# Barcode Settings

Configure how the POS detects and processes barcode scanner input.

![Barcode Scanning Settings in the POS Settings](/img/barcode-scanning-settings.png)

Barcode Scanning Settings

## How Barcode Detection Works[​](#how-barcode-detection-works "Direct link to How Barcode Detection Works")

Most barcode scanners behave like a keyboard connected to your device. When you scan a barcode, the POS detects that the characters were entered faster than normal typing. It uses these "fast key presses" to identify the input as a barcode scan.

## Settings[​](#settings "Direct link to Settings")

| Setting                | Description                                                                                                |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Average input time** | How fast the input should be (in milliseconds) to count as a barcode. Lower values = faster input required |
| **Minimum length**     | How long the continuous string of characters must be to be treated as a barcode                            |
| **Prefix removal**     | Characters to remove from the beginning of scanned barcodes                                                |
| **Suffix removal**     | Characters to remove from the end of scanned barcodes                                                      |

## Prefix/Suffix Removal[​](#prefixsuffix-removal "Direct link to Prefix/Suffix Removal")

If your scanner adds extra characters (like a prefix or suffix), you can remove them automatically so only the main barcode remains.

**Example:** If your scanner adds "A" before every barcode and "Z" after, configure:

* Prefix removal: `A`
* Suffix removal: `Z`

## Test Your Scanner[​](#test-your-scanner "Direct link to Test Your Scanner")

Below the settings is a **Barcode Scanning Test** panel — the quickest way to calibrate your scanner and confirm your prefix/suffix/length settings are right:

* **Keypress Event** — shows the raw characters as your scanner sends them, so you can see any prefix or suffix your scanner adds.
* **Detected Barcode** — shows the final value WCPOS detected *after* applying your settings.

Scan a known barcode and compare the two fields. If **Detected Barcode** stays empty, the scan isn't being recognised — adjust **Average input time** or **Minimum length** and try again. If it shows extra characters, set the matching **Prefix removal** / **Suffix removal**.

## Troubleshooting[​](#troubleshooting "Direct link to Troubleshooting")

Barcode not detected

* **Scanner too slow**: Try increasing the "Average input time" value
* **Barcode too short**: Try decreasing the "Minimum length" value
* **Extra characters**: Check if your scanner is adding prefixes/suffixes

Regular typing detected as barcode

* **Typing too fast**: Try decreasing the "Average input time" value
* **Input too long**: Try increasing the "Minimum length" value

## Related Documentation[​](#related-documentation "Direct link to Related Documentation")

[Barcode ScanningHow barcode scanning works in the POS](/pos/product-panel/barcode-scanning.md)