My barcode scanner isn't working

Written By Ascend knowledge base (Administrator)

Updated at October 16th, 2023

Note: The following models are compatible with Ascend. Other models may work, but are not supported by the Ascend support team.

  • Zebra®/Motorola LS2208 (USB model)
  • Zebra®/Motorola DS4308-DL (USB model)
  • Zebra®/Motorola LI4278 (USB model) 
  • Zebra®/Motorola DS6878-DL (USB model) 
  • Zebra®/Motorola DS8178-DL (USB model)

If the scanner is not scanning at the register

If the scanner is not scanning at the register - giving bad beeps or not beeping at all - the scan window might be dirty. To clean it, grab a washcloth. Make sure the washcloth is a clean and soft material; you don't want to wipe your scanner with a rough or abrasive material.

Dampen the washcloth with gentle dish soap and water. Then wipe down the scan window. 

If that doesn't work, recalibrate the scanner:

  1. Go to AscendRMS.com and log in.
  2. From the Retailer Portal, go to Downloads.
  3. Click the Sale Barcode Calibration sheet under Scanners.
  4. Print the downloaded sheet.
  5. Scan the sheet, starting at one.
    Photo of a hand holding a scanner pointed at 3 barcodes

If you have a cordless scanner, and that didn't do the trick, you may need to re-activate the scanner for sales.

  1. Go to the same location on the AscendRMS.com website (Retailer Portal > Downloads).
  2. Click the Activation Barcodes sheet under Scanners.
  3. Print the downloaded sheet.
  4. Scan the sheet, starting at one.

If you're looking to save some paper, some of the newer models of scanners have the ability to scan directly from your monitor.

If the scanner won't turn on

If the scanner won't turn on or a cordless scanner doesn't appear to be charging, the first thing you should do is check the hardware. The cradle should have a steady green light.

Photo of the scanner with a green light on the cradle

The cordless scanner should beep when set in the cradle and have a blinking green light when it's charging.

Photo of the scanner with green light on the top of the scanner

If you don't see those signs of a connection, make sure the cradle is correctly hooked to the power and the cordless scanner is fully cradled. If the cradle is plugged in but still isn't connected, try plugging it into a different USB port on the computer.

If the cordless scanner won't scan from a distance

If your cordless scanner stops working while scanning items in a different area of your shop, you may be too far away from the cradle, or the signal might be blocked by steel, concrete, or Bluetooth devices.

Bring the scanner back towards the cradle. If it still doesn't work when you're by the cradle, scan the barcode where the scanner face rests on the cradle to reconnect them.

Photo of the cradle with a red laser light over a barcode

Additional Resources

KB22-163