Overview

Use this guide when payment terminals fail to read tap, chip, or swipe cards consistently.

Applies to models sold by Chively

  • Sunmi T3 CPAD PAY CFD
  • Sunmi P3 Mix
  • Sunmi P3 Air
  • Sunmi P3H
  • PAX A920 Mobile
  • PAX A920 Pro Mobile
  • Deja Vu P18

Before you begin

  • Confirm network and power are stable.
  • Check if the issue affects one terminal or all terminals at the location.
  • Keep a known-good test card available.

Steps

  1. Reboot the terminal and verify date/time are correct after startup.
  2. Test chip, tap, and swipe separately to identify which reader path is failing.
  3. Inspect card slots and tap area for dirt, stickers, or physical obstruction.
  4. Clean the chip slot and contact area using approved cleaning tools.
  5. Reseat cables or dock connections if the terminal is attached to a base.
  6. Test with a second known-good payment card and compare behavior.
  7. Move the device away from strong interference sources such as powered hubs or dense cable bundles.
  8. If one reader path still fails, flag hardware replacement for that reader module.

Screenshot Placeholder

Add photos showing card insertion orientation, NFC tap zone, and cable/dock checks.

Verification

  • Terminal reads chip, tap, and swipe methods consistently.
  • Payment prompts proceed without repeated read retries.
  • The same terminal succeeds with at least two different test cards.

Need help?

Contact Chively Support at +1 (800) 439-8229 or support@chively.com.