This article explains connection and usage for Qgiv’s mobile card readers, which work with the Qgiv Virtual Terminal app for donation forms, standard events, peer-to-peer campaigns, and auctions. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
To read more about Qgiv’s card reader offerings, check out this article.
Please note: Card readers are not mandatory—you can enter credit card numbers manually in the app.
Contents:
- Connecting a Bluetooth Card Reader
- Connecting a Lightning or USB-C Card Reader
- General Use
- Troubleshooting Tips
Check out the video below for an overview of Qgiv's available card readers.
Connecting a Bluetooth Card Reader
Please note: If you’re pairing a VP3350 with an Android device, you’ll complete pairing in your device’s Bluetooth settings, not in the app. You’ll be prompted to enter a PIN to complete pairing with your phone. You’ll find the PIN you need on the Card Readers screen.
In the box, you’ll find the card reader and a USB charging cable. The card reader will need to be fully charged prior to first use, which will take 4-6 hours.
Please note: Qgiv offers two models of Bluetooth card reader: The VP3300 and the VP3350. Both models are pictured below. When pairing a card reader, “VP3300” or “VP3350” will be included in the card reader’s name.
VP3300
VP3350
To get started, open the Virtual Terminal app, and tap the three lines in the top left corner to expand the Menu.
Tap More at the bottom of the list. Then tap Bluetooth Card Reader.
The app will start scanning for available card readers. Make sure your card reader is turned on and within range of your device. To turn on the card reader, push the power button on the side. The blue or green light on the card reader should begin blinking.
When the app finds the card reader, tap the reader in the Found list.
You’ll be prompted to Save to My Card Readers. Tap that option and then tap the Back arrow.
If you’re pairing a VP3350 card reader, after you save the device, you’ll be prompted to enter a PIN to complete pairing with your phone. You’ll find the PIN you need on the Card Readers screen.
You should see your card reader listed as Connected under My Card Readers.
If the message displays Not Connected, make sure the card reader is on by clicking the power button again.
If the card reader is on and within range but still shows as Not Connected, click the Back arrow in the top left corner of the Card Readers menu and then immediately reopen the Card Readers. The app should refresh and reconnect to the card reader.
Pro tip: Bluetooth card readers can only pair with one device at a time. If you’d like to switch the device your card reader is paired with, go into the current device’s Bluetooth settings and disconnect the card reader. You should then be able to pair the reader with a new device.
If you’re still having trouble connecting, check out our Troubleshooting Tips at the end of this article.
Please note: If you’re pairing a VP3350 with an Android device, you’ll complete pairing in your device’s Bluetooth settings, not in the app. You’ll be prompted to enter a PIN to complete pairing with your phone. You’ll find the PIN you need on the Card Readers screen.
Connecting a Lightning or USB-C Card Reader
In addition to the Bluetooth card reader, we offer two types of card readers that plug directly in your mobile devices: the Lightning card reader and the USB-C card reader.
The Lightning card reader can be used with iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) that have a Lightning connector port.
In the box, you’ll find the card reader and a USB charging cable. The card reader will need to be fully charged prior to first use, which will take 4-6 hours.
The USB-C card reader can be used with any mobile device with a USB-C connector port. This includes most Android devices and some newer models of iPhones and iPads.
To connect the Lightning or USB-C card reader, simply swivel the connector out of the card reader and then plug it into your device.
The USB-C card readers draw power directly from the connected device and do not need to be plugged in during use.
General Use
With your card reader connected, you can begin processing payments in the app.
When you get to the Payment step for donations or registrations, you’ll see the option to swipe a card under Payment Method.
Please note: Card readers are equipped with a chip reader and tap-to-pay, but the Virtual Terminal app does not support those features. All cards must be swiped.
If the Bluetooth card reader is operating on battery power, the unit will enter low-power mode after five seconds of idling and will sleep after 20-30 seconds of idling to maximize battery life.
Please note: The VP3350 card reader will enter low-power mode after five minutes of idling and will sleep after 60 minutes.
To perform a transaction again, press the power button to re-establish the Bluetooth connection. You’ll be prompted to power on the card reader in the app, if necessary.
We recommend keeping the Bluetooth and Lightning card readers connected to a power source, if possible. Card readers will remain connected to a mobile device indefinitely if the reader is connected to a power source via USB cable.
The USB-C card readers draw power directly from the connected device and do not need to be plugged in during use.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your card reader is not connecting, here are a few things you can try:
- Make sure the card reader is fully charged.
- Check your device’s Bluetooth permissions to ensure that pairing is allowed in the app.
- Make sure both the app and your device’s operating system are up to date. If you're using an iOS device, ensure the device is running iOS 15 / iPadOS 15 or later. If you're using an Android device, ensure the device is running Android 12 or later.
- If you’re using a Bluetooth reader, go into your device’s Bluetooth settings, choose the Forget This Device option, and then pair the card reader with the device again.
- If you’re still having trouble, you can reset the card reader by poking the tiny hole on the bottom left edge of the reader with a small paper clip.
Ready to start swiping payments? Card readers are available for $139. To buy one, contact Qgiv Customer Experience at 888-855-9595 or support@qgiv.com.