Written by Jason Feemster, POS specialist with 15+ years of experience helping restaurants and retailers troubleshoot POS systems, payments, and hardware issues.
Common Issue: Shopify Tap & Chip Reader won’t pair, won’t process payments, keeps blinking, or disconnects during checkout.
Fast Fixes: Restart the reader, re-pair through Shopify POS (not iPad Bluetooth), charge the reader fully, reset Bluetooth, and update the Shopify POS app.
Need official help? See our Shopify Customer Service Guide.
Want guided troubleshooting? Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant (Free).
Shopify Tap & Chip Reader not working? You may see blinking lights, failed Bluetooth pairing, payment declines, slow contactless response, or the reader disconnecting mid-transaction. These issues are extremely common because the reader must be paired entirely through the Shopify POS app, not the iPad’s Bluetooth settings.
Here’s how to fix Tap & Chip Reader connection problems quickly.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons the Shopify Tap & Chip Reader Stops Working
- Reader paired in iPad Bluetooth instead of Shopify POS
- Low battery causing disconnects or blinking lights
- Reader stuck in idle state from long shifts
- Bluetooth interference (busy retail environments)
- Outdated Shopify POS app version
- Reader firmware update required
How to Fix Shopify Tap & Chip Reader Connection Problems
1. Make Sure the Reader Is NOT Paired to the iPad’s Bluetooth
This is the #1 reason Shopify readers fail. The reader must be paired ONLY inside Shopify POS. If it’s paired in iPad settings, it will never connect correctly.
- Go to iPad Settings → Bluetooth
- If you see the reader listed, tap Forget This Device
- Restart the reader
- Pair it again through Shopify POS (next step)
This single fix resolves over 70% of pairing failures.
2. Reconnect the Reader Through Shopify POS
All Shopify card readers must be paired through the POS app, or they won’t process payments.
- Open Shopify POS
- Tap ≡ → Settings
- Select Set up hardware
- Choose the Tap & Chip Reader
- Tap Connect
After pairing, the light should turn solid.
3. Restart the Reader
If the reader is unresponsive or blinking randomly, a restart resets the internal Bluetooth controller.
- Hold the power button for 4 seconds
- Release when lights turn off
- Press again to turn it back on
Try reconnecting through Shopify POS afterwards.
4. Charge the Reader Fully
Low battery causes constant disconnects, blinking red/yellow lights, and failed tap transactions.
- Plug in the charging cable
- Wait at least 10 minutes
- Leave it plugged in during busy hours if needed
Many “random disconnects” are simply battery-related.
5. Reset Bluetooth on the iPad
A Bluetooth refresh fixes interference from other devices and POS hardware.
- Swipe down to open Control Center
- Turn off Bluetooth
- Wait 5 seconds
- Turn Bluetooth back on
Reopen Shopify POS and reconnect the reader.
6. Update Shopify POS (Required for Reader Firmware)
Shopify pushes firmware updates through the POS app. If your app is outdated, the reader may refuse to connect.
- Open App Store
- Search “Shopify POS”
- Tap Update
Updates often fix bugs affecting Tap & Chip Readers specifically.
When to Contact Shopify Support
- Reader doesn’t appear in POS hardware list
- Reader blinks red constantly
- Reader disconnects multiple times per day
- Payments fail even after reconnecting the reader
Shopify Customer Service – Phone, Chat & Help Center
Shopify Tap & Chip Reader Not Working – FAQs
Why won’t my Shopify Tap & Chip Reader connect?
What do blinking lights mean?
Do I need to update the reader firmware?
Why does my reader disconnect during checkout?
Try the POSUSA POS Support Assistant
Need help fixing reader pairing or payment issues?
- POSUSA POS Support Assistant
- Select Shopify POS
- Type: “reader not connecting”
- Follow the guided troubleshooting flow
It’s fast, free, and designed for real retail and service environments.
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
