Can a Shopify card reader be hardwired to avoid Bluetooth issues?

Technical Q&A

Topic summary

Hardwired connection options to avoid Bluetooth dropouts with Shopify card readers.

  • Tap and Chip reader experiencing random Bluetooth disconnections. Support advises using the official troubleshoot checklist, noting a common cause: pending software updates combined with battery below 50% can make the reader unreliable. Fully charge and keep software up to date.

  • Only POS Go supports a wired ethernet connection (countertop mode), reducing connectivity issues for fixed, in‑store setups. Handheld readers connect via Bluetooth.

  • The POS Terminal Countertop Kit for USB‑C tablets is a bundled package (POS Go + dock, tablet stand/mount, Connection Hub). Using POS Go via ethernet in this kit can minimize wireless/Bluetooth problems.

  • For pop‑ups/markets, consider an external card reader through a third‑party payment provider; compatibility depends on the provider’s accepted hardware.

  • A participant reports persistent pairing failures with Tap and Chip despite full charge and multiple resets, and criticizes the lack of USB fallback.

  • Outcome/status: Guidance and wired alternative (POS Go) provided; Bluetooth issues on Tap and Chip remain unresolved for some users. Discussion is open, with troubleshooting and hardware alternatives suggested.

Summarized with AI on December 12. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Is there a shopify card reader that can be hardwired without using bluetooth. We randomly lose the bluetooth connection to the tap and chip.

2

Hi, @jmans !

I’m sorry to hear that you’re experiencing Bluetooth disconnections with your Tap and Chip reader. I encourage you to take a look at our troubleshoot checklist for the Tap and Chip reader to see if you can solve the issue there. The most common issue is that the device needs a software update and is less than 50% battery. Combined, these will render the reader unreliable. It’s really important to make sure everything is fully charged from the get-go and that your software is always up-to-date.

With that being said, as of right now, the only hardware card reader we offer that can connect through ethernet cable is POS Go. Typically, this solution is ideal for brick and mortar stores that process sales from a counter top.

If you are usually selling at pop-ups or markets, all our handheld devices connect through Bluetooth. You are most welcome to connect an external card reader device by using a third party payment provider. You will simply need to confirm with your provider which hardware devices they accept for payment processing.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Cheers!

3

Holly,

Thank you for your reply. Can you tell me if the POS Terminal Countertop Kit for USB-C tablets (with the Connection Hub) will work with reducing or eliminating Bluetooth and Wireless connections. https://www.shopify.com/pos/store/products/usb-c-countertop-kit-retail

Thanks

4

Yes @jmans ! That is simply a bundle of all the devices and pieces you would need to have a complete POS Terminal counter top set. It includes the POS Go device and dock, along with the tablet stand and mount. If you are looking to get the full package, that would be the way to go. Again, because it can connect with an ethernet cable, you will reduce your chances of having connectivity issues significantly.

5

These devices are awful. Even when fully charged my tap and chip will not pair at all and hasn’t paired repeatedly. Yes, I’ve done all of the processes to reset it etc many times. It’s pathetic that you can’t use these via usb as a failsafe. Boo.