iDynamo Setup & Troubleshooting

The iDynamo Lightning Credit Card Swiper allows you to accept swiped credit card transactions at your Lightspeed Retail POS. In this article, learn how to set up the iDynamo fix some errors associated with it.

Only iDynamos purchased directly from Lightspeed Retail are compatible. iDynamos purchased elsewhere will not work with Lightspeed Retail.

Check out our iDynamo Setup video below:

iDynamo Card Reader Setup

Table of Contents

iDynamo Setup

The iDynamo is a plug & play device that connects to the iPad’s charging port. It does not work with Apple Pay or NFC technology. If you are not using a ShopKeep stand, you must set up the iDynamo with one of the included adapter sleeves.

  1. Find the adapter sleeve labeled with the name of your iPad model.

    If your setup does not require an adapter sleeve, skip to step 4.

    Click to Enlarge
  2. Align the prongs on the sleeve with holes on the iDynamo.
  3. Push the pieces together until you hear a click.
  4. Plug the iDynamo into the iPad.

    The iDynamo is now ready to process swiped credit cards in The Retail POS (S-Series) app. Before accepting credit cards, your Lightspeed Retail account must be boarded for credit card processing. Learn how to set up credit card processing here.

  5. (Optional) Set the iPad up in a stand or enclosure.
  6. (Optional) To charge the iPad, plug a micro USB cable into the port on the back of the reader. Connect the other end of the cable to the iPad’s charging adapter.

    Charge the iPad only when needed. Leaving the micro USB cable attached all day can cause damage to the charging port on the reader.

Common Error Messages

If you encounter a problem while processing credit cards with the iDynamo, you may see an error message on the register. Here are common errors and how to solve them.

  • If you run into an error message not listed below, visit our Credit Card Readers Troubleshooting guide.
  • For help with other types of iDynamo issues, visit our full iDynamo Troubleshooting guide.
  • Manual Card Entry

    This is usually caused by a problem with the connection between the iPad and the iDynamo.

    1. Unplug the iDynamo from the iPad.
    2. Force quit the Retail POS (S-Series) app.
    3. Plug the iDynamo back into the iPad.
    4. Open the Retail POS (S-Series) app and run a credit transaction.

    Couldn't Connect to Gateway

    The error is usually the result of having poor internet connectivity or none at all.

    1. Press the iPad's home button to back out of the Retail POS (S-Series) app.
    2. Open the Safari web browser.
    3. Visit a web page or perform a Google search.
    4. Open the iPad's 'Settings' app and check to see that you are connected to the right network.
    5. Force quit the Retail POS (S-Series) app, open the the Retail POS (S-Series) app back up, and try the transaction again.

    No Payment Processor Found

    This message appears if you are not boarded for credit card processing.

    1. Make sure that your merchant services provider has filled out our ISO Boarding Form.
    2. If you have received a confirmation boarding email, close your shift and open a new shift.

    Fail

    This message appears because the iDynamo is no longer functional or was not purchased from Lightspeed Retail.

    1. Make sure the iDynamo was purchased directly from the Lightspeed Store.

    Card declined / Decline

    Card declined and Decline both mean the attempted charge was refused by the customer’s bank.

    1. Try charging the customer's card again.
    2. Try a different card or form of payment.

    If you have questions, check out our Card Reader FAQ. Running into a problem with your iDynamo? Visit our troubleshooting guide for help.