Clover Not Taking Payments? How to Fix Declines, Chip Errors & Tap Issues (Quick Fix Guide)
Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Clover not taking payments, cards not reading, tap/chip failing, payment declines, or app stuck during checkout.
Fast Fixes: Restart the device, clean the card reader, switch Wi-Fi networks, try Offline Mode, check for Clover system outages, update software, and test multiple payment types.
Need official help? See our Clover Customer Service Guide.
Want guided troubleshooting? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free).
If your Clover POS isn’t taking payments, you’re not alone. Whether chip cards aren’t reading, tap-to-pay keeps failing, or every transaction declines, this guide covers the fastest fixes used by real Clover merchants.
These steps work for Clover Mini, Flex, Station, Duo, Solo, and Clover Go.
Table of Contents
- 1 Common Reasons Clover Won’t Take Payments
- 2 How to Fix Clover Not Taking Payments
- 2.1 1. Restart Clover (Fixes 80% of Payment Failures)
- 2.2 2. Check Your Internet Connection
- 2.3 3. Clean the Chip Reader & Tap Sensor
- 2.4 4. Test Multiple Payment Types
- 2.5 5. Enable (or Disable) Offline Mode
- 2.6 6. Check for Clover System Outages
- 2.7 7. Update Clover Software
- 2.8 8. Check for Merchant Account Issues
- 3 When to Contact Clover Support
- 4 Clover Not Taking Payments – FAQs
- 5 Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- 6 Thinking About Switching POS Systems?
Common Reasons Clover Won’t Take Payments
- Weak or dropped internet connection
- Reader blocked or dirty (chip debris, dust)
- Tap or NFC sensor malfunction
- Outdated Clover software
- Battery too low to process payments
- Payment app frozen or stuck
- Merchant account verification issue
- Clover system outage (rare but possible)
- Bluetooth bridge issues (Clover Go only)
If payments fail suddenly across all cards, it’s usually network or system-related. If only chip/tap fails, it’s usually a hardware reader issue.
How to Fix Clover Not Taking Payments
1. Restart Clover (Fixes 80% of Payment Failures)
A quick reboot fixes freezes, reader glitches, and payment app issues.
- Hold the power button (location varies by device)
- Tap Restart
- If frozen, hold power 10–15 seconds (forced reboot)
Reader failures are often caused by software stalls—restarting clears them instantly.
If your Clover is frozen or won’t restart normally, follow our full guide here: How to Reset a Clover Credit Card Machine.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Clover requires a stable connection for most payments (unless Offline Mode is enabled).
- Test another device on your Wi-Fi
- Switch to another network if available
- Restart your router
- Try hotspotting from your phone
If payments only fail during busy hours, your network may be overloaded.
3. Clean the Chip Reader & Tap Sensor
Dust or debris inside the chip slot is one of the most common causes of chip declines.
- Blow gently into the chip slot
- Use a can of compressed air (recommended)
- Wipe the tap area with a microfiber cloth
If only chip cards are failing but tap works, this is almost always the cause.
4. Test Multiple Payment Types
- Try chip, then tap
- Try swipe if your model supports it
- Try a different card
If certain card types fail but others work, it may be a reader hardware issue.
5. Enable (or Disable) Offline Mode
If internet is unstable, Offline Mode lets Clover store encrypted transactions temporarily.
- Open Setup > Payments
- Find Offline Mode
- Enable it if your internet is unstable
- Disable it if it’s causing stored transactions to pile up
Note: Transactions may decline later if funds aren’t available.
6. Check for Clover System Outages
Clover occasionally experiences processing outages, especially during large updates.
- If all cards suddenly start failing
- Your device is online but payments won’t process
- Multiple stores report the same issue
In these cases, there’s nothing wrong with your device—you simply need to wait for Clover to restore service.
7. Update Clover Software
- Go to Settings > About
- Install pending updates
- Restart device
Outdated software can cause payment freezes, reader failures, and app crashes.
8. Check for Merchant Account Issues
If Clover has placed a hold on your account or requires verification, payments may decline instantly.
- Check Clover Dashboard notifications
- Check your email for verification requests
- Confirm bank info is up to date
This is less common but can stop all transactions until resolved.
When to Contact Clover Support
- Chip reader won’t respond at all
- Tap-to-pay fails on all cards
- Payments decline even with strong internet
- Reader makes clicking or grinding sounds
- You suspect a merchant account freeze
Clover Customer Service – Phone, Chat & Help Center
Clover Not Taking Payments – FAQs
Why is my Clover not taking payments?
How do I fix a Clover that keeps declining payments?
Why is chip not working on Clover?
Does Clover work offline?
Why won’t tap-to-pay work on my Clover?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
Need guided help fixing Clover payment issues?
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select Clover
- Type: “Clover not taking payments”
- Follow the troubleshooting flow
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
