Your Stripe card reader needs a steady internet connection to take payments in the Cents Employee App. Most "reader offline" and "reader not connecting" problems come from the store network, not the reader. This guide covers what your network needs and how to fix the most common issues.
Use this if you're setting up a card reader, changing your internet or router, or your reader keeps disconnecting.
Which readers this applies to
Verifone P630: the reader Cents ships today for new stores and replacements.
BBPOS WisePOS E: still fully supported if you already have one.
Both connect to Stripe over the internet (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). They don't use Bluetooth.
Network checklist
Password-protected Wi-Fi. Use WPA2-Personal (recommended). Open networks, guest networks, and networks with a login page (captive portal) won't work.
Same network as your tablet. Keep the reader and the tablet on the same network name (SSID). For example, don't put the tablet on "MyStore" and the reader on "MyStore-5G".
IPv4. IPv6-only networks aren't supported.
No Wi-Fi 6-only networks. Readers don't support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Most routers also broadcast older modes, which is fine.
Stable IP address. The router should keep the same IP address for the reader all day. If you can, reserve an IP for the reader in your router settings.
No client isolation. Turn off "AP isolation" or "client isolation" so the tablet and reader can see each other.
Ethernet (optional). The WisePOS E can use Ethernet through its dock. Use Wi-Fi or Ethernet, not both at the same time.
Firewall and allowlist (for your IT person or ISP)
If your network uses a firewall, content filter, or SSL inspection, allow outbound traffic to these Stripe domains:
Terminal: api.emms.bbpos.com, armada.stripe.com, gator.stripe.com, stripe-point-of-sale-us-west-2.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com, *.terminal-events.stripe.com, *.stripe-terminal-local-reader.net
Stripe: api.stripe.com, stripe.com, terminal.stripe.com, files.stripe.com, js.stripe.com, m.stripe.com, q.stripe.com, r.stripe.com, *.stripecdn.com
Time sync: time.android.com, time.cloudflare.com, 2.android.pool.ntp.org
Ports: outbound HTTPS (TCP 443), DNS (53), and time sync (UDP 123).
Your DNS must resolve the reader's local address. If you use custom DNS filtering and the reader won't connect, try public DNS such as 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8.
Stripe keeps the full, current list in its Terminal network requirements and domains and IP addresses pages.
Check the reader's connection
Swipe in from the left edge of the reader screen and tap Settings.
Enter the admin code 07139.
Tap Diagnostics. The reader tests DNS, its connection to Stripe, and Wi-Fi signal strength. If the Stripe connection test fails, the reader can't take payments.
To change networks, go to Settings > Wi-Fi Settings and join your store network.
Troubleshooting
The reader shows disconnected every morning?
Readers restart overnight to install updates. Close and reopen the Employee App and the reader will reconnect. Leave the reader on and online overnight so updates can finish.
The reader says "Check your firewall"?
Tap Try again, then restart your modem, router, and reader. If it keeps happening, ask your ISP to turn off any security or content filtering, or to allow the domains above.
Works on a phone hotspot but not on store Wi-Fi?
The reader is fine, and something on your network is blocking it. Check the checklist above, or connect the reader with Ethernet using the dock.
The reader won't join your Wi-Fi?
Make sure the network is password-protected (not open or guest) and uses WPA2-Personal. Networks with a login page won't work.
The tablet can't find the reader?
Put the tablet and reader on the exact same network name. Turn off client or AP isolation on your router.
It connects, then drops during the day?
Your router may be handing out a new IP address. Reserve an IP for the reader or lengthen the router's lease time. Also check that Wi-Fi and Ethernet aren't both connected.
The reader shows a three-word code?
The reader was reset and needs to be paired again. Text our Support team and we'll help you register it.
Your store internet is down?
Connect the tablet and reader to the same phone hotspot to keep taking payments. See How to Connect Hardware to a Mobile Hotspot.
Still failing on a hotspot or with Ethernet?
It may be a hardware problem. On a WisePOS E, flashing lights at the top can mean a hardware fault. Text our Support team so we can check it and replace it if needed.
Need assistance?
Feel free to text our Cents Support team at 888-302-8809.