Why is my cordless scanner no longer communicating with its base?
Preventive battery replacement, Wi-Fi coverage audit and a general check of your scanners and mobile computers.
In brief. A cordless scanner only transmits its scans if it is paired with its base, or with a Bluetooth device, and within range of it. Manufacturers cite a scanner that is not paired or is paired with another base, a base that is not powered or not properly connected to the host computer, and a scanner that is too far away. Depending on the model, you pair it again by placing the scanner on its base or by scanning the base's pairing barcode.
Examples:
See all 46 scanners and mobile computers
CipherLab
Datalogic
- Datalogic Falcon X4
- Datalogic Falcon X60 - X65
- Datalogic Matrix 120
- Datalogic Matrix 220 XAI
- Datalogic Matrix 320
- Datalogic Memor X3
- Datalogic PowerScan 9100 Series
- Datalogic PowerScan 9500 Series
- Datalogic PowerScan 9600 Series
- Datalogic Skorpio X3
- Datalogic Skorpio X4
- Datalogic Skorpio X40 - X45
- Datalogic Skorpio X5
Honeywell
Why is the link with the base lost? The causes cited by manufacturers
These causes are taken from the manufacturers' guides; each example names the model concerned. The entry for your model, in the model-by-model table below, gives the exact procedure.
- Scanner not pairedFor the DS3600, Zebra has you scan the base's pairing barcode; on the Datalogic PowerScan 9100, you place the scanner on the base and three rising beeps confirm the link.
- Scanner linked to another baseDatalogic first has you unlink the scanner: “Unlink” label on the PowerScan 9100, base button held for more than 5 seconds then the “Déconnecter” (disconnect) barcode on the PowerScan 9500. On the latter, pressing the button unlinks all the scanners from the base.
- Base not powered or not properly connected to the host computerHoneywell requires a base connected to the mains and to the computer for cordless Granit scanners; Zebra has you check the cable between the base and the host computer.
- Scanner out of rangeOn the Unitech MS852B, a solid green light when not charging indicates a handheld scanner that is paired but disconnected from the host; for Bluetooth on Zebra mobile computers, the manufacturer cites a device more than 10 metres away.
What to check, in order
- Check the basePowered, connected to the host computer, power light on.
- Move the scanner closerThen do a test scan.
- Pair againBy placing the scanner on the base or by scanning its pairing barcode, according to your model's guide; unlink it first if it was linked to another base.
- Check the confirmation signalA single beep on Honeywell Granit scanners, three rising beeps on the Datalogic PowerScan 9100.
What the documentation recommends, model by model
For 21 models, the manufacturer's documentation describes this symptom. Each row links to the detailed entry in the guide, with the full procedure and its sources.
| Model | Guide entry | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Zebra DS3600 | Why does my Zebra DS3678 cordless handheld scanner no longer send anything through its cradle? | Zebra cites the case of a scanner that is not paired with its cradle: scan the cradle pairing barcode (“cradle pairing bar code”). If the scanner still sends nothing, check the cable between the cradle and the host computer, then the host interface. |
| Zebra DS3600 | Why does my Zebra DS3678 handheld scanner not charge in its cradle? | According to Zebra, the battery and the charger must be between 0 °C and 40 °C for charging to take place. Use only the battery and chargers approved by Zebra, and check the cradle's connections. |
| Zebra MC3200 (MC32N0) | Why can't my Zebra MC3200 mobile computer find my Bluetooth device? | On Android, the MC3200's Bluetooth radio is disabled by default and turns off in Airplane mode. Turn it on, make the other device discoverable and stay within 10 metres, then tap SCAN FOR DEVICES. |
| Zebra MC3400 / MC3450 | Why can my Zebra MC3400 mobile computer not find my Bluetooth devices? | Zebra cites three causes: device too far away, device switched off or not discoverable. Move within 10 metres, switch the device on and put it in discoverable mode according to its own documentation. |
| Zebra MC3400 / MC3450 | Why will my Zebra Bluetooth handheld scanner not connect to my MC3400 mobile computer? | According to Zebra, place the scanner within 10 metres, open the Bluetooth Pairing Utility application on the mobile computer and scan the barcode displayed on the screen with the scanner. A low-high beep and the scanner icon in the status bar confirm the connection. |
| Zebra MC9300 | Why does my Zebra MC9300 mobile computer not detect nearby Bluetooth devices? | According to the MC93XX guide, the device is more than 10 metres away, switched off, or not in discoverable mode. Move closer, switch the device on and put it in discoverable mode by following its documentation. |
| Zebra MC9400 / MC9450 | Why can my Zebra MC9400 mobile computer not find my Bluetooth scanner? | The Zebra guide lists a disabled Bluetooth radio, a device that is too far away (more than 10 metres), switched off or not discoverable. For a Zebra scanner or ring scanner, the simplest method is to scan the pairing barcode shown on the mobile computer's display with the scanner. |
| Zebra TC22R | Why does my Zebra TC22R mobile computer refuse to pair a Zebra ring scanner? | According to Zebra, pairing and connecting Zebra ring scanners requires a Mobility DNA Enterprise licence on the TC22R. A single licence unlocks all the premium functions; ask your Zebra sales contact for it. |
| Zebra TC22R | Why does my Zebra TC22R mobile computer not detect any Bluetooth devices? | Bluetooth on the TC22R is disabled by default and its range is about 10 metres. Enable it, bring the device closer and search again. |
| Zebra TC8000 | Why does my RS507 ring scanner not connect to my Zebra TC8000 mobile computer? | The RS507 pairs either in SSI mode with the Bluetooth Pairing Utility, or in HID mode from the Bluetooth settings. Stay within 10 metres and follow the method that matches the mode of the ring scanner. |
| Zebra TC8000 | Why does my Zebra TC8000 mobile computer not find my Bluetooth device? | Both devices must have Bluetooth enabled, and the device being searched for must be discoverable and within about 10 metres. Then start the search from the Bluetooth menu on the TC8000 and accept the pairing request on both devices. |
| Datalogic PowerScan 9100 | Why does my Datalogic PowerScan PM9100 handheld scanner not link to its base? | Press the trigger to wake the scanner, then place it on the base: three ascending beeps confirm the link. If it was linked to another base, first scan the “Unlink” label. |
| Datalogic PowerScan 9100 | How do I connect my Datalogic PowerScan PBT9100 handheld scanner to a computer over Bluetooth? | Scan “Enable RF Link to Server” for a serial link (SPP) or “Link to PC in HID” for keyboard input, then select “Datalogic Scanner” in the computer's Bluetooth manager. If an error message appears, the guide states that it may be necessary to disable security on the device. |
| Datalogic PowerScan 9500 | Why will my Datalogic PowerScan PM9500 handheld scanner not link to its base? | Press the trigger to switch the scanner on, then place it on the base. If it was linked to another base, hold down the base button for more than 5 seconds, then scan the “Déconnecter” (disconnect) barcode before placing it back on the base. |
| Datalogic PowerScan 9500 | Why will my Datalogic PowerScan PM9500 handheld scanner not pair with another PowerScan base? | One of the two devices may be in the radio mode compatible with the older PowerScan 8000 family: a scanner or base in this mode does not pair with a device in normal mode. Datalogic describes how to return to “High Speed” normal mode. |
| Datalogic PowerScan 9600 | Why does my Datalogic PowerScan PM9600 handheld scanner beep when I place it on its base? | According to the Datalogic knowledge base, cordless PowerScan scanners emit a double beep when placed on the base, to indicate that charging is starting. When linking, wait for the beeps to finish and for the lights to stay solid. |
| Datalogic PowerScan 9600 | Why will my Datalogic PowerScan PM9600 handheld scanner not connect to its base? | Place the scanner on the base: linking is automatic. If it was linked to another base, first scan the “Unlink” barcode, then place it on the new base and wait for the beeps to finish. |
| Datalogic Memor X3 | Why does my Datalogic Memor X3 not detect my Bluetooth device? | Bluetooth on the Memor X3 is off by default and its range is about 10 metres. Switch the radio on in Bluetooth Manager, bring the devices closer together, make them discoverable and start Discovery. |
| Datalogic Skorpio X4 | Why will my Datalogic Skorpio X4 not pair with a Bluetooth device? | On Windows Embedded Compact 7, Bluetooth is disabled by default: tick Enable Bluetooth Radio in Bluetooth Manager, then Apply. On Android, slide the Bluetooth switch to ON. Both devices must be switched on, discoverable and close together. |
| Datalogic Skorpio X5 | Why does my Skorpio X5 not pair with my Bluetooth printer? | In the Bluetooth settings, tap “Pair new device”, select the device and check that the same pairing code is displayed on both devices before tapping “Pair”. Stay within 10 m: this is the range stated in the manual. |
| Honeywell Granit 1980i and 1981i | Why does my Honeywell Granit 1981i scanner beep three times when I scan a barcode? | According to Honeywell, three beeps when scanning a barcode indicate that the 1981i scanner is not linked to its base. Place it on the base, connected and powered, then scan a barcode again: a single beep confirms the link. |
| Honeywell Granit 1980i and 1981i | How do I link my Granit 1981i scanner to its base? | Connect and power the base, then simply place the scanner on it: the link is established. Then scan a barcode; a single beep confirms that the scanner is linked. |
| Honeywell Granit Ultra 2100i / 2105i | Why does my Honeywell 2105i scanner beep three times on every scan? | According to the 2105i quick start guide, three beeps when scanning a barcode mean that the connection with the base is not established; a single beep indicates that it is. Connect the base to the mains and to the computer, then place the scanner in the base: it connects to it automatically. |
| Honeywell Granit Ultra 2100i / 2105i | Why does my Honeywell Granit Ultra CCB23 base not communicate with the computer? | Check the connection described in the 2105i guide: power supply and communication cable plugged in under the base, cable lock closed, cable connected to the computer. Then place the scanner in the base: it connects to it automatically. |
| Honeywell Granit XP 1990i / 1991i | Why does my Honeywell 1991i scanner beep three times when I scan a barcode? | According to the Honeywell quick start guide, three beeps when scanning mean that the link between the Granit XP 1991i and its base is not established. Check that the base is connected and powered on, then place the scanner in the base: a single beep on the next scan confirms the link. |
| Honeywell Granit XP 1990i / 1991i | Why does my new Honeywell 1991i scanner not link to the base? | In “Locked Link” mode (single scanner), a base already linked to a scanner prevents any other scanner from linking to it. Unlink the old scanner with the “Unlink Scanner” barcode; if it is lost or broken, scan “Override Locked Scanner” with the new scanner, then place it in the base. |
| Honeywell CK3R and CK3X | How can I pair a Bluetooth scanner with my Honeywell CK3X mobile computer? | First turn on Bluetooth, which is disabled by default: Start > Settings > Bluetooth, Mode tab, “Turn on Bluetooth”. Then open Start > Settings > System > Wireless Scanning > “Add Device” and choose Quick Connect, Search or Manual. |
| Honeywell CK65 | Why will my Bluetooth handheld scanner not connect to my Honeywell CK65? | Honeywell handles the pairing of Bluetooth scanners, for example a Granit 1981i or 1911i, through the Scanner Edge app, which displays, pairs and disconnects the scanners. The scanner's data settings are then in the Bluetooth Scanner profile. |
| Honeywell ScanPal EDA61K | How can I pair a Bluetooth scanner with my Honeywell EDA61K mobile computer? | Enable Bluetooth, then open Settings > Connected devices > “Pair new device”, select the device, confirm or enter the PIN code and tap “Pair”. A Bluetooth scanner (Granit 1981i or 1911i, for example) has its own profile in Scan Settings > Bluetooth Scanner. |
| Unitech MS852B | Why does the light on my Unitech MS852B handheld scanner stay solid green? | When not charging, a solid green light means, according to Unitech, that the scanner is paired but disconnected from the host. On the base, solid green indicates that the host is connected but the paired scanner is disconnected. Bring the scanner closer to its base and check that it is switched on: the link is restored when both lights change to solid blue. |
| Unitech MS852B | Why does the light on my Unitech MS852B handheld scanner flash blue? | According to Unitech, blue alternating every second indicates pairing mode; fast blue flashing indicates that the scanner is connected but the signal is too weak. In the second case, bring it closer to its base or the host. |
| Unitech HT730 / HT730 Plus | How do I pair a Bluetooth device with my Unitech HT730 mobile computer? | Open Settings, Connected devices, then Connection Preferences, and turn on Bluetooth. The available devices are displayed: select the one to pair. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I re-pair a handheld scanner with its base?
Depending on the model: place the handheld scanner on its base (cordless Honeywell Granit, Datalogic PowerScan) or scan the base's pairing barcode (Zebra DS3600). If it was linked to another base, unlink it first as your model's guide explains.
Why does my handheld scanner beep three times when I scan?
On cordless Honeywell Granit scanners (1981i, 1991i, 2105i), three beeps when scanning mean that the handheld scanner is not linked to its base. Connect the base to the mains and to the computer, then place the handheld scanner on it.
Why does my handheld scanner lose the link with its base?
It is too far from the base, or the base has lost its power or its link with the host computer. Move it closer and check the base; if the link does not come back, pair it again according to your model's guide.
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