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DataCap Android EMV

The Android EMV integration connects card readers to the POS via Bluetooth using the DSI EMV Android protocol. This covers both full-screen handhelds (PAX A920Pro, A920ProMax, A77) and screenless Bluetooth readers (IDTech VP3350, VP3300).

For stationary PAX pin pads (A30, A35, Aries), see DataCap DC Direct. For the full list of supported devices, see DataCap Supported Devices.

Supported Devices​

DeviceTypeOn-Device Screen
PAX A920ProHandheldYes
PAX A920ProMaxHandheldYes
PAX A77HandheldYes
IDTech VP3350Bluetooth readerNo
IDTech VP3300Bluetooth readerNo

Prerequisites​

  • One of the supported devices listed above
  • Android POS device running the Pointless app
  • DataCap merchant account
  • Bluetooth capability on the Android POS device

Terminal Assignment​

  1. Navigate to Settings > POS List.
  2. Select the terminal (Android device) that will pair with the card reader.
  3. Scroll to the Android Secure Device section.
  4. In the Bluetooth Device Name dropdown, select the paired device from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
  5. Save the terminal settings.

Listing Paired Bluetooth Devices​

If the device does not appear in the dropdown:

  1. Open the DC Direct Settings panel for the terminal.
  2. Click List Bluetooth Devices to request Bluetooth permission and scan for paired devices.
  3. Grant the Bluetooth permission when prompted.
  4. Select the device from the Paired Bluetooth Device dropdown that appears below the button.

The device must be paired at the Android system level before it will appear in the list.

DC Direct Settings for Android EMV​

In addition to the Bluetooth device assignment, configure the DC Direct Settings fields for the Android EMV connection:

FieldValue
Merchant IDYour DataCap merchant ID
POS Package IDPointless/3.1
Device TagOperator identifier
Tran Device IDBluetooth device name (used for VP3350/VP3300 pairing)

Bluetooth Permissions​

On Android, the app requires Bluetooth permission to communicate with paired devices:

  1. In the DC Direct Settings panel, click List Bluetooth Devices to trigger the permission request.
  2. Grant the permission when prompted.
  3. If permission is denied, Bluetooth card readers will not be available for transactions.

Parameter Download​

After initial configuration, download parameters to the device:

  1. In the DC Direct Settings panel, click Android > Param Download.
  2. Wait for confirmation.

Device Status During Transactions​

For screenless readers (VP3350, VP3300) that have no display of their own, the POS terminal shows the live card reader status on screen during the transaction. Messages like "Insert Card," "Processing," and "Remove Card" appear directly on the payment screen with a progress indicator.

For handheld devices with their own screens, the device displays the prompts directly.

On-device tip prompts are not available for screenless readers. Tip selection happens on the POS terminal screen instead.

Device Reset​

The Reset Device button resets the card reader. A device reset can take up to a minute over Bluetooth. The POS displays a progress indicator while the reset is in progress, and the Pay button shows "Preparing Reader..." until the device is ready.

Post-Sale Receipt Options​

After a successful EMV transaction, the payment screen presents receipt options:

  • Print Small (A920 devices only) — Prints a receipt on the device's built-in printer.
  • Email — Sends the receipt to the customer via email. The system uses the customer's contact information on file to deliver the receipt.

SMS receipt delivery is no longer available from the EMV payment screen. SMS order notifications remain available from the order entry dialog — see Managing Orders → SMS Order Notifications.

Testing​

The DC Direct Settings panel includes testing controls for Android EMV:

  • Sale — Process a test sale with tip prompt.
  • Sale No Tip — Process a test sale without tip prompt.
  • Refund — Process a test refund.
  • Reset Device — Reset the card reader.
  • Cancel Transaction — Cancel an in-progress transaction.
  • Android Test Mode — Toggle test mode for debugging.

Enabling in Transaction Settings​

  1. Navigate to Settings > Software & Hardware > Transaction Settings.
  2. Enable DC Direct Android.
  3. Save the transaction settings.

PAX A920 Handheld Units​

For detailed PAX A920 setup including installation, token application, and device configuration, see PAX A920 Handheld Units.