bolts25

Q: barcode scanner

How do I connect a bluetooth barcode scanner to a mac.

 

When I try to pair, the barcode scanner appears to be a bluetooth keyboard, and the mac asks that I keyin a number.  I can't do that with a scanner.

 

How do I get around this?

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10)

Posted on Jan 21, 2015 8:21 PM

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Q: barcode scanner

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  • by jeremy_v,

    jeremy_v jeremy_v Jan 23, 2015 9:31 AM in response to bolts25
    Community Specialists
    Jan 23, 2015 9:31 AM in response to bolts25

    Hi bolts25, 

     

    Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities. 

     

    If your barcode scanner isn't pairing or being recognized correctly on your  Mac, start with the troubleshooting tips in the "Additional Bluetooth help" section of this article:

     

    Bluetooth Quick Assist - Apple Support

     

    All the best,

     

    Jeremy 

  • by bolts25,

    bolts25 bolts25 Jan 23, 2015 3:30 PM in response to jeremy_v
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 23, 2015 3:30 PM in response to jeremy_v

    I don't think you read my question.

     

    How do I keyin a pairing code from a scanner?  or, How do I get around that requirement?

     

    Yes, of course I tried all those basic steps before I came to this forum.

     

    Still looking for help.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jan 23, 2015 3:33 PM in response to bolts25
    Level 9 (57,826 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 23, 2015 3:33 PM in response to bolts25

    The Mac is probably asking you for a number that the scanner manufacturer requires to complete the pairing process. Check the documentation for the scanner and see what number you need to type into the Mac to finish the pairing.

  • by bolts25,

    bolts25 bolts25 Jan 23, 2015 3:42 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 23, 2015 3:42 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    No,

     

    The Mac is GENERATING a random paring number.  It sees the scanner as a keyboard, so assumes it is easy to enter the pairing code. 

     

    Each time you try to pair, the pairing number is different.

     

    In earlier version of OS X you could tell the MAC that a pairing code was not required.  That option seems to have disappeared over time.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jan 23, 2015 3:46 PM in response to bolts25
    Level 9 (57,826 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 23, 2015 3:46 PM in response to bolts25

    You might need to ensure this device is compatible with the version of OS X that you have on your Mac. I'm not a Mac user, so I cannot help any further on this. But, if the Mac is recognizing the device as a keyboard, rather than a scanner, there may be an issue with the Bluetooth on the scanner. You might want to check on the support site for the device and see if they have any information.

  • by bolts25,

    bolts25 bolts25 Jan 23, 2015 6:15 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 23, 2015 6:15 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    The whole idea with barcode scanners is that they appear to be a keyboard.

    Then, there are no drivers required and they will interface will all (most) systems.  Also no application changes/modifications.

    Works perfectly on a Windows PC.

     

    Why would Apple Recently insist on a pairing code, and why am I not able to ignore this requirement? 

     

    Pairing code was optional in older versions of OS X.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Jan 23, 2015 6:20 PM in response to bolts25
    Level 9 (57,826 points)
    iPhone
    Jan 23, 2015 6:20 PM in response to bolts25

    Since I am not a Mac user, I could not answer that question. Have you investigated support for the scanner, as I mentioned earlier? What did the company have to say about it supporting your version of OS X, and what to do if it asks for a passcode? Did you try their support forums?