Card Reader Options
While Robin’s Tap to Pay works on iPhone without any hardware, some businesses prefer dedicated card readers for high-volume operations or Android users.Not Required: You can accept all payments with just your smartphone. Card
readers are optional extras.
Available Hardware
Robin Reader Mini
RM 299 (one-time) - Bluetooth connection - 8-hour battery life - Chip,
tap & swipe - Works with any phone
Robin Reader Pro
RM 899 (one-time) - Built-in screen & receipt printer - 4G + WiFi
connectivity - All-day battery - Standalone operation
When to Consider Hardware
You Might Need a Reader If:
- High Volume
- Android User
- Customer Preference
Processing 50+ card payments daily - Faster than phone tap - Dedicated
device for payments - Staff can use own phones - Multiple checkout points
Robin Reader Mini
Perfect For
- Small retailers
- Mobile businesses
- Backup device
- Android users
Specifications
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 - Battery: 500+ transactions per charge
- Charging: USB-C (2 hours full charge) - Cards: Chip, contactless, magnetic stripe - Size: Fits in pocket (6cm x 6cm) - Certification: PCI-PTS 5.x certified
How It Works
1
Pair Device
One-time Bluetooth pairing with your phone
2
Create Sale
Enter amount in Robin app as usual
3
Customer Inserts/Taps
Card interaction happens on reader
4
Confirm on Phone
Transaction completes in Robin app
Robin Reader Pro
Perfect For
- Restaurants & cafes
- Retail stores
- Fixed counters
- Receipt printing needs
Specifications
- Screen: 5.5” touch display - Printer: 58mm thermal (100km paper life) - Connectivity: 4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth - Battery: 24-hour operation - OS: Android-based Robin OS - Extra: Customer-facing display
Advanced Features
Standalone Mode
Standalone Mode
Works without phone connection: - Built-in 4G SIM - Process payments offline
- Auto-sync when connected - Emergency backup option
Receipt Printing
Receipt Printing
- Automatic for all transactions - Custom receipt headers - Email/SMS option too - Reprint anytime
Split Operations
Split Operations
- Customer-facing screen - Tip prompts - Language selection - Marketing messages
Comparing Your Options
| Feature | Phone Only | + Reader Mini | + Reader Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | RM 0 | RM 299 | RM 899 |
| Portability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Battery Life | Phone dependent | 8 hours | 24 hours |
| Processing Speed | 3-5 seconds | 2-3 seconds | 2-3 seconds |
| Receipt Printing | Digital only | Digital only | Physical + Digital |
| Offline Mode | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For | Mobile/Low volume | Medium volume | High volume/Fixed |
Setting Up Hardware
Ordering Process
1
Check Eligibility
Complete KYC and process 10+ transactions
2
Order in App
Go to Settings → Hardware → Select device
3
Delivery
3-5 business days nationwide
4
Activate
Follow in-app setup guide (5 minutes)
What’s Included
- Reader Mini Box
- Reader Pro Box
- Robin Reader Mini device - USB-C charging cable - Quick start guide - Warranty card (1 year) - Robin stickers
Hardware Management
In-App Controls
- Device Status - Battery, connection, health
- Transaction Routing - Which device to use
- Settings - Sound, brightness, language
- Diagnostics - Self-test and troubleshooting
Multiple Devices
You can connect multiple readers to one Robin account: - Different counters -
Backup devices - Event terminals - Track sales by device
Maintenance & Support
Daily Care
Reader Mini
- Wipe with soft cloth - Avoid liquid damage - Charge nightly - Store safely
Reader Pro
- Clean screen daily - Replace paper when low - Check printer head - Update when prompted
Warranty Coverage
What’s Covered ✅- Manufacturing defects
- Normal wear and tear
- Software issues
- Free replacement if defective
- Physical damage
- Water damage
- Lost devices
- Negligent use
Troubleshooting
Connection Issues
Connection Issues
Reader Mini - Toggle Bluetooth off/on - Re-pair in Robin app - Charge
device fully - Update Robin app Reader Pro - Check WiFi/4G signal -
Restart device - Reset network settings
Card Reading Problems
Card Reading Problems
- Clean card reader slot - Try different card orientation - Check for card damage - Test with different card
Battery/Power Issues
Battery/Power Issues
- Use original charger - Check charging port - Replace battery (Pro model) - Contact support for replacement
Cost Analysis
ROI Calculator
Example: Coffee shop processing 100 transactions/day Without Reader: - 5
seconds longer per transaction - 500 seconds daily = 8.3 minutes - Monthly
time lost: 4 hours With Reader Mini (RM 299): - Pays for itself in saved
time within 2 months - Enables multiple payment points - Reduces phone battery
drain
Alternatives to Hardware
Remember, you don’t need hardware for:iPhone Users
Use Tap to Pay - no hardware needed
QR Payments
Accept all e-wallets with QR code
Payment Links
Remote payments via messaging
Low Volume
Phone-only solution works great
Making the Decision
Questions to Ask:
- How many card payments do you process daily?
- Do customers expect a traditional terminal?
- Is your phone available for payments always?
- Do you need physical receipts?
- What’s your monthly revenue?
Our Recommendation:
- < 20 card payments/day: Phone only
- 20-50 payments/day: Consider Reader Mini
- 50+ payments/day: Reader Pro recommended
- Multiple locations: One Pro + Mini units