Can any barcode scanner be used with the Shopify POS system?

Retail & Point of Sale

Topic summary

Core Issue:
Users questioned whether only Socket Mobile scanners work with Shopify POS or if third-party alternatives are compatible.

Initial Response:
Shopify support initially stated only Socket Mobile scanners are officially supported and compatible. Third-party scanners were said not to function correctly.

User Frustration:

  • Multiple users expressed dissatisfaction with Socket scanners being the sole option
  • Common complaints included high cost, poor durability (users reporting going through 3-4 units in two years), and difficulty scanning smaller barcodes
  • Small business owners felt priced out by the limited, expensive options

Resolution:
A breakthrough emerged when one user discovered HID mode support works with standard barcode scanners:

Setup Steps:

  1. Navigate to POS Settings → Devices section
  2. Enable “Allow HID mode” toggle
  3. Connect scanner via USB (with hub) or Bluetooth
  4. Scan barcodes directly from home screen to add items to cart

Confirmed Working:

  • Tera Pro 1D/2D scanners (~$60) successfully tested
  • Shopify staff confirmed HID scanner support was recently launched
  • Both wired USB and Bluetooth HID scanners now compatible

Official documentation now available in Shopify’s help center for HID scanner setup.

Summarized with AI on October 23. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hello,

I am looking to get a bar code scanner. Do I have to use the Socket one supported by Shopify, or am I able to use any scanner with the shopify POS system.

Thank you

1 Like
2

Hi @elliebchildrens ,

Thank you for reaching out to the Community! I’m happy to provide some guidance with selecting hardware for your POS system, to get this resolved.

When choosing a barcode scanner, you will want to select from our list of supported scanners as they are compatible with the POS system. As third-party scanners will not function correctly with the POS, it’s recommended you check out our Supported POS Hardware Documentation for a complete list.

Please let me know if you have any other concerns!

3

Has anyone used an unsupported barcode scanner with success? The supported scanner is more money than I want to spend, especially since I would also have to get a newer ipad for it.

Thanks!

2 Likes
4

@Blair That doesn’t really answer the question though. That list only shows the two Socket scanners sold by Shopify.
They were asking if another brand of scanner will work.
Understood the socket scanners are the only “supported” option but curious why you say other 3rd party scanners wont function correctly?

2 Likes
5

Hi @Briskites ,

Thank you for reaching out. To provide some clarification, the Socket Mobile scanners are currently the only compatible scanners for the Shopify POS.

Please let me know if you have any other concerns.

6

Yes my concern is not getting an answer to the actual question. I am
asking if other scanners will work. NOT if they are supported.

3 Likes
7

Hello @Blair ,

I’m also asking on this point from @elliebchildrens with @SpiritRising , and further to @Briskites points.

I appreciate that Shopify cannot state another scanner as 100% compatible. However, this is a reader of barcodes, not an iPad which i can get for the same or less than the 1D scanner you hold dear.

I have been advised previously that it should be possible to link a different barcode reader, but to make sure it is NOT linked to the device via Bluetooth first. Unfortunately, I have gone through a few tests on other barcode readers without success.

These SocketScanÂŽ S700 whilst nice looking do not offer anything extra, especially if you are not scanning QR Codes, which the 1D does not.

So, please can you advise of any other barcode scanner that will connect to your POS.

Also, if there is anyone else out there that stumbles on this, perhaps you might be so kind as to recommend a scanner.

Thank you.

3 Likes
8

I have tried a few different scanners, mostly in the zebra family, with no real success.

I had to default to the Socket Scanner.

The price hurts, but it works very well and has a good battery life.

2 Likes
9

“Not supported” means it won’t work.

The only way a scanner can be connected to Shopify is through the Shopify app, and the Shopify app will not pair for anything other than the listed Socket scanners.

There might be a workaround through a third part app, but you’ll pay a monthly fee.

1 Like
10

I am in the same boat. I am a really small store, yet they only support items that us little people can’t afford. It has been beyond frustrating. They absolutely do not think about their small business owners. It is truly sad.

8 Likes
11

I have went through 4 socket mobile scanners in two years, they are TERRIBLE and rarely read the smaller jewelry codes. Please submit to the Shopify IT team to expand scanner options.

10 Likes
12

The socket scanners are garbage. I can’t believe they only support these little hobby version scanners and not something more robust and enterprise level.

9 Likes
13

It’s crazy that with all of the issues these Socket Scanners come with, they are still the only option Shopify has. We have gone through 3 since switching to Shopify POS and I really wish they would have a better option. I noticed how even on Sockets website, you are unable to leave reviews on their products. I wonder why…

3 Likes
14

Not acceptable. These scanners are a nightmare. Please see all the other comments about them. Please talk to IT or support, or whoever can get Shopify out of the terrible contract with Socket Mobile so that we can have better use of our Shopify systems.

1 Like
15

Hi guys, any update on this, i’m looking to move to shopify pos, but these 2D scanners that are ‘supported’ sound silly. Scanners are scanners surely there is some configuration in the 3rd party scanners to get it to work with shopify pos app. anyone found a work around? it’s about as silly as saying shopify pos app will only work with keyboard model ‘abc’. A keyboard is a keyboard is a keyboard, same with scanners

2 Likes
16

A SIMPLE HID BARCODE SCANNER WORKS!!! Exciting to find this out.

I am talking about scan a barcode and it adds the item to the cart directly! No clicking search and scanning and clicking your variant bla bla bla. But correctly.

Steps:

  1. Three dots …

  2. Go to Settings

  3. Scroll down to Devices Section

  4. turn on toggle “Allow HID mode”

  5. go to the home screen

How it works, while on the home screen without the search bar selected, scan a barcode. You will see on the bottom where the cart icon is will have the badge (bubble with a number) appear if first item or increase of a new item. If scanning another identical item it still increases because it is the total quantity. Clicking on the cart you will see your items there.

I currently have the same value in both SKU and Barcode, but I am assuming for it to work, the value needs to be filled in on the barcode field. We are using a 18 character string with - in it too so will work with any text it seems.

The barcode scanners I have been using for almost a decade now are Tera Pro 1D/2D scanners and are about $60. Here is the amazon link (no affiliation):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4KN6635?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

3 Likes
18

Hello! We recently launched support for HID scanners as is alluded to here, so you can much more easily connect many barcode scanners, either using a direct USB connection (and a connectivity hub), or you can pair any HID bluetooth scanners as well if you prefer a wireless connection.

Take a look at the help docs here, and holler if you have any questions: https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/sell-in-person/hardware/barcode-scanners/hid-scanners

2 Likes