If your terminal is taking minutes instead of seconds to complete a payment, it's usually for one of two reasons: it's behind on software updates, or its internet connection is weak.
🛠 1. Check for a Software Update
Terminals download security and performance updates automatically, usually overnight. If yours has been switched off for a few days, it may have missed some.
Keypad terminals: press 9, then the green button to open the admin menu, enter your admin passcode, then select Software → Update.
Touchscreen (Android) terminals: open the admin menu from the home screen, enter your admin passcode, and look for the software update option.
Don't know your admin passcode? Ask your support team.
An update can take 10–15 minutes. Keep the terminal plugged in and don't turn it off while it updates.
📶 2. Check the Connection
Look at the connection icon on the terminal's screen. A weak Wi-Fi signal is a common cause of slow payments.
If you can, connect by Ethernet cable, or move the terminal closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Restart your internet router, then the terminal.
On keypad terminals, you can run a network test from the admin menu under Diagnostics.
If your business uses a firewall, see Network Requirements for Your Terminals and share it with your IT team.
💡 Prevent It: Leave Terminals On Overnight
Terminals install updates during a maintenance window in the early morning hours. If the terminal is switched off overnight, it misses those updates and can slow down during business hours. Leave it powered on and plugged in at the end of the day.
Still Slow?
If the terminal is up to date and the connection is strong but payments are still slow, contact your support team with the terminal's serial number. That's the team that set up your account or the one you normally contact for help.