Getting new hardware should be the best part of your day, not the most frustrating. Because the 3rd Generation Card Reader uses your internet connection instead of Bluetooth, the setup is more stable and has a much longer range.
This guide will walk you through preparing your devices, connecting to your network, and pairing the reader with your computer so you can start making sales in no time.
Prepare your devices
Before we get into the digital side of things, let’s make sure your hardware is ready to go.
Charge it up: Use the provided USB-C cable to connect your reader to a power source. We recommend a full charge before your first use.
Power on: Press and hold the power button on the side of the reader until the Helcim logo appears.
Get the app: Ensure you have the Helcim POS app installed on your laptop or desktop computer. You can download it directly from the Helcim website.
Connect to your network
Since this reader communicates via API, it needs an active internet connection to "reach out" to your account.
On the reader screen, tap Get Started.
Select Wi-Fi and choose your network from the list.
Once connected, the reader will automatically check for any required software updates.
Pair with the Helcim Workstation app
Now we’ll link your hardware to your account using a unique device code.
On your computer, log into your Helcim account on the Helcim POS app. You will see a device connection icon.
Click on Connect hardware (this may also say Disconnected if you’ve previously connected a device).
Select the option to connect the Helcim Card Reader (3rd Generation).
To ensure a fresh sync, log out and log back in to your Helcim account on your card reader, then click Continue.
The app will now ask for a device code. Look at your card reader’s touchscreen to find its unique code.
Enter that code into the Helcim Workstation app and click Connect.
Next steps
Now that you’re paired, you’re ready to take payments! To see how to send a sale from your computer to the reader, head over to our guide on Accepting payments with the 3rd Generation Card Reader.
FAQs
What if my pairing code doesn't appear?
Make sure both your computer and your reader are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks (like a "Guest" Wi-Fi and a "Private" Wi-Fi), they won't be able to see each other.
Can I pair one reader to multiple computers?
The reader is designed to pair with one device at a time to prevent transactions from being sent to the wrong desk. If you need to switch computers, you can simply unpair and re-pair the device in your connection settings.
Does the reader need to be plugged into my computer?
Nope! As long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, the reader can be anywhere in your shop. You only need the cable for charging.
Why do I need to log out and log back in?
This quick refresh helps the app securely recognize the new API connection we just created with your hardware. It’s a one-time step to make sure everything is synced perfectly.
What exactly is an API connection?
In plain English, it’s a way for two different pieces of software to talk to each other over the internet. Because the 3rd Generation reader uses an API, it’s much harder for the connection to "drop" compared to old-school Bluetooth.