Series 7

FAQ

• Does my barcode reader need to be in Application Mode or Basic Keyboard Mode?

  The mode you need to be in depends on the software application you are using your Socket Mobile reader with.

  Application Mode

  Below is a list of the most common apps that require the reader to be in Application Mode to work correctly.

  • Shopify
  • Square
  • Lightspeed
  • Zettle by PayPal
  • Shopkeep
  • NCR Silver
  • Vend
  • Building Reports

  A more comprehensive list can be found on your region's Business Applications page: WW, AU, EMEA, UK.

  Application Mode Set-Up Instructions - If you are using one of the apps listed above, or one that is found on our Business Apps page, you can set up your barcode reader after downloading the Companion application:

  • Apple App store
  • Google Play store 
  • Windows version 

  Once the reader has been paired using Socket Mobile Companion, launch the required software application, the reader will connect to it and you’re all set.
  

  Basic Keyboard Mode (HID)

  Below is a list of the most common Apps that require the reader to be in Basic Keyboard Mode (HID) to work correctly.

  • Notes
  • Microsoft Excel / Spreadsheet
  • Microsoft Word
  • Google Docs online
  • Safari
  • Any text field in a web-based application

  Basic Keyboard Mode Set-Up Instructions – No additional software is required. The Socket Mobile reader is paired directly to the host device in Bluetooth settings and when a barcode or RFID tag is read, the data is delivered to the available text field or where the cursor is flashing on the screen. In Basic Keyboard Mode, if there is no active text field or flashing cursor, the reader will still read the barcode or tag, but no data will be delivered to the software application. In this situation, touch the screen to activate the field or cursor and read the barcode/tag again.

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  For Barcode Readers Only

  Basic Keyboard Mode (HID) set-up steps

  1. Remove any existing Socket Mobile reader from the host device’ Bluetooth settings.
  2. Turn the reader on and scan the factory reset barcode below.

  

  The reader will play a tune and shut down.

  3. Power the reader back on and scan the Basic Keyboard Mode (HID) barcode below. The reader will emit 3 tones and will now be discoverable in HID mode.

  
  

  4. Open Bluetooth settings in the host device.
  5. After a few seconds, when the Socket Mobile reader is discovered, tap it on the screen to start the pairing process.
  6. After a successful pairing, the connection status will change to "Connected", the blue light will turn solid and the reader will emit a single beep.
  7. To test – Open your application, position the cursor as required and scan a barcode.

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  Important - If connecting to an Apple device in Basic Keyboard Mode, the Apple on-screen keyboard will be disabled. Simply double-tapping the power button will toggle the keyboard up / down. See this video for details .

• I have an android device and my keyboard is missing. How do I enable it?

  To enable the on-screen keyboard when connected to an Android device in Basic Keyboard Mode, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Open Settings in your device
  2. Select Language and Keyboard
  3. Select Physical Keyboard
  4. Toggle "Show on-screen keyboard" to the on position

  Please note, the wording above may vary between different versions of Android. For example, below are two different screens with the setting in question outlined in red:

  

• How do I pair my Socket Mobile scanner in Application mode on my PC?

  Please download and install the Companion App for Windows .

  Once downloaded please run the application and follow the on-screen instructions.
  

• How do I clean and care for my Socket Mobile reader?

  To clean your Socket Mobile reader simply wipe with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Alternatively, wipe with a Sani-Cloth.

  Warning:

  • DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER (Reader's mechanics could be damaged)
  • DO NOT USE BLEACH FOR CLEANING (Reader's material property may be affected)

• The scanner does not scan the whole barcode when we are scanning in the Safari, Chrome or Firefox web browser. Is there something wrong with my scanner?

  This is an issue with the IOS 10 and newer updates. Socket Mobile has notified Apple of this issue and we are hoping that Apple will be addressing this in a new IOS (operating system) update.

  For the time being we are asking our customers to use another web browser, such as Dolphin or Opera Mini instead.

  If you continue to have this issue in different web browsers, please submit a service ticket to Socket Mobile’s Support Center (WW, AU, EMEA, UK, JP)

• What affects my scanning speed?

  Socket Mobile’s barcode scanners were designed for efficiency, delivering both speed and accuracy to users. If at some point you find that your scanner is not performing as quickly as you would like it to, there are several reasons why your scanner may not be performing to its fullest potential. There are simple explanations and remedies to these issues.

  • Barcode
    The amount of data a barcode holds can affect the scanning speed. If a barcode carries a small amount of data, then using Basic Mode (HID) for your scanner will work smoothly. However, in HID Mode the scanner behaves like a keyboard, so it takes a significantly longer time when you have a barcode with a large set of data to pass.
  • Host Device
    The distance between the scanner and host device can affect the scanning speed. As long as your scanner remains within its designated range, the scanning speed should not be affected. (Note: If the speed is running slow, a restart of your host device may be required.)
  • Scanner
    An old scanner may run slower with an updated host device. Depending on the age, older scanners may not have the necessary updates to work seamlessly with a newer host device’s system.

  All Socket Mobile scanners have an Application Mode in which the data can be transferred in large blocks, resulting in significant time saving for large barcode scanning, which is common for 2D Barcodes. Watch the video to see the different speeds and uses between Basic Mode (HID) and Application Mode (SPP).

• My reader is getting hot.

  If your Socket Mobile reader gets too hot while charging, unplug it right away.

  Charging can make your reader a little warm, but if it feels hot to the touch, you should immediately disconnect it from its power source, then, contact our support team via the Hardware Support form  (AU, EMEA, UK).