Topic: Using a non-approved barcode scanner with Shopify POS without manual taps.
Current pain point: Netum NT-1228BC works as a keyboard, but staff must tap the search bar, then add to cart, then clear the search field for each scan. Socket scanners are deemed too expensive with mixed feedback.
Proposed fix: Enable “allow HID mode” in Shopify POS settings. If needed, also set the scanner itself to HID (Human Interface Device) keyboard-emulation mode, trying the POS setting first.
Operational guidance: Many low-cost scanners only input the code into the search field and don’t auto add-to-cart. To reduce taps, look for HID scanners that support an “enter” or suffix function to automatically send the scan, potentially triggering the next step. Consider configuring custom POS workflow shortcuts to minimize taps if the scanner is basic.
Outcome/status: No confirmation of a specific model that fully eliminates steps. Action items focus on POS/Scanner HID configuration and selecting scanners with suffix/enter support. Discussion remains open.
Summarized with AI on December 11.
AI used: gpt-5.
Does anyone have a great experience with a “non-approved” barcode scanner on Shopify POS?
We are currently using the Netum Nt-1228bc that works with Shopify POS & acts as a keyboard. Only thing is that staff has to manually tap in the search bar for the barcode to appear, then add manually the product to the basket and delete what was written in the search bar for the next product. This is really time-consuming & I would appreciate a barcode that deletes those steps. I know there are the Sockets one, but they are extremely expensive & all the feedbacks are quite bad, so I’m looking for another one
SOLUTION: in POS settings, select the option “allow HID mode”
Additionall, the bardcode reader itself can be set up in HID mode, but try first without activating this mode, if it does not work, only then try to put it in that mode too.
For Shopify POS, non-approved scanners may work if they work in “keyboard emulation (HID) mode,” but it differs from model to model. Most of the cheap scanners they don’t automatically “add to cart” when you scan – they just put the SKU/barcode in the search box. To avoid additional steps, find HID scanners with an “enter” or suffix function that automatically sends the scanned code. It’s important to test a couple of models before making a bulk order, and you may be able to configure a custom POS workflow shortcut to minimize the number of taps even if your scanner is somewhat basic.
