Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Payments fail, card reader not responding, or every card declines in Aloha.
Fast Fixes: Restart terminal/EDC, confirm network connection, check processor connectivity, and verify merchant configuration.
Want guided troubleshooting? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free).
Aloha card reader not processing payments? EMV, swipe, and contactless may all fail — causing long checkout delays and frustrated guests.
This quick guide helps restore card approvals so orders keep flowing.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons Aloha Payments Fail
- Internet or BOH server connectivity lost
- EDC (payment) services not running
- Reader loose, crashed, or frozen
- Payment processor outage
- Date/time mismatch between terminals and server
- Damaged card reader hardware
How to Fix Aloha Card Reader Issues
1. Restart the Card Reader & Terminal
Most failed-payment scenarios are resolved with a clean reboot of both devices.
- Power off the EMV device fully
- Restart the Aloha terminal
- Reconnect reader and test chip + tap
If the reader still fails to respond → move ahead.
2. Confirm Network & Internet Connectivity
Payments must reach the processor — if the network drops, approvals stop.
- Check switch lights behind the terminal
- Verify terminal can ping BOH server
- Verify BOH can access internet (if required)
No network = instant declines.
3. Restart Aloha EDC Services
EDC handles authorization — if it stops, payments fail across the board.
- On BOH server → restart Aloha EDC
- Restart terminal and test again
If multiple terminals fail at once → this is the likely cause.
4. Check Date & Time Accuracy
Payment processors auto-decline if time doesn’t match security standards.
- Confirm date/time matches across BOH & terminals
- Correct and apply if mismatched
One of the most overlooked causes of blanket declines.
5. Test Multiple Cards & Reader Actions
This helps separate card-specific issues from hardware failures.
- Try chip → swipe → tap
- Test 2–3 different payment cards
All cards fail = system issue. Only one fails = card issue.
6. Inspect Reader & Cabling
EMV contact pins or ports can get alcohol/liquid damage in bars and clubs.
- Check for physical damage
- Verify cables fully seated
- Try spare reader if available
If hardware damage present → replacement required.
When to Contact Aloha Support
- Multiple terminals declining all cards
- EDC won’t restart or repeatedly crashes
- Card reader will not power up or respond
- Processor outage or account configuration error suspected
Aloha Payment Issues – FAQs
Why are all cards being declined in Aloha?
Why won’t EMV chip or tap work?
Can Aloha take payments offline?
Why did payments fail after a power outage?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
Need real-time help fixing Aloha payment failures?
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select Aloha
- Search: “payments not processing”
- Follow guided troubleshooting
Keep revenue rolling — even when the rush hits hard.
Thinking About Switching POS Systems?
If you’re dealing with repeated POS issues, it might be time to compare more reliable options built for restaurants and retail businesses.
Takes 30 seconds • No sales pressure
