HID barcode scanners
HID (Human Interface Device) barcode scanners are simple plug-and-play scanners that emulate a keyboard. When you scan a barcode, the scanner inputs the barcode number directly into your POS device, as if you had typed it on a keyboard. You can use HID scanners to add products to cart, search orders, and search customers in Shopify POS.
You can use most HID scanners with Shopify POS. HID scanners don't require any special software or drivers. These scanners can scan only one barcode at a time, so they might not be suitable for high-volume scanning needs. This guide outlines how to use HID scanner technology with Shopify POS, rather than a specific brand of barcode scanner.
On this page
Choose how to connect your HID barcode scanner
You can connect your HID barcode scanner in the following ways:
| Connection type | Considerations |
|---|---|
| USB with the Shopify POS Hub | Recommended for the most reliable setup. Compatible with iPad and Android devices. |
| USB cable | Connect the scanner's USB cable directly to your POS device. |
Connecting your HID scanner
Before you use your HID scanner with Shopify POS, you need to pair and connect it through your device's system settings. Most simple scanners are already in HID mode by default. After connecting, you can test the scanner by scanning a barcode into any text field and the barcode enters as text.
To put your scanner in HID mode, refer to the manufacturer's documentation.
| Scanner model | Documentation | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Zebra DS2208 USB barcode scanner | DS2208 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide | 92 |
| Zebra DS2278 barcode scanner | DS2278 Digital Scanner Quick Start Guide | 6 |
| Socket Mobile scanner | SocketScan 700 Series User Guide | 21 |
Activate HID mode in Shopify POS
After you connect your scanner, activate the Allow HID mode setting in Shopify POS. When active, you can scan products on the home screen to add them to the cart.
Steps:
- In Shopify POS, tap
> Settings. - Turn on Allow HID mode.
HID scanners with the POS Hub
When you connect an HID scanner to the Shopify POS Hub, the scanner might initially be detected as a keyboard. To have the scanner treated as a barcode scanner, you need to change the device type in the POS app.
Steps:
- From the POS app, open the Connectivity panel.
- Tap the keyboard entry for the scanner.
- Tap Device type.
- Select Barcode scanner.
The POS Hub briefly disconnects while it reconfigures itself. After the POS Hub reconnects, the scanner is treated as a barcode scanner.
To learn more about switching between keyboard and scanner modes, refer to Keyboard and scanner interactions.
Display the on-screen keyboard
When you use an HID scanner, the on-screen keyboard is hidden by default. You can display the on-screen keyboard by following the steps for your device type.
Steps:
iPhone
Use the on-screen keyboard toggle to display the keyboard. The keyboard is displayed until you dismiss it with the keyboard hide button.
Android
- Go to Settings > System > Keyboard > On-screen keyboard.
- Select your on-screen keyboard.
- Go to Physical Keyboard settings.
- Activate the Show on-screen keyboard option.