How to Turn On Tap-to-Pay on Your Smartphone for Mobile POS

In our original tutorial we walked through how to collect payments on the go using the platform's point-of-sale feature and a smartphone. This article expands on that walkthrough and gives you a clear, practical guide to turning on tap-to-pay functionality, accepting contactless payments, and running sales at pop-ups, events, and while providing services at clients’ locations. We’ll cover prerequisites, step-by-step setup, troubleshooting tips, and frequently asked questions so you can start taking payments quickly and confidently.

Table of Contents

• Why tap-to-pay on your smartphone matters
• Before you start: prerequisites and preparation
• Step-by-step: Connect your payment gateway to the platform
• Using the mobile POS: accepting a tap-to-pay transaction
• Important limitations and compatibility notes
• Alternative payment methods and backup options
• Practical tips for selling at events or on the go
• Handling fees and pricing transparently
• Troubleshooting common issues
• Security and compliance
• Real-world scenarios: how we use tap-to-pay
• Testimonials from users
• Checklist before your next event
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Wrapping up: make payments simple and reliable
• Next steps

Why tap-to-pay on your smartphone matters

We live in a world where customers expect fast, contactless payment options whether they shop online or in person. Enabling tap-to-pay on a smartphone turns that phone into a fully functioning mobile point-of-sale terminal. The advantages are simple and meaningful for small teams and business owners:

• No extra hardware required: You can accept contactless credit/debit cards and digital wallets without buying a separate card reader.
• Saves time on setup: There’s no additional device pairing. Tap-to-pay is enabled through the POS feature in the platform and works directly on your phone.
• Perfect for mobile businesses: If we run services on the go, pop-up shops, farmers markets, or event booths, this is an immediate improvement to checkout speed.
• Flexible payment options: Customers can tap to pay, use contactless cards, or we can manually enter card details when needed.
• Cleaner checkout flow: Customers appreciate the confidence and privacy of contactless payments, resulting in quicker transactions and fewer abandoned sales.

Before you start: prerequisites and preparation

To use tap-to-pay via the platform’s POS feature, there are a few things we need in place. Preparing these ahead of time keeps the process smooth and ensures we can accept payments immediately when selling in person.

• Business account with a payment gateway: We need an active payment account established with a payment gateway that the platform supports. This account will handle the processing and fees.
• Platform account and location selected: Make sure we’re signed into our business software account and that the location where we’ll accept payments is selected. Location settings affect deposits and tax settings.
• Compatible smartphone: Tap-to-pay requires a smartphone with built-in contactless payment capabilities and the right operating system version. Check device compatibility in your device settings or the platform’s compatibility notes.
• Subscription requirements: Some features require an active subscription for each account that will use tap-to-pay. Verify that the account(s) we plan to use are on the right plan.
• Know the fees: The platform itself does not add hidden processing fees beyond what the payment gateway charges. We should review the payment processor’s fee schedule so we can accurately price items and understand margins.

Step-by-step: Connect your payment gateway to the platform

We’ll start by ensuring the payment gateway is connected to our business software. This connection allows the POS to send transactions to the processor for settlement.

1. Open the platform and sign in: Log into the platform with the credentials for the business location you'll use for sales. If we have multiple locations, confirm we’re in the correct one before proceeding.

2. Go to Payments or Billing settings: Within the left-hand menu of the dashboard, find the "Payments" or equivalent section to manage integrations.

3. Open integrations: At the top of the payments area, there’s typically an "Integrations" tab. Click it to see the list of supported payment processors and gateways.

4. Select your payment gateway: Find the processor you want to use and choose the option to connect. This will usually prompt a sign-in flow to authorize the connection from your payment account to the platform.

5. Choose live mode: When prompted, select the live (production) mode rather than a test mode. This ensures real transactions will be processed.

6. Complete the sign-in wizard: Follow the steps the payment gateway requires—verify our business information, bank account for deposits, and any required compliance details.

7. Confirm connection: After completing the wizard, verify in the integrations list that the gateway shows as connected and active for the selected business location.

Once the payment gateway is connected and active, the platform’s POS will have the payment methods available when you begin a sale.

Using the mobile POS: accepting a tap-to-pay transaction

Now that our payment gateway is connected, let’s walk through a typical in-person sale using the platform’s POS feature on a smartphone. This is the exact flow we use when selling products or services at events or on the go.

1. Open the POS on your phone: From the dashboard, tap the POS icon (often a dollar sign or a dedicated point-of-sale button) to launch the mobile checkout screen. Make sure you are still in the correct business location.

2. Create the sale: We can either select items from our catalog or add an item manually. There are two main ways to add items to the sale:

   • Select from the catalog: Choose pre-configured products or services from our item list for quick and accurate pricing.
   • Enter a custom amount: For one-off services or custom charges, type the exact amount manually—useful for concessions, donations, or custom work.

3. Review the sale: After adding items or entering an amount (for example, $98), tap “Review Sale” to confirm the items, pricing, taxes, and totals before charging the customer.

4. Optional: add customer details and discounts: We can attach a customer profile, apply discounts, or set a payment schedule if we’re collecting partial payments or recurring fees.

5. Choose payment instrument: Tap “Choose Payment Instrument” to see the available payment options. The available instruments often include:

   • Tap-to-pay built into the smartphone
   • Manual card entry
   • Cards on file (saved customer cards)
   • External card readers (if you choose to use one)

6. Select the tap-to-pay option: Choose the platform’s in-app tap-to-pay option. This directs the phone to accept a contactless card or digital wallet tap. If this option isn’t visible, confirm that the device is compatible and that tap-to-pay is enabled.

7. Process the tap or enter card details: Instruct the customer to tap their contactless card or compatible device on the phone. If the customer prefers, we can also manually enter card information on the next screen.

8. Complete the transaction: Once the payment is authorized, the app will display a confirmation. We can provide a receipt via text or email if the customer requests one.

Important limitations and compatibility notes

We want to be transparent about current limitations so expectations are clear. These factors affect whether tap-to-pay will work on a given phone or account:

• Device compatibility: Tap-to-pay relies on specific hardware and operating system support. Not every smartphone supports the exact implementation used by the platform. Check your device’s compatibility before relying on it for an event.
• Operating systems and availability: At the moment, the tap-to-pay feature is supported on certain operating systems and models. Some families of devices may not support it or may require a separate reader.
• Subscription per account: If we want multiple accounts to accept tap-to-pay on their own phones, each account may need an active subscription with the platform. Verify subscription requirements to avoid unexpected interruptions.
• Fees come from the processor: The platform itself does not add processing fees beyond what your payment gateway charges. We should review our payment gateway’s fee structure and factor that into pricing and profitability.

Alternative payment methods and backup options

It’s always good to have alternatives in case tap-to-pay isn’t available or a customer prefers a different method. The platform supports several fallback options for completing a sale.

• Manual card entry: If a tap fails or the customer prefers, we can manually enter card details into the POS. This is useful for phone orders or when the tap fails for any reason.
• Cards on file: For returning customers who have authorized storing their card information, we can charge saved cards quickly without re-entering details.
• External card readers: If our device lacks native tap support or we prefer a dedicated reader, the platform supports paired card readers as an option.
• Invoice and online payment links: When immediate in-person payment isn’t necessary, we can send an invoice or online payment request through the platform so the customer pays later via their preferred device.

Practical tips for selling at events or on the go

Accepting tap-to-pay transforms how we operate at events and for mobile services. These practical tips help us make the most of the feature and reduce friction during checkout.

• Charge your device: Ensure the phone is fully charged and bring a backup power bank. Processing multiple transactions can drain battery quickly during long events.
• Test before you go live: Run a few test transactions in live mode at the location where you’ll be operating to confirm connectivity and payment flow.
• Have a backup reader or manual entry method: Bring a small external reader or be prepared to enter card details manually if the tap feature isn’t available for a customer.
• Set up quick items in the catalog: Pre-create commonly sold items and pricing so sales are fast and consistent. Create bundles or packages for popular combinations.
• Train team members: If multiple people will be taking payments, make sure each person has a login and knows how to select the location, start a sale, and process tap-to-pay transactions.
• Communicate accepted methods: Let customers know you accept contactless payments. A simple sign can encourage quick and seamless transactions.

Handling fees and pricing transparently

We believe in clear pricing and real support. Here’s how we approach fees and pricing transparency so there are no surprises:

• No hidden platform fees: The platform does not add secret charges for using the built-in tap-to-pay POS. Any per-transaction fees are charged by the payment processor you connect.
• Factor processing fees into pricing: We should calculate processing fees when setting item prices or determining margins for events and services.
• Communicate to customers when needed: If a particular payment type has an extra fee (for example, certain card types or manual entry surcharges), disclose that in advance to avoid confusion at checkout.

Troubleshooting common issues

If tap-to-pay doesn’t work as expected, here’s a checklist to diagnose and fix the most common problems quickly:

1. Verify device compatibility: Confirm the phone model and operating system support the platform’s tap-to-pay implementation.

2. Confirm integration is active: Check the payments integrations section in the platform to make sure the payment gateway is connected and in live mode.

3. Confirm the correct location: Make sure you are signed into the correct business location in the app. Transactions are tied to locations for reporting and deposits.

4. Check subscription status: If multiple accounts are not seeing the tap-to-pay option, verify that each account has the required active subscription.

5. Restart the app and device: Close and reopen the app, and restart the phone to clear temporary glitches.

6. Test with another card or device: Try a different contactless card or wallet to rule out issues with a specific payment method.

7. Contact support: If everything looks right but payments still fail, reach out to the platform’s support team or the payment processor for targeted troubleshooting.

Security and compliance

Secure payments and compliance with industry standards are essential. Here’s how we stay safe and compliant when using tap-to-pay:

• Payment processor compliance: The payment gateway handles the sensitive card data and must meet industry standards for processing and storing payment information.
• Do not store full card numbers locally: If we store customer cards for convenience, ensure the storage uses tokenization through the processor so full card numbers are not stored on our devices.
• Follow best practices: Keep devices up to date, use secure Wi-Fi or a cellular connection for transactions, and never leave a logged-in device unattended when taking payments.
• Privacy for customers: Be transparent about how we handle payment information and obtain proper authorization for saved cards or recurring charges.

Real-world scenarios: how we use tap-to-pay

Here are a few practical examples that illustrate how tap-to-pay helps different business models:

• Mobile service providers: A home-cleaning team uses tap-to-pay to collect payment immediately after finishing a job. The customer taps their card on the cleaner’s phone and receives a receipt via text.
• Pop-up retail: At a weekend craft market, our booth sells handcrafted items with quick taps, reducing queues and improving turnover during peak hours.
• Event vendors: A food vendor accepts contactless payments for a busy lunch crowd, eliminating the need to count cash and simplifying end-of-day reconciliation.
• Service deposits and schedules: For appointments requiring deposits or installment payments, we can add a payment schedule and collect the initial payment in person right away.

Testimonials from users

"We’ve been able to speed up checkout at our weekend markets and never worry about bringing a bulky reader. The phone handles everything, and customers love the convenience." — a small-business owner

"Collecting payments onsite with tap-to-pay saved us time and made reconciliation effortless at the end of each day. No extra hardware and fewer lost receipts." — an event vendor

These short experiences reflect what we hear most often: simplicity, speed, and fewer tech headaches.

Checklist before your next event

Use this quick checklist the evening before an event or service visit to make sure we won’t run into surprises:

• Confirm payment gateway is connected and active in live mode.
• Verify the phone’s tap-to-pay compatibility and OS is up to date.
• Fully charge the phone and bring a power bank.
• Preload items in the catalog for fast checkout.
• Ensure team members have access and training on the POS flow.
• Bring a backup method: manual entry or a reader if available.
• Double-check subscription status for any accounts that will use the feature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do we need extra hardware to accept tap-to-pay?

A: No. One of the biggest advantages of the platform’s tap-to-pay functionality is that we can accept contactless payments directly on a compatible smartphone without purchasing additional equipment. If our device lacks native support, we can use a small external reader as an alternative.

Q: Will the platform charge extra fees to use tap-to-pay?

A: The platform itself does not add hidden transaction fees beyond the processing rates charged by the payment gateway. Any per-transaction percentage or flat fees will come from the processor we connected. We recommend reviewing the processor’s fee schedule so we can price items accordingly.

Q: Can multiple team members use tap-to-pay on their own phones?

A: Yes, multiple users can accept payments on their own devices. However, each account may need an active subscription to access the tap-to-pay feature. Verify the subscription conditions and make sure each user is assigned to the correct business location in the platform.

Q: What if a customer’s tap fails?

A: If a tap attempt fails, we can try again, ask the customer to use a different card or payment device, enter card details manually, or switch to a saved card on file if the customer has one. Always have a backup plan for busy events.

Q: Are receipts available after a tap-to-pay transaction?

A: Yes. The POS allows us to provide customers with receipts via text or email immediately after the transaction. This keeps records clean and helps with post-event reconciliation.

Q: Is the tap-to-pay feature secure?

A: Security is handled by the payment processor and standard industry protocols. Tokenization, encryption, and secure authorization are typically used so sensitive card data is not stored on our devices. Follow best practices like keeping software updated and never leaving logged-in devices unattended.

Wrapping up: make payments simple and reliable

Enabling tap-to-pay on a compatible smartphone gives us the flexibility to take contactless payments anywhere without extra hardware. For small businesses, service providers, and event vendors, this means fewer barriers to closing a sale and a better customer experience. We’ve shown how to connect a payment gateway to the platform, set up the POS on the phone, and run a tap-to-pay transaction—but the real value is the simplicity and reliability it brings to everyday sales.

We encourage you to test the flow before your next big event, confirm subscription and compatibility details for all accounts that will use the feature, and keep a backup method ready. With a little preparation, the platform’s mobile POS becomes a powerful tool for growing revenue, saving time, and reducing tech headaches.

Next steps

If you haven’t already, sign into your account, confirm your payment gateway connection, and run a test transaction in live mode. Go through the checklist before your next event, train your team on the exact steps, and start using tap-to-pay to make checkouts faster and more professional.

We’re here to help as you get started—clear pricing, practical support, and a focus on making payments straightforward are how we approach every update and feature. When everything works together in one place, we spend less time managing technology and more time growing our businesses.