

Smart readers update themselves automatically when powered on, sufficiently charged, and not in use. Failing to install a required update can prevent a reader from accepting payments. Your application must include support for automatic updates. Stripe and our hardware partners periodically release reader software updates, which can include improvements and required security updates. Terminal offers pre-certified readers that accept payment details (EMV, contactless, and swiped), encrypt sensitive card information, and return a token to your application through the Stripe Terminal SDK so you can confirm payment. In-person payments must follow strict rules to meet PCI compliance, PCI certifications, and EMV certifications. Note that only one reader connects to the SDK at a time.


For example, if you want four mobile readers in your store and your app runs on iOS, you also need four iOS devices. Each reader can only connect to one instance of the SDK at a time. Before processing payments, you must connect a Terminal reader to your point of sale application using the Terminal SDK.
