Resetting your PayPal card reader can help resolve a variety of issues and get your device working properly again. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reset your PayPal card reader.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your PayPal Card Reader
There are a few common reasons why resetting your PayPal card reader may be necessary:
- You are having trouble getting the card reader to connect or pair with your phone or tablet
- The card reader is not reading cards properly or at all
- You are receiving error messages when trying to process transactions
- The card reader screen is frozen or glitchy
- You want to disconnect the card reader from your current device and pair it with a new one
Resetting the card reader essentially allows you to restart it and clear out any software bugs or glitches that may be causing issues. It’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes.
How to Reset a PayPal Chip Card Reader
Here are the steps to reset a PayPal chip card reader:
- Make sure the card reader is turned on and connected to your phone or tablet if possible.
- Locate the small reset button on the back of the card reader.
- Use a straightened paperclip or similar small object to press and hold the reset button for 5-7 seconds.
- Release the reset button once the screen goes blank.
- The PayPal chip card reader will restart. The lights will flash as it powers back on.
- You can now try re-pairing it with your phone or tablet if needed.
How to Reset a PayPal Swipe Card Reader
Here are the steps to reset a PayPal swipe card reader:
- Make sure the card reader is turned on and connected to your device if possible.
- Locate the small circular reset button on the back of the card reader.
- Use a straightened paperclip or SIM card removal tool to press and hold the reset button for 5-7 seconds.
- Release the reset button once the lights begin flashing.
- The card reader will restart and the lights will continue flashing as it powers back on.
- You can now try re-pairing the card reader with your device again if needed.
Re-Pairing Your PayPal Card Reader
After resetting your PayPal card reader, you may need to re-pair it with your smartphone, tablet, or POS system. Here is how to pair your card reader again:
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
- Open the PayPal Here app on your device.
- Tap on the icon in the top left (lines and dots) then tap “Card Readers”.
- Choose your card reader type if prompted.
- Tap “Pair” next to the name of your card reader.
- The app will search and connect to the card reader.
- Once successfully paired, you will see a green Bluetooth symbol.
- You can now process transactions again as usual.
The card reader may prompt you to enter numbers displayed on its screen during the pairing process. This helps verify the connection.
If the card reader won’t pair, double check that Bluetooth is enabled on your device, restart both devices, and try the process again. Make sure no other devices are connected to the card reader.
Troubleshooting Tips
If resetting your PayPal card reader did not resolve the issues you were experiencing, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Update the PayPal Here app and card reader firmware to the latest versions.
- Make sure your device and the card reader have sufficient charge.
- Try pairing the card reader with another phone or tablet.
- Clean the card reader slot with compressed air.
- Check that your cellular data or WiFi connection is strong.
- Test your card reader with another known good credit card.
- Contact PayPal Here customer support for further assistance.
Important Reset Notes
Here are some other important things to keep in mind when resetting your PayPal chip card reader:
- Resetting will unpair the card reader from any devices it is currently connected to via Bluetooth.
- Any pending transactions stored in the card reader memory will be deleted after a reset.
- You will need to re-enter your PayPal Here PIN after resetting the device.
- Only reset your card reader when troubleshooting major issues to avoid data loss.
- Do not reset the card reader repeatedly as this could make problems worse.
- Never reset the card reader while it is processing a transaction.
When to Get a Replacement
If you continue having issues with your PayPal card reader even after resetting and troubleshooting, it may be time to request a replacement.
Contact PayPal Here support for a warranty claim or replacement. Be prepared to provide:
- Your account email address
- Card reader serial number
- Description of the issues experienced
PayPal will determine if a replacement card reader can be sent to you free of charge.
Preventing Future Issues
To help avoid issues with your PayPal card reader in the future, be sure to:
- Keep the card reader slot clean of debris using compressed air.
- Update the card reader firmware whenever prompted in the PayPal Here app.
- Only use the official PayPal Here app with the card reader.
- Store the card reader in a clean, dry location when not in use.
- Never force a card into the slot if it doesn’t slide smoothly.
Conclusion
Resetting a PayPal chip or swipe card reader can help get your device functioning properly again. The process only takes a few minutes and will often resolve connectivity issues, software crashes, and other common problems. Be sure to re-pair the card reader to your phone or tablet after resetting. If problems persist, cleaning the card reader, updating software, and troubleshooting your setup can help. Contact PayPal Here support if you continue experiencing issues for assistance obtaining a replacement reader.
