USB Barcode Scanner Stopped Working

[waretowear]

Hello!

I'm in the process of setting up a retail store, and I devised my own barcoding system using Code-128. The barcode scanner that I have connected, one that came from Amazon (WoneNice brand), initially did scan them and put the correct items into the checkout. After I updated Square's software yesterday (10/07/24), it seems to no longer input the barcode information automatically; I'm not sure what changed, but I did notice that unplugging the scanner after each scan added the correct items to the cart. I have tried scanning the codes that came with the scanner to reset the settings to default, to add a carriage return, a bunch of other options, but none of them seemed to make a difference. I know this isn't an officially supported scanner, but it worked before when I was testing my barcodes, so I'm at a loss for why it suddenly stopped. 

[HC_Charlie]

Hello @waretowear thanks for your post, I'm sorry you're having trouble with this. I think I've pulled up the manual for your scanner so I've going to reference some scan-able settings below...Maybe try the following scanned settings:

• Try scanning "continuous mode" and see if that works
• Also try scanning "CODE128(ON) "

Please let us know if any of these work for you. Thanks for posting your question, and also Welcome to Square Seller Community. We're so glad you're here and we hope you'll find it a great place to get advice and help from fellow Square users.

[waretowear]

Hi! 

I have tried as many of the scanner options as I could think of. Continuous Scan mode doesn't change the fact that the scanned code doesn't input into the Square Register; all that function does is make it so I don't have to squeeze the trigger to scan the next item, it's an "always on and scanning" type thing. 

Similarly, the Code-128 ON is a default setting, and the code does properly read — it just simply doesn't input it into the Square Register until I unplug the scanner. If I scan more than one barcode, it joins them all together as one string (for example, if I have SKUs ABC123 and XYZ789, scanning both of them and then unplugging the scanner results in an input code of ABC123XYZ789 which doesn't pull up either item).

I've tried using the factory reset function for the scanner, the only thing I've yet to try (and would honestly like to avoid) is factory resetting the Square Register itself.

[Breffni]

Loads of amazing suggestions from our Square Champions here 🙏

@waretowear

I wanted to follow up since it’s been a few days since your last update. Have you had any success? I know troubleshooting can be tricky with your custom setup, but since the barcodes were scanning before, I’m hopeful we can resolve the issue.

I understand that a factory reset isn’t the most convenient option, but if you’re still unable to scan, it might be worth trying. You can find all the necessary information at the end of this article.

Please let us know if you decide to give it a try!

---

[Candlestore]

@waretowear ;

Along with what @HC_Charlie said, what type of Hardware are you using with the Scanner and Square?  My Zebra Bluetooth, USB scanner works with Square as a USB scanner but NOT as a Bluetooth Scanner.  It does work with Ipads as a Bluetooth Scanner tho.

My point here is also look in your Manual for the correct type of device connection.  Ipad Keyboards are Different than Android Keyboards.  Since the Scanner worked when you first got it, I would do the factory reset, then Try it.  If that does not work see if there is a Barcode to set the scanner to your device system.  I am not sure which one the Register uses (Android or PC or IOS).  The other thing do not try adding on the Carriage return or the Tab functions till you figure out what does work, then add these if you need to.  I use my scanner with a Chromebook or an extra Ipad along with my Stands so I am continually messing with my one scanner for Inventory, stock locations (chromebook) and then back to Square as a scanner for my POS.  I actually found the order to get it to work on one device, scanned the barcode with my cell, then printed out Barcodes in order for which Device it will be used on.  So I have a Factory reset scan, IOS Bluetooth Scan, then Low Volume, For the Chromebook similar buthave two other barcdes if I need Tab or Carriage return, and then for Square for my scanners usb connection its Factory reset, Low volume and that is it. 

I even tried following my manual to connect the Scanner by Bluetooth to my Xtra Ipad.....  Out of despiration I followed Bluetooth Connection for an android device and it worked for the Ipad..... Why I have no idea why that worked.  Just take it slow and right down the steps which codes you try till you get it again since it was working.  The other thing is try the Seller, maybe they sent your scanner Programmed a certain way and not at a Factory Reset setting since it worked initially.  Now I have experienced a Glitch here and there after an IOS or a Square update, but for the most part I was able to reset my scanner or just unplug it from the usb to get it working again.

Let us know what you come up with.

[waretowear]

The scanner is a WoneNice WN3300, it's a USB plug & play scanner without a Bluetooth function. I have it plugged into one of the 5 USB ports that connects to my Square Register POS, which isn't one of the handy portable ones or ones with an iPad. I think I'll give the Square Register itself a factory reset and see if the scanner ends up working again. 

Oddly enough, under the Hardware section in Settings, Square reads the scanner as a Honeywell scanner; there seems to be nothing I can do to change that, or to uninstall/reinstall correct drivers. 

[Candlestore · Accepted solution]

@waretowear;

Before Resetting the Register try seeing if there is an Update for it, I know you just had one but sometimes Square comes out with 3 or 4 updates in a week.  My Scanner in Square shows the wrong model number but it works 🙂  If Square is seeing the Scanner as a Honeywell, Square sees the scanner, I am thinking its some setting that you scanned a code for that is not enetering the information into Square.   Since the scanner is a USB, see if you can connect it to a Computer and test it in a text editor like Word or Notepad etc, just to see what it is doing or scanning.

[Bcody44]

Did you happen to find a solution to this? I’m about to rip my hair out trying to figure it out!

[Candlestore]

@Bcody44 ;

What Scanner are you using? 

What Square Hardware are you using?

How is it connected to Square?

What Square App are you using?

Is the scanner your using on the Square Supported List?  compatibility-barcode-scanners 

Is your Software upto date?

I use a Zebra DS6878 which shows as a DS6707 scanner in Square.  

Since this problem happened the Beginning of October and its the End of November; I am guessing an Update might have fixed this issue or rebooting the devices.  I have had an issue sparatically where the scanner does not work.  I unplug it from the USB, and then Replug it back in.  This sometimes fixes the issue.  The other thing is I use a Square Stand, and exit the Square App then right back into square and it works.  These are very infrequent when this happens.  My Scanner is USB to Squre but is also able to be Bluetooth to a Device, just not Square.  

I tried a cheap amazon Scanner (Terra) I believe and it works fine with computers but will not connect to Square at all.  

So what is the Same Problem that you are having?  Did you scanner use to work with Square then Stopped connecting to Square?  After 4 years of Light use my Terra Scanner just stopped working with all devices.  I only used the Terra with a Laptop or Chromebook and now its just a paperweight.... Did your scanner quit working like my Terra did?  Does your Scanner work with other devices like a computer?

The more information you put, the more help people in this forum could give to assist you.  

[Bcody44]

I’m having the exact issue as the original poster. Using the Wonenice scanner, square register.  It worked for 2 years and then just stopped. Shows as Honeywell scanner in the hardware section. But can’t do anything beyond that point. It recognizes the barcodes but will not add anything to the cart. 

[Candlestore]

@Bcody44 ;

Ok, so with the scanner conected to the Register how do you know it is Recognizing the barcode now?   If I type in a SKU or GTIN I, Square gives me a list to choose from.  If I scan Item it automatically Populates in the cart.  So is the scanned Barcode showing in the Search Field?  Does the Scanner Just beep, that you think it read when its actually a Beep for Not reading or invalid Barcode?

[waretowear]

I (OP) personally gave up on pursuing a fix for the scanner, I'm just manually entering items now. In my case, I know it recognizes the SKU from the barcode because anytime I scan an item then unplug the scanner from the USB port, it inputs the SKU and adds the item to the cart. It doesn't automatically enter it when the scanner is plugged in, it just seems to append whatever SKUs are scanned afterwards to the end of the first SKU and never actually enters it. I tried to do different things with the barcodes from the manual, trying to add some sort of return key, or denote where the end of the SKU is. Nothing seems to work, unfortunately.

[Bcody44]

It’s working fine on my computer and gives me the same beep when it adds it to the cart as it does when it scans using the register. Not multiple beeps as it’s a malfunction. Also if I scan the barcode and unplug the scanner, the items scanned add to my cart.  Just wondering if original poster found the code sequence that worked for their scanner and register. 

[waretowear]

Unfortunately I never did find a fix. I've just gone back to manually entering my items at checkout, which is obviously not ideal, but I can't justify buying another scanner. 

[Candlestore]

@waretowear ; @Bcody44 ;

I am just putting this here before others buy Wonenice Barcode Scanners for Square.  When I looked up WoneNice Barcode Scanner on Amazon I saw their description which States Does not work with Square POS, see image below.  So either an update from Square or from WoneNice is now not allowing it to communicate correctly since it was working.  Note areas with Arrow showing the Brand and below #2 circled in red that it does not work with Square POS.