Your Cents card reader is the BBPOS WisePOS E. Once it's set up, you can take chip, tap, and swipe payments, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay, right from your Cents POS. Setup takes a few minutes: connect it to Wi-Fi, generate a pairing code, and send that code to our team so we can register it to your account.
Before you start
Your reader and your Cents POS tablet should be on the same Wi-Fi network.
The network must be password-protected (WPA or WPA2 Personal). The reader will not connect to open or guest networks, WEP networks, or enterprise/login-page networks.
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi both work.
Keep the reader on power during setup.
Step-by-step setup
Power on the reader. Connect it to power with the included USB-C cable (or place it on its dock). Press and hold the power button on the top-right until the screen turns on.
Connect to Wi-Fi. On the welcome screen, select your store's Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
Let it update. The reader will check for and install any software updates. This can take a few minutes, and the reader may restart. Keep it on power.
A pairing code will generate. A 3-word code will appear (for example, apple-desk-river). After a brand-new setup or a factory reset, the reader may show this code automatically.
Send us the code. Send the 3-word code to Cents Support (text 888-302-8809 or email [email protected]) along with your business name and store address. We'll register the reader to your account. Send it promptly, as the code can expire.
Confirm it's connected. On your Cents POS tablet, open the Cents Employee App, go to the Connections tab, and check that the card reader shows as Connected. If it doesn't appear right away, close and reopen the app, then tap refresh next to the card reader.
Keep it powered. Leave the reader plugged in or on its dock so it stays charged and online.
Using the optional Ethernet dock
If you have the WisePOS E dock and want a wired connection:
Make sure the dock is empty.
Connect power and an Ethernet (Cat 6) cable to the dock.
Place the reader on the dock.
If the reader was already docked when you connected the cables, lift it off and set it back on the dock.
Important things to know
Payment types: The reader accepts credit and debit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). It does not process laundry (stored-value) card payments.
One reader per store. Each store location uses a single Cents card reader.
Nightly reboot is normal. Every night, the reader automatically reboots to stay payment-compliant. Each morning it may briefly show as "disconnected" in the Connections tab. Closing and reopening the Cents Employee App reconnects it.
A stable, secure connection matters. For speed, port, and firewall details, see Stripe Card Reader Network Requirements.
Keep it charged. The reader charges over USB-C. Leaving it on power or on its dock keeps it online and ready.
Troubleshooting
Reader shows "disconnected," especially in the morning. This is usually the normal nightly reboot. Close and reopen the Cents Employee App, then tap refresh next to the card reader in the Connections tab.
Reader won't connect to Wi-Fi. Confirm the network is password-protected (WPA/WPA2), not an open, guest, or login-page network. Make sure the reader and tablet are on the same network, move the reader closer to the router, and restart both the reader and the router. Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are supported.
Payment failed or the reader doesn't prompt for a card. Confirm the reader shows Connected, make sure your app is updated, and restart the app. If it keeps failing, generate a new pairing code (Settings, 07139, Generate Pairing Code) and send it to us so we can re-register the reader.
Need to start fresh. You can factory reset the reader, then repeat the steps above and send us a new pairing code. See How to Factory Reset Your BBPOS WisePOS E Card Reader.
Pairing code didn't work. Codes can expire. Generate a new one and send it to us right away.
FAQ
Which reader does Cents use?
The BBPOS WisePOS E.
Does it work on 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
Yes. Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz work.
Can it accept laundry card payments?
No. It accepts credit, debit, and mobile wallet payments only.
Can I use more than one reader at a store?
No, each store uses one card reader.
Why does my reader show disconnected every morning?
The reader reboots automatically overnight to stay payment-compliant. Reopen the Cents Employee App to reconnect it.
How do I get a new pairing code?
Swipe from the far left of the reader screen to open Settings, enter 07139, and tap Generate Pairing Code.
Need assistance?
Feel free to text our Cents Support team at 888-302-8809.