Archived FAQs

The wrong charging cable may have been used. The DuraScan 700 v20 series has its own designated charging cable. The charging plug for the DuraScan 700 v20 series is longer than previous cables, accommodating the charging jack in the v20 scanner. Other charging cables will not charge the DuraScan 700 v20 scanners.  

The problem

If you or your customers are experiencing difficulties connecting Socket Mobile scanners in Application Mode on your Android 8 devices, your app may be affected by one of the Android system changes. Starting from Android Oreo (version 8+), Android apps can no longer obtain a device’s Bluetooth address programmatically. Users will not be able to copy/paste the Bluetooth address either.

For most Socket Mobile scanners on the market, obtaining Android device’s Bluetooth address has been a critical step to pair with the devices in Application Mode, done automatically through Socket Mobile SDK. The change in Android 8 forces us to require users take action to get Android device’s Bluetooth address.

Please NOTE: This issue will only happen if

1. You are connecting a device in Application Mode. The scanners will work as usual if you are using it in HID Mode (the default mode).
2. You are installing the apps on Android Oreo or newer Android versions. There should be NO issue if Socket Mobile Companion have been installed on Android Nougat or older and you are upgrading to Oreo

The solution

We’ve been working on this issue for a long time. Even though our attempt to work with Google for a better solution didn’t yield any result, we’ve had solutions for both new customers and customers with existing devices.

For customers who are planning to purchase new scanners:

Our latest models and future models have or will have built-in Auto Connect capability(ACC) that will not only solve the Application Mode pairing problem for Android 8, but also significantly simplify the process.  Here’s the list of the devices we ship that already have the capability:

• SocketScan S700
• SocketScan S730
• SocketScan S740
• DuraScan D760
• SocketScan S840
• SocketScan S860
• SocketScan S800 (revision number P or after) 
• SocketScan S850 (revision number D or after)
• DuraScan D750 (revision number D or after)
• DuraScan D730 (revision number J or after)
• DuraScan D700 (revision number G or after)
• DuraScan D740 (revision number C or after)

Where do I find the revision number? 

With the ACC scanners listed above, you have two options to pair the scanner in Application Mode

• Option 1: Using the latest Socket Mobile Companion (WW, AU, EMEA, UK)
• Option 2: Scan the following Auto Connect barcode and then pair in system Bluetooth Settings:

You can also find this barcode in the Get Started guide in your scanner package.

For customers who continue to use older scanner models:

1. Connect your scanner in Application Mode following the instructions in the latest  Socket Mobile Companion app (WW, AU, EMEA, UK). The app will guide you to get the Android device’s Bluetooth address. You only need to do this once.
2. Launch your business app where you need to connect to the scanner. If you are using SocketScan 10 keyboard, we strongly recommend you switch to the new Socket Mobile SM Keyboard, as the SocketScan app is not compatible with Socket Mobile Companion and will cause scanner connection issues when running side by side.

First, make sure your app has Bluetooth permissions. Do this by checking the Bluetooth box on the app page in your iOS Settings app.

Then launch the app and select the desired readers in the app’s Available Reader list.

• The D600 will confirm the connection with the connection tone and solid blue Connection LED.
• The S550 will confirm the connection by saying “Connected” and solid blue or cyan Connection LED.

First try the instructions in the User Guide using the barcodes (Note: print the barcode for scanning if you have a laser scanner: D730 or 7Mi/7Pi).

If you are unable to successfully pair, please follow the instructions below to reset your scanner and pair up without using the barcodes

Before following the instructions, make sure to download the SocketScan 10 application from the Play Store.

1. Unpair/Remove/Forget the device from your Bluetooth settings 
2. Perform the Factory Reset* *Reverts barcode scanner back to factory default state.

To revert the scanner back to the factory default state, scan the barcode on page 4 of the Programming Guide, which is also available in the User Guide (Note: print the barcode for scanning if you have a laser scanner: D730 or 7Mi/7Pi) or you may do it manually.

1. Power on scanner
2. Hold down the Trigger button and tap the Power button once while still holding down the Trigger button
3. After 15 seconds, the scanner will beep, indicating you can release the Trigger button
4. The scanner will beep 5 times and power off
5. The next time you turn on the scanner, it will take longer than normal to power on

Open Socket Scan 10, select #4 and scan the barcode

3. Go to Bluetooth settings and select either “Socket CHS” or “D700” to pair
4. Open the Socket Scan 10 application again
5. Check mark box #1 and select Socket Scan as the input and method
6. Check mark box #2 and turn on Bluetooth
7. Check mark box #3 and select Socket Scan as a keyboard
8. Check mark box #4 and select Bluetooth as pre-paired scanner
9. You should see your scanner in the box; select “Socket CHS” or “D700” to pair completely
   
   Your Socket Mobile scanner will make a series of beeps to indicate a successful pairing.

Samsung has created a work around for the Menu Button. 

On the bottom left hand side of your device there is a Multitasking Button. If you hold down the Multitasking button, the Menu should show on the screen.

Drill a 3” by 32” hole (as shown in the template).

As of January 2022, the default Bluetooth connection mode for Socket Mobile barcode readers has changed from Basic Keyboard Mode (HID) to iOS Application Mode.

We recommend you set up your barcode reader using the Socket Mobile Companion app, which is available from the Google Play Store , the Apple App Store  or for the Windows version, directly from the Socket Mobile website (WW,  AU, EU, UK).

Click here if you are unsure which Bluetooth connection mode you need .

To take advantage of the Application Mode for faster scanning, you will need an app that supports Application Mode. If you are not sure if the specific App you are using is supported, you can install the Socket Mobile keyboard extension on your iOS or Android device.

Yes, all Socket Mobile devices can be registered on the registration page of our website (WW, AU, EMEA, UK, JP). 

Socket Mobile’s barcode scanners work with most software in Basic mode (HID).

Check with your software provider for further details on compatibility.

We are currently working hard to include Contactless Reader support in the Android version of Companion and will update the app as soon as it is available.

No. The SocketScan S370 is seen as one product and, when paired, will accept data from the barcode or NFC reader.