesses. It can pair with your **Helcim POS app** on a desktop or laptop computer using an API connection **OR** work as a stand alone device. It also supports [Helcim Fee Saver](/v1/docs/what-is-helcim-fee-saver), allowing you to pass on credit card processing fees to your customers.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/cursor.png) | [Go to the 3rd Generation Card Reader guide](/v1/docs/helcim-card-reader-gen-3) |
| --- | --- |

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## 2nd Generation Helcim Card Reader

![The 2nd generation of the Helcim Card Reader](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/gen-2-cr.png)While the 2nd Generation reader is no longer available for purchase, it remains a reliable device for many of our merchants. It connects to your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth or USB. We continue to offer full support and troubleshooting for this device.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/cursor.png) | [Go to the 2nd Generation Card Reader guide](/v1/docs/helcim-card-reader-2nd-generation) |
| --- | --- |

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## 1st Generation Helcim Card Reader

![The 1st generation of the Helcim Card Reader](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/gen-1-cr.png)

If you’ve been with Helcim since the early days, you might have our 1st Generation reader. Although this model is no longer available for purchase, it is still fully supported by our platform for both mobile and desktop setups.

| ![](https://cdn.document360.io/4e721329-1a9d-4ef0-8d2f-497e0c1f185a/Images/Documentation/cursor.png) | [Go to the 1st Generation Card Reader guide](https://learn.helcim.com/docs/syncing-a-device-workstation-1) |
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