The ShipHero Mobile App supports compatible Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) barcode scanners. BLE is a different way to connect a scanner to your device, not a different set of features. BLE scanners offer faster pairing and reconnection, along with faster, more responsive barcode reads.
Before You Begin
Turn on Bluetooth on your mobile device, and confirm your scanner supports BLE. Many scanners that work in HID mode also support BLE, but each manufacturer uses different connection details, so check with your scanner's manufacturer or in their documentation before you buy.
For HID scanners and managing the on-screen keyboard, see How to Use a Barcode Scanner in HID Mode with ShipHero Mobile. For the full list of compatible warehouse hardware, see Overview: Supported Hardware Devices.
Table of Contents
- BLE Barcode Scanner Support in ShipHero Mobile
- Connecting a BLE Barcode Scanner to ShipHero Mobile
- Troubleshooting BLE Barcode Scanners with ShipHero Mobile
BLE Barcode Scanner Support in ShipHero Mobile
BLE support in the ShipHero Mobile App varies by scanner manufacturer and model. ShipHero identifies a device as a barcode scanner by reading specific connection data, and that data differs by manufacturer. This means a scanner can support BLE and still need to be added before it works with the app.
Tested BLE Barcode Scanners
ShipHero has tested and supports the following BLE barcode scanners with the ShipHero Mobile App:
- GS20
- EYOYO EY-016Z
- Netum C750
Scanners not listed here may still work. Follow the steps in the next section to test yours.
Connecting a BLE Barcode Scanner to ShipHero Mobile
You link a BLE barcode scanner once from your user settings in the ShipHero Mobile App. After it is linked, you can scan anywhere in the app.
- Power on your BLE barcode scanner and make sure it is discoverable.
- Go to your user settings in the ShipHero Mobile App.
- Select the option to search for nearby BLE barcode scanners. Available scanners appear in a list.
- Select your scanner to link it.
- Scan any barcode to confirm the app receives the read. Your scanner is ready to use.
BLE Scanner Reconnection in ShipHero Mobile
BLE scanners reconnect to the ShipHero Mobile App automatically. You do not need to re-link the scanner each time you start a new session.
When you open the ShipHero Mobile App, it searches for your saved scanners and connects to the first one available. When no saved scanner is found, a prompt appears so you can search for and connect a scanner without leaving what you are working on.
Troubleshooting BLE Barcode Scanners with ShipHero Mobile
Most BLE barcode scanner problems in the ShipHero Mobile App come down to scanner support. When your scanner does not appear in the scanner list, or it connects but your confirmation scan does not register, ShipHero may not support your scanner's BLE configuration yet.
Your BLE Scanner Does Not Appear or Reports as Unsupported
A BLE scanner that ShipHero has not added yet either never appears in the scanner list or connects and reports as unsupported. Both results are resolved the same way. Contact Support to have your scanner reviewed.
Getting a BLE Scanner Reviewed for Support
Contact Support with your scanner's manufacturer and model. Support can then check whether your scanner's BLE details can be added.
To speed up the review, install a BLE diagnostic app such as BLE Scanner, connect to your scanner in that app, and send Support a screenshot of the services and characteristics it lists.
The scanner manufacturer is the best source for these details. If you have their documentation or a reply from their support team, send that to Support as well.
When you contact the manufacturer, ask them for the following. These are technical details you do not need to interpret, so pass along whatever they send back.
- The Bluetooth name shown when the scanner is discoverable
- The BLE GATT service UUID used to send barcode data
- The characteristic UUID used to send barcode reads
- Confirmation that the characteristic supports notifications