Scanner Has Power but Won’t Beep or Scan

Troubleshoot a scanner that has lights on, but won’t beep, read barcodes, or send items to the register or POS.

Use this when the scanner has power but nothing scans.

The lights are on and it looks like it’s working — but when you scan something, there’s no beep and nothing shows on the POS screen.

This is usually a loose cable at COM 8 or the wrong scanner type in the settings.

Keywords

Also called: scanner not working, scanner broken, barcode reader not scanning, scanner dead, scanner stopped, scanner no beep

Keywords: scanner not beeping, no beep sound, items not scanning, barcode not reading, COM 8, RubyReady, 2D scanner, scanner cable, scanner configuration, scanner settings, POS not reading items, register not picking up barcode

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Symptoms

You may see one or more of the following:

• No beep when you scan an item.
• Beeps, but nothing shows up on the screen after you scan.
• The scanner lights are on but it won’t read barcodes.
• The problem started after a cable was moved, changed, or the register was restarted.

Most likely cause: The scanner and the register are not talking to each other. Usually a loose cable or the wrong scanner type in settings.

Stop Rule

After every step, scan a barcode to test.

• ✅ It beeps and the item shows on screen — stop here. The scanner is working.
• ❌ Still no beep and nothing on screen — go to the next step.

If you restart the register, wait until it is fully loaded to the sales screen before you test again.

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Before You Start

Read this before you start:

• You need to be able to reach the scanner and the back of the register.
• You need a Manager login to get into the Maintenance Menu.
• Find the cable that goes from the scanner to the back of the register. It should be plugged into the port labelled COM 8. Follow the cable to check before you start.
• Have a product with a barcode ready to test with.

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How to Fix the Scanner

1

Check the scanner power

Check if the power light on the scanner is on.

• No lights at all — go to Step 2.
• Light is on — scan a barcode and listen for beep.

Both the scanner and the register should beep. Two beeps mean the POS and scanner are connected.

2

Reseat the scanner cable

Unplug the cable of the scanner at the back of the register — then plug back in firmly.

• The cable should go into COM 8 on the back of the register. Follow it to check.
• Push it in until it clicks or sits firm. A loose cable is the most common cause.

✅ Scanner beeps and item shows on screen — stop here. Fixed.

❌ Still no beep or light — go to Step 3.

3

Set the correct scanner type

Check the scanner settings and confirm the correct scanner type is selected.

• On the register, go to: CSR Functions > Maintenance Menu > Device Configuration > Scanner Configuration.
• In Config Client/C-store, go to: Tools > Managed Modules > Scanner settings.
• Select RubyReady or 2D Scanner, depending on your scanner model.
• Check the label on the scanner if you need the model number.

4

Reboot the register

Changes only work after rebooting the register. Save your changes, then restart the register.

• Wait until the register is fully loaded before you test.
• Scan a product barcode. The register and scanner should beep and the item should show on screen.

Do not test during the restart. Wait until you are back on the home screen.

5

Contact the Helpdesk

If the scanner still won’t work after all the steps above:

• No on-site contract: Contact a VASC(Verifone Authorized Service Contractor)Technician for further on-site troubleshooting
• Valid on-site/contract: Contact the Verifone Helpdesk:

📞 Phone: [phone] (1-800-VERIFONE)

💬 Chat

Tell them exactly the troubleshooting steps performed, this saves your time and gets you the right support faster.

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Need assistance? Contact Verifone Helpdesk at anytime.

• Use our Chat platform
• Or call 1.800.VERIFONE (837.4366)

Tell us the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. This saves time and gets you the right support faster.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a beep from both the scanner and the register?

Two beeps mean the scanner read the barcode AND the register got the signal. If only one beeps, they are not fully connected.

What is COM 8?

COM 8 is the port on the back of the register where the scanner cable must go. If the cable is in the wrong port, the scanner won’t work even if it has power.

What is the difference between RubyReady and 2D Scanner?

They are two different scanner types. RubyReady is for older scanners. 2D Scanner is for newer ones that can read QR codes. Picking the wrong one will stop the scanner from working.

Why do I need to restart the register after changing the settings?

The register only reads the settings when it starts. If you change them without restarting, the old settings stay on and the scanner won’t work.

Can I check which port the scanner is in before I start?

Yes. Follow the cable from the scanner to the back of the register and look at the label on the port. It should say COM 8. If it is in a different port, move it to COM 8 and test again.