Batteries and charging for wireless scanners

The scanner beeps once, then goes quiet in the middle of a big order. The cashier types the barcode by hand while the line grows. A wireless scanner battery that's worn out or uncharged causes more slowdowns than almost any other counter problem. A simple charging routine, a spare battery, and knowing when to replace one keep scanners working all shift.

Wireless scanners are great. They let cashiers scan heavy items in the cart without lifting them. They just need power.

How do wireless scanners charge?

Most wireless scanners charge in a cradle or base. The base connects to the POS and power. When the scanner sits in the cradle, it charges.

Some scanners have a removable battery. Others have a battery built in.

Many scanners use lithium-ion batteries, which don't need to be fully drained before charging. Topping them up often is fine.

Check your scanner's manual for its charging time and battery type. That tells you how to plan charging and whether a spare battery is an option.

For background on how scanners work, Wikipedia's page on the barcode reader covers the basics.

What charging habits work best?

Keep it simple.

Put the scanner back in its cradle whenever it's not in use. Cashiers should treat the cradle as the scanner's home.

At closing, make sure every scanner is in its cradle.

Don't leave scanners on the counter or in a drawer overnight.

Keep the cradle contacts clean. Wipe them with a dry cloth now and then. Dirty contacts cause charging problems that look like battery failure.

Check that the cradle's power cable is plugged in and not damaged.

Here's a hypothetical. A store's scanner dies every afternoon. The owner assumes the battery is failing. It turns out the cradle's power cable was loose, so the scanner was only charging when someone bumped it. Tightening the cable fixes it. Check the cradle first.

How do you know a battery is wearing out?

Batteries wear down with use. Signs include:

The scanner doesn't last a full shift anymore, even after a full charge.

It shows a full charge but dies quickly.

It gets warm during charging or use.

The battery case looks swollen, cracked, or damaged.

If you see swelling or damage, stop using the battery. Don't try to charge it. Swollen lithium batteries can be a hazard.

If your scanner has a removable battery, a spare lets you swap it out mid-shift. Charge the spare in a separate charger if your scanner supports one.

For cables, chargers, and power accessories, browse the wireless accessories category. For scanner parts and cradles, check the POS parts category for what's listed for your setup.

How should you store and dispose of batteries?

Store spare batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects like coins or keys, which can short the contacts.

Don't store them in direct sunlight or near heaters.

Keep them in their original packaging or a non-conductive case.

When a battery reaches the end of its life, don't throw it in the regular trash. Lithium-ion batteries need proper recycling. Rules vary by state and locality. The EPA explains how to handle used lithium-ion batteries, including finding drop-off locations.

Many electronics retailers and local recycling programs accept used batteries. Tape the terminals before dropping them off, if the recycling site recommends it.

One simple habit ties all of this together: give each scanner and spare battery a number, and note in a small log when a battery is replaced. After a few months, you'll know how long batteries last in your store, and you can plan replacements before a scanner quits in the middle of a busy shift.