Stripe Terminal Card Reader
Stripe Terminal is Stripe's in-person card-reader hardware (Stripe Reader S700, BBPOS WisePad 3, and similar). HandyBook connects to it through your Stripe account so the Register can take tap/dip/swipe payments. Configure it under Point of Sale → Hardware → Card reader. Settings are stored locally on this device.
Before you start
- Your Stripe Connect account must be set up (the same one HandyBook uses for payments)
- Order a Stripe Terminal reader from your Stripe Dashboard → Hardware
- Create a Terminal Location in Stripe Dashboard → Terminal → Locations and note its location ID (starts with
tml_)
Configuring the reader
- In the Card reader section, open the Mode dropdown
- Choose:
- None (use online Stripe Connect for cards) — no in-person reader; card sales are just recorded
- Stripe Terminal (in-person reader) — connect a physical reader
- With Stripe Terminal selected, enter the Stripe Terminal location ID (
tml_xxx) - Click Save settings
The section badge shows Not connected until a reader session is established, then Connected.
How the connection works
When card-reader mode is Stripe Terminal, HandyBook requests a Stripe connection token from its server and uses it to talk to readers registered at your Terminal location. The reader and the device running HandyBook should be on the same network.
Taking a card payment
- Build the cart and tap Charge $X
- In the Take payment dialog, choose the Card tab
- Run the customer's card on the reader (tap, dip, or swipe)
- Tap Charge to complete and record the sale
- Print or email the receipt from the Receipt dialog
If you don't have a reader
Leave Mode on None. You can still select Card at checkout — HandyBook records the sale as paid by card while you run the card however you normally do.
Troubleshooting
Reader shows Not connected
- Confirm Mode is Stripe Terminal and the location ID is correct and saved
- Make sure the reader is powered on and on the same network as this device
- Confirm your Stripe account is active and the reader is registered to that Terminal location
Card payments fail
- Check your Stripe account status and the failed charge details in your Stripe Dashboard
- A declined card is the customer's bank, not the reader — try another card or tender
FAQ
Can I use Tap to Pay on my phone instead? For card acceptance you currently choose Card at checkout and run the card on your reader or terminal. A dedicated Stripe Terminal reader is the in-person hardware HandyBook integrates with.
Where do I find my location ID?
Stripe Dashboard → Terminal → Locations. It starts with tml_.
Do card-reader settings sync across devices? No — they're stored locally per device. Set the mode and location ID on each device that uses a reader.
Who do I contact for hardware problems? Reader hardware and Stripe account issues: Stripe support (from your Stripe Dashboard). HandyBook integration questions: HandyBook support.