---
title: "NYC1 card reader with NYC1 dock user guide"
description: "Set up and use the NYC1 card reader and the NYC1 dock for contactless, chip, and swipe payments."
url: "https://docs.adyen.com/point-of-sale/user-manuals/nyc1-with-dock"
source_url: "https://docs.adyen.com/point-of-sale/user-manuals/nyc1-with-dock.md"
canonical: "https://docs.adyen.com/point-of-sale/user-manuals/nyc1-with-dock"
last_modified: "2026-06-01T15:33:14+02:00"
language: "en"
---

# NYC1 card reader with NYC1 dock user guide

Set up and use the NYC1 card reader and the NYC1 dock for contactless, chip, and swipe payments.

[View source](/point-of-sale/user-manuals/nyc1-with-dock.md)

When you start a payment from an Android or iOS POS app on your mobile device, you can use the Adyen NYC1 card reader to accept the payment. On the card reader, the customer can tap, insert, or swipe their card, or use a digital wallet like Apple Pay.

The mobile device and the card reader communicate with each other through USB or Bluetooth.

To indicate the progress of the payment and other events, the card reader has indicator LEDs, an illuminating contactless logo, and a buzzer. Transaction screens appear on the mobile device that is [connected](#connect) to the card reader.

The NYC1 dock provides a way to charge the card reader and to establish a USB connection between your mobile device and the card reader.

### Supplied components

* Card reader package:

  * The NYC1 card reader.
  * A USB-C cable.
  * An adhesive metal plate for the card reader magnet.\
    To attach the card reader to the back of a phone, stick the metal plate to the back of the phone, and place the card reader on the plate.

* Dock package:

  * The NYC1 dock.
  * A USB-C cable.
  * A snap plate to optionally mount the dock to a flat surface.

* Power adapter:\
  A region-specific 12V/1.5A Power Delivery (PD) power adapter for the NYC1 dock.

![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/noText_nyc1-reader.png "NYC1 card reader")

NYC1 card reader

![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/24.nyc1-with-dock/noText_NYC1_Dock.png "NYC1 dock")

NYC1 dock

## Get started

1. [Inspect the card reader](#inspection).
2. To connect the card reader to a power source so that it can charge, place the card reader in the dock and connect the dock to a power source with the supplied 12V/1.5A PD power adapter.\
   Let the battery charge for at least an hour and a half while you continue with the next steps.
3. [Connect the card reader](#connect) to a phone or other mobile device, using a USB connection or Bluetooth pairing.

When you have completed these steps, you are ready to [make transactions](#transactions) and [install mandatory updates](#install-updates).

### Inspect the card reader

Because card readers process sensitive card data, you must verify that the reader you received is the correct one, supplied by Adyen, and has not been tampered with.

1. Verify that the shipping box containing the reader has not been opened and that the tamper-evident security packing tape is intact.

2. If you have access to the Adyen [Customer Area](https://ca-live.adyen.com/), log in and under **In-person payments** > **Orders and returns** find the order for your reader. Then:

   * Verify that the **serial number** (S/N) on the box is the same as in the Customer Area.
   * Using the **track & trace** link, track the order with the carrier to verify that they confirm having delivered the payment terminal.

3. Open the box, take the reader out of the box, and verify that the **serial number** (S/N) on the reader is the same as the serial number on the box.

4. Inspect the reader for tampering. Check for missing screws, additional wires or labels, holes in the device, and anything inserted in or attached to any part of the reader.

5. Repeat the above steps for the dock.

If any of the above checks fails, contact our [Support Team](https://ca-test.adyen.com/ca/ca/contactUs/support.shtml?form=other) immediately.

## Connect the card reader

To process transactions, the card reader can use a USB connection to communicate with a POS app that is installed on your mobile device. In this setup, your mobile device is connected to the NYC1 dock with a USB-C cable. Both the card reader and your mobile device are charged through the dock.

It is also possible to place the card reader in the dock but connect the card reader to your mobile device through Bluetooth. In this setup, your mobile device does not need a cable connection to the dock. The card reader is charged through the dock, but your mobile device is not charged through the dock.

To connect your mobile device to the card reader, select the tab that applies to the desired connection type.

### Tab: USB connection through the dock

1. Connect a USB-C cable to the power port on the dock and to the power adapter, and plug the power adapter into a power socket.

2. Connect the other USB-C cable to the data port on the dock and to the mobile device.

3. Optional. To mount the dock to the countertop:

   1. Fasten the snap plate in the desired position using the included adhesive strip or screw.
   2. Place the dock on top of the plate and push down gently until the dock snaps into place.

4. Place the card reader in the dock.

5. When prompted on your mobile device, allow the POS app to establish a USB connection.

6. Recommended: Select the option to always open the POS app when the mobile device is connected to the dock.

Your POS app will show a screen similar to the following examples, to confirm that your mobile device is connected to the card reader through the dock.

#### Android example

![](/images/6/7/9/4/c/6794c2e423e68437b6be91b6a3a678251546df83-screen-endock-connected.jpg)

#### iOS example

![](/images/c/b/1/1/c/cb11c22b947f826fd0067fe0e6ea7ea654f6b5b1-screen-eniosdock2x.png)

### Tab: Bluetooth connection

First you have to set up a Bluetooth pairing between the card reader and your mobile device, as described below. After that, whenever you start a transaction, the two paired devices automatically establish a Bluetooth connection that allows them to communicate directly.

1. Connect a USB-C cable to the power port on the dock and to the power adapter, and plug the power adapter into a power socket.

2. Optional. To mount the dock to the countertop:

   1. Fasten the snap plate in the desired position using the included adhesive strip or screw.
   2. Place the dock on top of the plate and push down gently until the dock snaps into place.

3. Place the card reader in the dock.

4. On the mobile device, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

5. On the mobile device, open the POS app.

6. Select the option to pair a card reader.\
   For example, the app may show **Devices** > **No reader connected** and a **+** (plus) button.\
   Or **Settings** > **Card readers** > **No reader paired yet** and a **Pair reader** button.

7. Select the card reader. The way to do that differs between Android devices and iOS devices.

   #### Android: select from a list

   * From the list, select the card reader you want to use.\
     You can recognize card readers by their serial number, which is shown on the back of the reader and in the list.

   #### iOS: select from a list, or scan the barcode

   * To select from a list, select **Nearby readers** and then select the card reader you want to use.\
     The list shows the card readers that are within range of the mobile device, sorted by proximity: the reader that is nearest is shown first. You can recognize card readers by their serial number, which is shown on the back of the reader and in the list.

   * To use barcode scanning, select **Scan barcode**, and if prompted, allow the POS app to use the camera of your mobile device. Then point the camera of your mobile device at the barcode on the back of the card reader.

8. Confirm pairing:

   1. On the side of the card reader, press the power button two times.
   2. In the pop-up dialog, select the option to pair the devices.
   3. If a **Continue** button appears, select that button.

Your POS app will show screens similar to the following examples for Android devices and iOS devices (iPhones).

### Bluetooth: Pair more card readers

The mobile device can be connected to only one card reader at a time. But it is possible to pair several card readers to the same mobile device. You can then quickly switch to a different paired reader, for example, when the battery runs out on the currently connected reader.

The steps to pair another card reader are the same as for pairing the first card reader. When the maximum number of paired readers has been reached, a new pair replaces the first pair.

To switch between paired readers, go to the list of readers and select one from the list.

### Bluetooth: Unpair a card reader

To unpair a card reader, go to the Bluetooth settings of the phone or other mobile device you are using, and select **Forget this device**.

## Make a payment

When the mobile device and the card reader have a USB or Bluetooth connection, you are ready to accept payments.

When connected through USB, the card reader is always ready for use.

When connected through Bluetooth, the devices disconnect after five minutes of inactivity, but they remain paired. To save battery power, the card reader goes into sleep mode. When you start a payment, the mobile device automatically re-connects to the card reader it was most recently paired with. The card reader is activated automatically, but this takes a bit longer than usual because the reader has to "wake up" first. You can also activate the reader by pressing the power button on the side of the reader two times.

To accept a payment:

1. On the mobile device, start the transaction from your POS app.\
   Screens related to the transaction appear on the mobile device.

2. Present the card reader to the customer to complete the transaction.\
   The customer can tap, insert, or swipe their card, or use a digital wallet like Apple Pay.\
   If your reader supports [PIN transactions](#understand-pin-transactions), the customer can enter their PIN on your mobile device.

3. When the transaction is completed, send the receipt to the customer, or print the receipt on an external printer.

## Understand PIN transactions

If shoppers need to enter their PIN for a payment, a PIN entry pad appears on your mobile device. For security and compliance reasons, the PIN entry pad is not always centered on the screen. Instead, it appears in a random position as shown in the following examples.

|                                                                                                           |                                                                                                       |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Bottom-left ![](/images/a/3/1/1/a/a311af9179d969cc987fe320f9aca3230737fbd9-screen-enpin-pad-centered.png) | Top-right ![](/images/d/0/7/4/e/d074e65a5e3dd81c2ba63de57b2790ac4f0ecc3e-screen-enpin-pad-random.png) |

### PIN transaction with a card reader in the US

In the US, not all NYC1 card readers support PIN. You can check that on your mobile device:

* If the card reader supports PIN, the card reader details show the name **NYC1**, but no model.
* If the card reader does not support PIN, the card reader details show the name **NYC1** and the model **NYC1-SCR**.

Your POS app will show a screen similar to the following examples for Android and iOS.

### Tab: Android

| Device info for NYC1-SCR                                                                                                  | Device info for NYC1                                                                                                   |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Card reader not suitable for PIN ![](/images/8/2/6/2/e/8262ee89b277fa88191c823ff3fc0d13e196e70f-screen-enandroid-scr.png) | Card reader suitable for PIN ![](/images/f/1/a/0/e/f1a0e2c1e4eef33160ae1764fd4d0c16e9098731-screen-enandroid-scrp.png) |

### Tab: iOS

| Device info for NYC1-SCR                                                                                              | Device info for NYC1                                                                                               |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Card reader not suitable for PIN ![](/images/4/5/d/a/a/45daa5138c8e19611b1713707c746e4ce00b06ff-screen-enios-scr.png) | Card reader suitable for PIN ![](/images/1/6/5/2/9/165293b7ee4b63416ee6b90ee239007d4b1fb9d2-screen-enios-scrp.png) |

## Manage battery power

When the dock is connected to a power source and the card reader is placed in the dock, the reader is powered by the dock.

The dock must be used with the supplied 12V/1.5A PD power adapter.

When not placed in the dock, the card reader runs on a rechargeable, non-replaceable battery. In this situation, you can charge the battery using the USB-C cable and a 5V DC, 1A charger.

A charger for the NYC1 card reader is not included.\
When **not** using the dock, you must use the USB-C charging cable supplied by Adyen and a 5V DC, 1A charger to recharge the battery.

In case of a Bluetooth connection, the reader never completely turns off because Bluetooth is on continuously. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the charge level.

### Check the charge level

To measure the most accurate battery level, the card reader must not be connected to a power source.

To view the battery charge level on the card reader itself:

* Press the power button on the side of the card reader, and check the LEDs.\
  Each green LED represents 25% of the battery capacity. For example, if two of the four LEDs are on and green, the card reader has 50% charge left.

To use your mobile device to view the battery charge level of a card reader:

1. On the mobile device, go to the list of card readers.\
   For example, your POS app may show the list under **Settings** > **Card readers**, or under **Devices**.
2. From the list, select the card reader to see its details, including the battery charge level.

### Charging the card reader outside of the dock

When the card reader is not placed in the dock, you can charge the battery using a 5V DC, 1A charger and the USB-C charging cable supplied by Adyen. This cable is compliant with the [USB industry](https://usb.org/) and [UL](https://www.ul.com/industries/products-and-components/wire-and-cable) standards.

To prevent damage to the USB-C charging cable and the USB-C socket on the card reader, follow these guidelines:

* Insert and remove the USB-C charging cable by holding the end that connects to the card reader or the power plug.
* Do not insert or remove the USB-C charging cable in an upward, downward, left, or right direction.
* Do not bend or fold the USB-C charging cable.
* Do not use excessive force to insert or remove the USB-C charging cable.
* Always inspect the USB-C charging cable and the USB-C socket on the card reader for foreign objects.

## Install mandatory updates

From time to time, new software is released for the NYC1 card reader, the Bluetooth functionality, and the NYC1 dock.

Updates can take several minutes. During this time you cannot use your mobile device because the POS app must remain open. The following table shows estimated update times depending on how the devices are connected. Bluetooth updates are only available when the devices are connected through Bluetooth.

| Update type      | Bluetooth | USB to dock | USB cable to card reader |
| ---------------- | --------- | ----------- | ------------------------ |
| Multiple updates | 8 minutes | 2 minutes   | 2 minutes                |
| Device update    | 6 minutes | 2 minutes   | 2 minutes                |
| Bluetooth update | 2 minutes | N/A         | N/A                      |

When you need to perform an update, this is indicated in the UI on your mobile device:

* The list of card readers shows an indicator (for example, a red dot) next to the reader.
* When using the dock: the list of devices shows an indicator next to the dock and/or the card reader.
* The **Device info** screen shows **Update available** with a button to start the update.

The next images show example screens. Your POS app may show different screens.

### Tab: Android example

![](/images/0/c/f/d/f/0cfdf53e0ac01a3ab08c4772a0a54b444fc4d928-screen-enupdate-reader-available-android.jpg)

![](/images/5/4/d/7/f/54d7f463c7a2c8e761bfa717b9b98d9098aada55-screen-enupdate-dock-available-android.jpg)

![](/images/3/a/8/9/a/3a89a40438f312b0e3ef12c94e529c991fa1135f-screen-enupdate-button-android.jpg)

### Tab: iOS example

![](/images/3/3/5/7/8/3357859d07d39665da7ab0ec53d2c4bcad7c80be-screen-eniosdevices2x.png)

![](/images/7/a/5/0/2/7a502ec1d246a5a8482b761e252ac178b303bcb1-screen-enupdate-dock-available-ios.png)

![](/images/f/8/6/6/8/f8668ae5d025293a8e25c31d0b6ca288383972c1-screen-eniosdevice-info2x.png)

To update the firmware:

1. Pick a moment when you do not need to use the mobile device for a while.

2. On the mobile device, go to the list of card readers or devices.

3. If a card reader or dock is marked with a red dot (or a similar indicator), select the reader or the dock.

4. On the screen with information about the selected device, select **Update** (or a similar button, depending on your POS app).

   Keep the POS app open and do not switch to another app until the update has finished.

The update will be downloaded and installed. Then the card reader reboots and connects again.

### Bluetooth update failed

It is possible that a firmware update failed because it required a Bluetooth connection and the card reader did not have an active Bluetooth connection. When this happens, you need to reset the reader before you can try updating again. A screen appears with instructions on how to reset the reader.

The next image shows an example of those instructions on iOS. Your POS app may show a different screen.

![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/screen-EN_bluetooth-update-failed.png)

## Understand the LEDs on the card reader

#### Connecting the card reader

| LEDs                                                                                                                                                                                | Description                |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-on.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto) LEDs turn on and off sequentially.                                   | Power on.                  |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-blue.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto) All LEDs turn on and off simultaneously until pairing is complete. | Reader is in pairing mode. |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-blue.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto) All LEDs remain on for four seconds.                               | Pairing was successful.    |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-red.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto)                                                                     | Pairing failed.            |

#### Taking a payment

| LEDs                                                                                                                 | Description              |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/readyForPayment.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto) | Ready to take a payment. |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/readingCard.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto)     | Reading a card.          |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-green.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto)    | Transaction is approved. |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-red.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto)      | Transaction failed.      |

#### Battery

| LEDs                                                                                                                                                    | Description                                                                                                                                                                     |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-charging.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto) LEDs turn on and off sequentially. | Battery is charging. When the reader is fully charged, the LEDs turn off.                                                                                                       |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/status-green.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto)                                       | Press the power button on the side of the card reader for battery charge information. Each LED represents 25% charge. If all four LEDs are green, the battery is fully charged. |

#### Other events

| LEDs                                                                                                          | Description                                                                                                                                                    |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ![](/user/pages/docs/03.point-of-sale/48.user-manuals/23.nyc1/tampered.svg?decoding=auto\&fetchpriority=auto) | Reader is tampered. Stop using the card reader and contact our [Support Team](https://ca-test.adyen.com/ca/ca/contactUs/support.shtml?form=other) immediately. |

## Troubleshooting

When there is an issue with the card reader, check the following general causes and solutions.

#### Reader does not pair

| Cause                                       | Solution                                                                                                                                                                       |
| ------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Low battery                                 | Try again with one of the other card readers that are paired with the mobile device. In the meantime, recharge the card reader where the issue occurred.                       |
| Bluetooth issue                             | On the mobile device, ensure Bluetooth permissions are enabled. Turn Bluetooth on and try again.                                                                               |
| Mobile device and reader are already paired | Check if the devices are already paired: compare the serial number on the back of the reader with the serial numbers in the list of card readers on the mobile device.         |
| Reader is paired with different device      | To unpair the reader from nearby devices, turn the reader off by pressing the power button for three seconds. Then turn the reader on again by pressing the power button once. |
| Out of range                                | Bring the mobile device and the card reader closer together.                                                                                                                   |
| Wrong pairing method                        | Pair the reader using the POS app on your mobile device. Do not use the system settings for pairing.                                                                           |

If pairing still doesn't work, reset the reader by pressing the power button for 10 seconds until the reader beeps. Then try pairing again.

#### Reader does not take payments

| Cause                 | Solution                                                                                                                                                 |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| No network connection | Make sure that the mobile device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.                                                                            |
| Low battery           | Try again with one of the other card readers that are paired with the mobile device. In the meantime, recharge the card reader where the issue occurred. |
| Card entry failed     | Help the customer to correctly tap, insert, or swipe their card, or tap their digital wallet device.                                                     |

#### Reader is inactive

The reader times out after ten minutes of inactivity, to preserve battery charge. The reader 'wakes up' again when you start a new transaction or press the power button.

#### Reader is tampered

If the first and last LED turn white, the reader is tampered. Stop using the card reader and contact our [Support Team](https://ca-test.adyen.com/ca/ca/contactUs/support.shtml?form=other) immediately.

## See also

* [Mobile in-person payments](/point-of-sale/ipp-mobile)
* [Card reader solution for iOS](/point-of-sale/mobile-ios/build/card-reader)
* [Card reader solution for Android](/point-of-sale/mobile-android/build/card-reader)
